‘Pre-screen test saved my life’

As part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, Tyrone man William Armstrong speaks to Niamh McGovern of his journey with the disease

Last year, 65-year-old William Armstrong was looking forward to a future marked by celebration, love and affection as he and his wife Heather prepared to embark on a cruise to celebrate their 40 years of marriage.

However, when the Seskinore man discovered he had stage two ‘aggressive’ bowel cancer, what was to be an idyllic and blissful few months quickly became tarnished by looming surgery and chemotherapy.

William’s cancer journey began when he portentously received a faecal immunochemical test (FIT), which is used to check for tiny amounts of blood.

These screening tests effectively check to see if a person has bowel cancer, and they are available to everyone aged 60 to 74 years – but will soon be available to those as young as 50.

“It was tricky for me because I actually had no symptoms at all, and had it not been for the pre-screening test, I would not have discovered (I had cancer) until much later,” explained William.

“This all began for me in February of last year. I had no symptoms, and was feeling good and healthy.

“I received a pre-screen kit to the house so I sent it away and a few weeks later, the results came back to say they had detected blood in my stool.”

In March, things began to progress for the local man when he received a letter from Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex to come in for a colonoscopy.

“When I went for that scan, I had a good view of the screen while the scan was taking place, and it was obvious to me that I had cancer immediately,” he said.

OPERATION

The doctor soon confirmed what William already knew, and also conveyed that he would be arranging for William to have an operation in the weeks following the scan.

“I was surprised about how speedy the process was,” William added.

“I told the doctor that I couldn’t do April or May as my wife and I were going on a cruise to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary.

“I felt okay, and I didn’t want to spoil the trip. So, we went on the cruise, and I hadn’t said anything to any of my family at this stage.

“It was ten days before my operation by the time I gathered the family and told them.”

When William returned from his break a letter was waiting, informing him to attend Altnagelvin Hospital on May 16 for a pre-operation consultation.

“I went for a consultation before my operation, and the doctor gave me an overview of the seriousness of the situation.

“He told me that I would need to arrange to get time off work which I assured him would be no problem. I said,

“My work has been great, and I could get tomorrow off if I wished.”

That’s when the doctor said to William, “Funny you should say that, because I actually do have a cancellation for tomorrow.”

William recalled that he returned home only to collect his pyjamas and then was admitted into hospital for the first time in his life.

RECOVERY

Just as soon as William’s surgery wounds had healed, the prospect of chemotherapy was on the cards, with no time to spare.

“My wife and I had a lot of discussions about chemotherapy, and the risks involved. It can wreck your immune system, but when we looked at its long-term effects, it greatly reduces risks in the future so that made the decision for us – I had nothing to lose and everything to gain at that point,” he said.

“I was lucky with chemotherapy, as I had hardly any side effects. I had dry skin on my hands, feet and behind my ears, which was pretty bad, and I also suffered with a bit of dizziness – but other than that, I recovered well.

“I’m now on a five-year-plan and I am receiving a check up every six months for the first two years, and then once a year for the remaining three years.

“I had my recent colonoscopy check two weeks ago, and have been given the all-clear for now.”

William also praised the excellent care he received, at a time when he was at his most fragile.

“The care I got at Altnagelvin Cancer Centre was fantastic,” he said.

“They are just so patient-centred – everyone was caring, supportive and encouraging throughout my time receiving treatment.

“Macmillan Cancer Support were also excellent – they helped me out a great deal with practical stuff, such as sick pay. They were a phenomenal support.”

ADVICE

With the hope that by speaking of his own experience, others will think more carefully about their own health, William offered some words of advice.

“I’ve learned to take my health seriously, and I’m now a big advocate for other people to do the same,” he said,

“If you aren’t feeling right – go to the doctor.

“When I was feeling a bit better, I went to the Clogher Show and met with a couple of men who got to chatting about the pre-screening tests.

“They had never bothered to send them away, having been too busy.

“I told them about my experience, how I had no symptoms and how I couldn’t believe it when I found out I had cancer – it was a big shock to me.

“I told them how even without symptoms, my bowel cancer was at stage two, and it was large and aggressive. Men, in particular, are the worst at looking after themselves, so I encouraged them to send the test in, and it could save their life.”

When William met with the men again, all five of them had sent away their pre-screening kits.

“My life has been prolonged because I sent away the pre-screen test,” he emphasised. “You want to be with your family for as long as you can, so take care of yourself.”