In this episode, I talk to Chrissie Vanyo who shares her story of cancer, survival and how it prompted her career change.
About Chrissie
“Chrissie had an anal carcinoma in 2011, had an emergency colostomy, had aggressive radio chemo therapy, had the rest of the tumour surgically removed alongside a perineal resection so permanent colostomy. Had a hernia op in 2017, from lifting too much. Lost my job of 20 years as a gardener. Started studying at CNM in 2017, went on to study cancer further. Now working online supporting all things bowel related and bowel cancers and recovery from cancer or surgery.“
The big C
Chrissie suffered throughout her treatment, partly due to her determination that cancer was not the word that defined her, so she didn’t allow her body the space and time to heal. Also, partly because she wasn’t sure what to expect and so didn’t speak up quickly enough, when she was uncomfortable or in pain.
Our bowels and our genitals are parts of our body that we don’t discuss very often. This was partly the reason that Chrissie had a tough time seeking advice. She is keen to encourage everyone to talk more openly, so that diagnosis doesn’t take so long, and treatment is less traumatic.
Moving on after treatment
Acceptance that life wouldn’t be the same was hard for Chrissie. She had to leave a job that she loved, as she was physically unable to continue with the heavy lifting involved.
Physically, she no longer has an anus, as she had to have it sewn up after the damage from removing the cancer and subsequent treatment. Whilst she initially had worries about wearing a colostomy bag, she found that they are efficient and well advanced; requiring minimal adjustments to life.
She always had an interest in herbs and food, and decided to retrain with the prestigious College of Naturopathic Medicine. Her life is very different now, and she works with clients with cancer or bowel related issues, supporting them during their recovery.
What can we do?
Don’t be afraid to go and see your GP if you have changes in your bowel habits, a little bit of embarrassment now could save you from a lot more, later down the line.
Chrissie knows that in hindsight, she was displaying symptoms for some time before she got advice, and her prognosis could have been very different if she had seen her GP earlier.
Quick fire!
- What is your most positively memorable meal? African rice and chicken that a dear friend used to make
- What food reminds you of childhood? Jam sandwiches
- What have you got for tea? Homemade watercress soup
Chrissie’s links
My links
What do you think of this episode? Let me know!