When Natalie Reynolds found out she had bowel cancer, her biggest fear was that she would not get to see her 15-month-old daughter grow up.
She experienced rectal bleeding for five years before she was finally diagnosed with bowel cancer in May 2014.
"I'm a bit of a special case in the sense that I had a pre-condition, which I didn't know I had at the time. It's called Serrated Polyposis Syndrome and it's a genetic condition that increases the risk of bowel cancer,'' she said.
"It took me a very, very long time to get a colonoscopy through the public system, and by the time they got in there, it was too late.''
The overwhelming feeling when she found out it was cancer was shock.
"Obviously, I'd been unwell for a while but cancer wasn't something I had ever considered. It was sheer shock.''
She had an "absolute fear'' of not getting the chance to see her daughter grow and develop, and of leaving her partner Pete Strong as a single father.
"There was a lot of anger as well, at the health system, for letting me down as far as not looking at my symptoms that I was presenting with.
"I think they've looked at that system more closely since then.''
Ms Reynolds wonders if her GP thought a 26-year-old was too young to have bowel cancer.
After her large bowel was removed, which was a major operation, she then began chemotherapy.
"It's basically like what you see in the movies - vomiting, dehydration, fatigue. I really did feel like I was dying.''
The chemotherapy was hugely disruptive and put a lot of strain on Ms Reynolds and her family.
"I basically couldn't function. It was three days of solid chemo and then a 10-day break. I pretty much had one day each cycle where I was functioning.
"It was pretty rough, really, being on a single income. Pete was still having to work his 40 hours. He was always having to take time off to take me to chemo and appointments, which meant he had to do overtime to make up for it. As well as being a dad, a chef and a housekeeper at home - I have to say most of the stress was put on him.
"It was probably the hardest part for me - I hate being a burden on anyone. Being hit with not just cancer but the bad reaction to the chemo, it was really awful watching the stress everyone was under. It was out of my control but it felt like it was my fault.''
Next month will be one year since she finished treatment and was declared to be in the clear, although she is still being monitored regularly.
"Without my large bowel, I get dehydrated really quickly and it's basically diarrhoea; it will never be anything else.''
Things had settled down and she was back working.
Spending time with her daughter was the best medication she had during the two years.
"She's the best little kid and probably one of the most empathetic little girls you will ever meet.
"She's only ever known a broken mum who is always in pain. We're really lucky with how resilient she has been. I don't take anything for granted now.''
June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Ms Reynolds is holding a quiz night at the Mosgiel RSA on June 28 to raise money for Bowel Cancer New Zealand (BCNZ).
To register a team email events.mmrsa@vodafone.co.nz.
She is also holding a BCNZ Blue Tie Casino Night fundraiser at the Dunedin Club on July 9. Tickets are available from www.cosmosevents.co.nz.
Bowel cancer signs
The first step you can take to protect against bowel cancer is to be aware of the symptoms. And, most importantly, see your GP if you are at all concerned.
Bleeding from the bottom (rectal bleeding) without any obvious reason. Or if you have other symptoms such as straining, soreness, lumps and itchiness.
A persistent change in bowel habit - going to the toilet more often or experiencing looser stools for several weeks.
Abdominal pain especially if severe.
Any lumps or mass in your tummy.
Weight loss and tiredness (a symptom of anaemia).
The earlier bowel cancer is caught, the easier it is to treat. Seventy-five percent of bowel cancers are curable if caught early.
Source: www.beatbowelcancer.org.nz
