Discovering that you have a terminal illness is devastating news that no one wants to hear. Tasha Thor-Straten, a 49-year-old mother, had just moved in with her fiancé and their children when she started experiencing a concerning symptom – blood in her stool. However, like many of us, she brushed it off as just the result of stress and ignored the warning signs.

Tasha said, “I didn’t think anything of it and I assumed it was just down to things like work or parenting stress.” She didn’t realize that this could potentially be a sign of something more serious. She visited her GP twice but couldn’t find the courage to voice her concerns.

By Christmas 2016, the bleeding became so severe that Tasha couldn’t ignore it any longer. She reluctantly went back to the doctor for a colonoscopy. The results were devastating – Tasha was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer that had spread to her lungs. She was offered palliative care and told that her time was limited.

Imagine the shock and anguish Tasha felt at this moment. She never expected her symptoms to be an indication of cancer. She was fit, healthy, and had no family history of the disease. Tasha’s thoughts turned to her children, 17-year-old Amy and 13-year-old Theo. She agonized over how to break the news that their mother might not be around for much longer.

In her darkest moments, Tasha started planning her own funeral, trying to find some control amidst the chaos. She said, “I just couldn’t believe this was happening to me. I was constantly in floods of tears and had some very emotional conversations with the kids.”

However, a glimmer of hope shone through when further tests revealed that the lung nodules were non-cancerous. Suddenly, Tasha had a window of opportunity. Though her cancer was advanced at stage 3, there was a chance for a full recovery with surgery.

When Tasha went in for her operation, the surgeons had warned her that she may need a stoma bag, which she mentally prepared herself for. But to her relief, it wasn’t necessary. The successful operation was followed by chemotherapy, which took a toll on her body with severe side effects.

Throughout her journey, Tasha reached out to Dame Deborah James, a well-known figure who has raised awareness about bowel cancer. Connecting with someone who understood her struggles provided great comfort. Tasha found solace in their conversations and received valuable advice.

In August 2017, after four rounds of chemotherapy, Tasha received the incredible news that she was all-clear. It felt like a new lease on life, and she was determined to use her experience to help others. Tasha became a life coach and founded Let’s Make Time, a company that supports individuals living with life-changing illnesses like cancer.

Tasha had to make adjustments to her lifestyle and diet to maintain her well-being. She cut out red meat, processed foods, and beans, focusing on improving her gut health. Her mission now is to help others thrive after receiving their own devastating diagnoses.

As Tasha says, “As someone who received the worst diagnosis imaginable, I want to help others along the route as they navigate their journeys.” Her story is a powerful reminder to listen to our bodies, take symptoms seriously, and not ignore potential warning signs. Early detection can save lives.

Remember, your health matters. Don’t make the same mistake Tasha did – be proactive and seek medical attention if you suspect something is wrong.