Bowel Cancer Survivor Reveals 4 Key Symptoms That Led To Early Diagnosis, Urges Others To Pay Attention
TikTok content creator Ellie Wilcock shared her battle with bowel cancer on the platform to reassure others on the same path that there is hope. Wilcock said in a video that in her early days as a cancer patient, she looked for stories like hers to give her a boost, which is her aim in sharing her journey online.
She recounted that fateful day on Christmas 2021 when she first experienced unusual pains in her abdomen. Wilcock initially suspected it was a UTI as the pain was localized on the left side of her abdomen.
The then 25-year-old consulted her GP, who eventually referred her for an ultrasound after blood and laboratory tests cleared Wilcock of any infection. But before Wilcock could get an ultrasound, she rushed to the emergency room when the pain in her abdomen worsened.
The emergency ultrasound revealed a 15cm mass on Wilcock's ovary. Doctors suspected an ovarian cyst and recommended her for emergency surgery that same night.
They were unable to remove the cyst but biopsied a sample. On Valentine's Day, 2022, Wilcock was diagnosed with Stage IV bowel cancer. The cancer had spread to Wilcock's ovaries, peritoneum, and liver.
Wilcock was rushed to the emergency room for the second time as her health rapidly deteriorated. She had another surgery where they discovered a mass blocking her large bowel.
Soon after she was sent home to recover from her surgery, Wilcock was back in the emergency room. She was admitted to start in-patient emergency chemotherapy.
Wilcock's health deteriorated further as the malignant mass grew to 22cm — the size of a small watermelon. Fortunately, Wilcock's condition steadily improved as she went through chemotherapy.
She slowly regained her appetite and was stable enough to go home to continue her treatment. After the final surgery to remove the mass on Wilcock's liver and another round of chemotherapy in 2023, her PET scans have been clear.
So, what were the warning signs Ellie Wilcock said others should look out for?
Screengrab from TikTok video: @elliewilcock0Unusual pain on the left side of the pelvis could be a symptom of bowel cancer, said the survivor.
Screengrab from TikTok video: @elliewilcock0The second warning sign she felt was fatigue. Wilcock said she used to be active and social even after a long at work but found herself immediately sleeping as soon as she got home once the symptoms started.
Screengrab from TikTok video: @elliewilcock0Wilcock is a big advocate of checking your stool as one of the symptoms she recognized in hindsight was a change in her bowel movement habits and blood in her excrement.
Screengrab from TikTok video: @elliewilcock0The fourth symptom was a lack of appetite, although officially, it was marked as sudden and unexplained weight loss.
Screengrab from TikTok video: @elliewilcock0Wilcock's videos resonated with many people who asked for more information about her cancer diagnosis.
Brie Blanco, Ellie Wilcock
She explained how the pain in her pelvis felt to help others be more mindful.
stevie, Ellie Wilcock
Other cancer survivors added weight to Wilcock's experience and said they didn't realize how bad the symptoms were until they had time to listen to their bodies.
Robyn & Simon
Wilcock advised others who were worried about feeling the same symptoms to consult their doctors to alleviate any worries.
sam2, Ellie Wilcock
Ellie Wilcock's story accomplished her aim. She helped other people have hope that they, too, could beat cancer.
Jill Neeley Rowland, Ellie Wilcock
Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer for people in the UK, according to the NH (National Health Service). The NHS recommends consulting a GP if symptoms like unexplained fatigue, weight loss, bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits, among others, persist for more than 3 weeks.
Ellie Wilcock happily shared that her most recent scans have shown no new growth or masses. She has "No evidence of disease" and is steadily on the mend.
