Mom with ‘Fatigue’ Thought She Was Experiencing Pregnancy Symptoms. She Was Then Diagnosed with Bowel Cancer

Mom’s Pregnancy Symptoms Turn Out to be Bowel Cancer Diagnosis

Zara McCormick, a 36-year-old mother from Gee Cross in Tameside, UK, received devastating news when what she initially thought were pregnancy symptoms turned out to be a diagnosis of bowel cancer. The shocking revelation came in 2023, the same week as her son’s first birthday.

McCormick, a project manager married to her husband Paul and mother to three-year-old Lewis, experienced symptoms like anaemia, fatigue, and breathlessness, which she initially attributed to being pregnant. However, when the symptoms persisted after giving birth, she sought medical help and was diagnosed with stage 3c bowel cancer with an MSI-H mutation.

The diagnosis came as a massive shock to McCormick, as she did not exhibit the typical symptoms associated with bowel cancer, such as blood in her stool. This specific mutation, affecting around 10-15% of people with bowel cancer, is very responsive to immunotherapy, according to the hospital where McCormick received treatment.

Upon referral to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, McCormick learned about the NEOPRISM trial, a UK-based clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy drug, in treating bowel cancer. She underwent three cycles of pembrolizumab, which resulted in significant shrinkage of the tumors in her bowel and lymph nodes.

Following successful treatment, McCormick underwent surgery to remove part of her bowel in September. Subsequent biopsies revealed no active cancer cells, confirming a complete response to treatment. She now undergoes regular scans and colonoscopies to monitor her condition.

Despite the toll that the treatment took on her, leaving her feeling fatigued, McCormick remains optimistic about the future. She is back at work, focusing on regaining her fitness to keep up with her young son. She also actively participates in bowel cancer support groups to help others facing similar challenges.

In an interview, McCormick expressed her gratitude towards the medical team at The Christie for their support and guidance throughout her treatment journey. She emphasized the importance of clinical trials as a viable treatment option and dispelled misconceptions about their limited applicability.

As McCormick looks forward to milestones like her upcoming wedding anniversary and her son starting school, she remains committed to raising awareness about bowel cancer and supporting fellow survivors. Her inspiring story serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection, proactive treatment, and maintaining hope in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Zara McCormick’s battle with bowel cancer highlights the resilience and courage of individuals facing unexpected health challenges. Her journey from misdiagnosis to successful treatment serves as a beacon of hope for others navigating similar obstacles. Through her advocacy and positivity, McCormick continues to inspire others to confront adversity with strength and determination.