I've been following your 'journey' (shit word for it but I can't think of a better one) with Dennis on Instagram. I'm so sorry this is happening to you, the postpartum period is hard enough without that wanker Dennis getting involved too. Bowel cancer runs in my family, and we get it young too (I say we, I'm lucky in that I don't appear to have the gene defect that causes it, and also lucky in that I'll be eligible for regular screenings from a young age - sorry if that sounds like a humble brag but wanted to be clear) - it's been the same story for all of my relatives that have had it, in that it's not been tested for early because "you're just so young!" I'm so pleased to read that your prognosis is good despite the later than ideal diagnosis, and I hope you're not feeling too rotten.
I'll be sticking around to watch you kick Dennis' ass. Get well soon and congratulations on little Billy, he is lucky to have such a strong (perhaps not physically with all the chemo, but you get what I'm saying) mum. All the best x
What a lovely message – thank you. It really means a lot. I'm so pleased that you don't have that damn gene! And I really hope that your family members who do are OK. And thank you so much for sticking around. I hope we'll be talking about this as a surreal distant memory soon. x
Colon cancer sucks. My youngest brother was diagnosed a few years ago, and was told the same thing. "You're too young for this to be cancer." When they did surgery his tumor was huge. He knew something was wrong. I don't understand the reluctance to do a colonoscopy on a young person. It would be so much cheaper to do that and catch cancer at a very early stage, or even when it's pre-cancerous. My brother is doing well, and I hope the same for you. ❤️
Thank you for sharing yours and your brother's story – I'm so glad to hear he's doing well. Especially with a similarly "huge" tumour! Yes, the age thing is really problematic, especially as more and more young people are being diagnosed with all cancers at the moment. It would make sense to rule out the worst option first!
So looking forward to reading a piece on Dennis in past tense, something like: Dennis was a twat that lived up my arse… (I tried British here. You’ll do it better.) I’ll say it again, I admire your humor and your whole being! ❤️
Thank you, Zoran. As soon as Dennis is dead, I shall write a piece that includes that line because it's absolutely perfect! We can chant it together at a drum & bass night – I can't bloody wait. Miss you 💛
Oh, and just one more thing (now I’m just stealing words here), I hope you never find out that you can pause and resume voice memos, cause you get emotional - we get emotional, you laugh - we laugh. #nofilter all the way!
Wait – you can pause and resume voice memos?! No way. I refuse to believe it and shall continue snorting, laughing, and crying loudly to everyone! (Thank you – so glad the #nofilter life is striking some chords!)
I’ve just read this and you are one talented writer with so much grit and, of course, lashings of British humour. But wow. I admire your courage. Sending love and prayers.
Thank you, Oliver! Hopefully I can keep it up. I'm intending to write one while off my face on pain meds so that post should be entertaining at least. x
Thank you. That really means a lot. I hope you enjoy my other posts and that I can continue posting fairly regularly 🤞 Feedback like this makes it all worth it, so thank you again
I just discovered you in the Substack sea! Hi! I wish you speedy recovery 💕🙏 and keeping you in my prayers. Found your writing super honest and I like that a lot. 'm going to hit that subscribe button now! Lots of love ❣️
Jo, oh how I love the British (I am one by ancestry). Strong through the blinking storm and keeping on keeping on. You are amazing and a fighter. I said a prayer for you and family. DONT STOP. You are loved . Wendy
Made me laugh, and nod in constant agreement re the bad things happening and the nonchalance that we express in those situations. I love a massive life changing event followed by a shoulder shrug and a 'it's not ideal' eyebrow raise. Whereas when it rains in June, it's a total fucking nightmare. I think SubStack is going to be a great place for you in this period, I'll subscribe in support and to help enable you to write, but you should know that no one expects regular or even coherent missives. Keeping a baby alive is tough in itself, so go easy on yourself and be as well as you can be. x
Thank you, Hannah. Much appreciated! I love posting, but it's definitely going to be a "only when I can" event. Really glad of the support – thank you again.
Congratulations to you and Koen on your beautiful little baby Billy. I’m sorry to hear about your cancer diagnosis but happy you got one before it was too late! My father had colon cancer but recovered and lived on. You are an amazing woman. Please be gentle with yourself - you have a lot on your plate. I wish many, many years of happiness for you with Koen and Billy.
The Dennis is a proper twat part was too good😂😂😂 thank you for sharing Jo! I’m a new mama as well and I can’t even imagine what youve been going through. If Dennis is a proper twat, you’re a proper superwoman.
Thank you, Katie. I can confirm Dennis is indeed a proper twat. Hopefully one who will be disappearing soon. I super appreciate the kind words and the support 💛
I've been following your 'journey' (shit word for it but I can't think of a better one) with Dennis on Instagram. I'm so sorry this is happening to you, the postpartum period is hard enough without that wanker Dennis getting involved too. Bowel cancer runs in my family, and we get it young too (I say we, I'm lucky in that I don't appear to have the gene defect that causes it, and also lucky in that I'll be eligible for regular screenings from a young age - sorry if that sounds like a humble brag but wanted to be clear) - it's been the same story for all of my relatives that have had it, in that it's not been tested for early because "you're just so young!" I'm so pleased to read that your prognosis is good despite the later than ideal diagnosis, and I hope you're not feeling too rotten.
I'll be sticking around to watch you kick Dennis' ass. Get well soon and congratulations on little Billy, he is lucky to have such a strong (perhaps not physically with all the chemo, but you get what I'm saying) mum. All the best x
What a lovely message – thank you. It really means a lot. I'm so pleased that you don't have that damn gene! And I really hope that your family members who do are OK. And thank you so much for sticking around. I hope we'll be talking about this as a surreal distant memory soon. x
Colon cancer sucks. My youngest brother was diagnosed a few years ago, and was told the same thing. "You're too young for this to be cancer." When they did surgery his tumor was huge. He knew something was wrong. I don't understand the reluctance to do a colonoscopy on a young person. It would be so much cheaper to do that and catch cancer at a very early stage, or even when it's pre-cancerous. My brother is doing well, and I hope the same for you. ❤️
Thank you for sharing yours and your brother's story – I'm so glad to hear he's doing well. Especially with a similarly "huge" tumour! Yes, the age thing is really problematic, especially as more and more young people are being diagnosed with all cancers at the moment. It would make sense to rule out the worst option first!
So looking forward to reading a piece on Dennis in past tense, something like: Dennis was a twat that lived up my arse… (I tried British here. You’ll do it better.) I’ll say it again, I admire your humor and your whole being! ❤️
Thank you, Zoran. As soon as Dennis is dead, I shall write a piece that includes that line because it's absolutely perfect! We can chant it together at a drum & bass night – I can't bloody wait. Miss you 💛
Oh, and just one more thing (now I’m just stealing words here), I hope you never find out that you can pause and resume voice memos, cause you get emotional - we get emotional, you laugh - we laugh. #nofilter all the way!
Wait – you can pause and resume voice memos?! No way. I refuse to believe it and shall continue snorting, laughing, and crying loudly to everyone! (Thank you – so glad the #nofilter life is striking some chords!)
I’ve just read this and you are one talented writer with so much grit and, of course, lashings of British humour. But wow. I admire your courage. Sending love and prayers.
Thank you so much. What a lovely message to read. I really appreciate it 🙌
Great to see an inbox notification this morning about you posting again!
Thank you, Oliver! Hopefully I can keep it up. I'm intending to write one while off my face on pain meds so that post should be entertaining at least. x
Wow.
I just stumbled across your Substack via someone I will now go back and thank.
Your writing is rich with heart and your style so inviting. Thank you.
Thank you. That really means a lot. I hope you enjoy my other posts and that I can continue posting fairly regularly 🤞 Feedback like this makes it all worth it, so thank you again
I love you and your baby you are going to make it soon 🫶🫶🫶🫶
Thank you 💛
Hey Jo!
Just discovered you today on Substack, and I'm glad I did. You are inspirational. I pray you beat Denis. My warmest hugs for you, Bill and Koen!🤗🤗🤗🌹🌹🌹
Thank you so much 💛
I just discovered you in the Substack sea! Hi! I wish you speedy recovery 💕🙏 and keeping you in my prayers. Found your writing super honest and I like that a lot. 'm going to hit that subscribe button now! Lots of love ❣️
Thank you! I really appreciate it and hope you enjoy my posts 💛
Jo, oh how I love the British (I am one by ancestry). Strong through the blinking storm and keeping on keeping on. You are amazing and a fighter. I said a prayer for you and family. DONT STOP. You are loved . Wendy
Thank you, Wendy. I really appreciate it 💛
Made me laugh, and nod in constant agreement re the bad things happening and the nonchalance that we express in those situations. I love a massive life changing event followed by a shoulder shrug and a 'it's not ideal' eyebrow raise. Whereas when it rains in June, it's a total fucking nightmare. I think SubStack is going to be a great place for you in this period, I'll subscribe in support and to help enable you to write, but you should know that no one expects regular or even coherent missives. Keeping a baby alive is tough in itself, so go easy on yourself and be as well as you can be. x
Thank you, Hannah. Much appreciated! I love posting, but it's definitely going to be a "only when I can" event. Really glad of the support – thank you again.
Congratulations to you and Koen on your beautiful little baby Billy. I’m sorry to hear about your cancer diagnosis but happy you got one before it was too late! My father had colon cancer but recovered and lived on. You are an amazing woman. Please be gentle with yourself - you have a lot on your plate. I wish many, many years of happiness for you with Koen and Billy.
Thank you, Deirdre. So glad your dad recovered. Those stories are always good to hear! Much appreciated x
The Dennis is a proper twat part was too good😂😂😂 thank you for sharing Jo! I’m a new mama as well and I can’t even imagine what youve been going through. If Dennis is a proper twat, you’re a proper superwoman.
Thank you, Katie. I can confirm Dennis is indeed a proper twat. Hopefully one who will be disappearing soon. I super appreciate the kind words and the support 💛
This is a brilliant post. Beautifully written. Cancer clusterfuck is a magnificent term and I commend you.
Thank you, Sarah! No other term would do 💛
Thank you for sharing so generously, sending you huge hugs!! 💜
Thank you, Gina. Much appreciated! 💛
❤️❤️❤️