This woman had no idea she was living with CANCER for 15 YEARS

Jo was shocked to discover she had been living with cancer for 15 years

THE FIT and healthy woman was shocked to learn she had a 'leathery web' of tumours on her bowel, bladder and reproductive organs.

 

For more than a decade, Jo Green suffered from hot flushes, cramps and digestive issues. 

The sales and marketing manager led an otherwise fit and healthy lifestyle, which made the symptoms easier to endure.

 

Then, Jo received the shocking news that she had been living with cancer for 15 years. 

Doctors told the young woman there was a ‘leathery web’ of tumours that had grown on her bladder, bowel and reproductive organs, and the cancer cannot be cured. 

 



Jo took part in the Morrisons Great South Run this October to raise money and awareness



Jo was 19 when she first experienced a string of symptoms, which she intiailly thought was Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Jo said: "I would come home and sit down to watch a film and be asleep in ten minutes...

"I spent years in pain with cramps and diarrhoea.... But because I was fit and healthy, I think I was able to deal with my symptoms for much longer than most people would.

"Perhaps that's why it took so long for me to be diagnosed. I was in good shape and got used to the pain."

 



Jo endured hot flushes, cramps and digestive issues for 15 years



But over time, the Dorset resident's condition grew progressively worse.

Four years ago, the pain became so immense she had to call an ambulance. 

In late 2011, doctors diagnosed Jo with neuroendocrine cancer, a rare and slow-growing cancer that spreads throughout the body through hormones. 

Jo said: "Following my diagnosis I was cross with myself for dealing with my symptoms for so long.

 

Jo's cancer will regrow, but she manages the symptoms with regular injections

"Doctors told me they'd have to act quickly to treat the cancer or I'd be dead within a few years. I was devastated."

Surgeons removed the tumours in an eight-hour operation but unfotunately, the cancer will regrow.

Jo now has regular injections to help manage the symptoms.

On 25 October this year, Jo took part in the Morrisons Great South Run to raise money and awareness of the rare disease.