An Edinburgh joiner has spoken out about his life-changing battle with bowel cancer, after shockingly being diagnosed at just 32 years old.
Michael Felberg, now 41, first noticed something was wrong when he struggled to go to the toilet. Soon after, he began suffering from stomach pains, diarrhoea, and constipation, which signalled something far more serious than he initially suspected.
The 41-year-old said: “I can remember it really clearly. I went out with a friend for a meal and the next morning I couldn’t go to the toilet, which was very uncommon for me.
“From that day on, I had a lot of issues. It was like a light switch. Everything changed.
“I kept going to my GP, but I wasn’t getting anywhere. I was actually told that I was paranoid. But I knew something was wrong and if I didn’t push, I wouldn’t be here today.”
It was in 2016 that Michael was referred for a colonoscopy, a procedure that would uncover the terrifying truth – a lesion was found, and doctors told him it was most likely cancerous.
“I can’t remember anything after they told me that,” Michael added. “Everything went a bit strange, and I felt like I was underwater. It must have been the shock; I remember shrugging my shoulders because I thought the ceiling tiles were touching my head.”
Following the devastating diagnosis, he underwent surgery to remove a tumour in his bowel. After surgery, he was told the cancer had reached stage three, having spread to his lymph nodes but fortunately not to his organs.
However, Michael’s challenges didn’t end with the surgery. He struggled deeply in the aftermath of his treatment, battling fatigue, memory loss, and difficulty with speech – symptoms he later discovered were a form of “chemo brain” or post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment.
“I started having a lot of issues with fatigue, my short-term memory, and my speech,” he said. I’ve been told it’s a thing called chemo brain or ‘post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment’. I think some people can be very naïve to how broken you are after going through cancer.”
Michael found support through Bowel Cancer UK, and he’s now encouraging others facing similar challenges not to suffer in silence.
Michael continued: “I would say to anyone going through this – don’t bottle it up.
“Don’t keep things to yourself. I needed to speak to people about how scared I was. Without having people around you, I think you’d be very lost going through that.”
Now cancer-free, Michael is set to attend a special event in Edinburgh organised by Bowel Cancer UK to promote their support services. The event, which will take place at the City Chambers on the High Street on October 21, aims to provide vital information and guidance to those affected by bowel cancer.
Throughout the day, attendees will have the chance to learn from experts about topics such as emotional wellbeing, nutrition, sexual health after colorectal treatment, and staying active post-cancer.
Catherine Winsor, Director of Services and Support at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “It’s wonderful to hear that Michael was able to find support to help him cope better during his bowel cancer journey and we’re grateful to him for sharing his story.
“We urge anyone who has been affected by bowel cancer, including family and friends, to join us at our free community event in Edinburgh. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with others who are going through a similar experience, learn more about living well with the disease and the support services provided by the charity. See you there!”
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