Stage 4 cancer patient urges others not to ignore this overlooked symptom
Australian mom says taboo around bowel health nearly cost her life – now she’s warning others to speak up early
When 47-year-old Susan Schmidt began feeling unusually tired, she thought it was menopause. But months later, she was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer – and now she wants others to recognize the warning signs she missed.
Susan Schmidt, a physiotherapist and mother of two from Brisbane, Australia, is bravely sharing her journey with terminal bowel cancer to help save lives.
In September 2023, Susan was diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer – a diagnosis that came only after months of subtle symptoms that she, like many others, brushed off.
“People don’t talk about bowel habits,” she told the Daily Mail. “That’s part of the problem. It’s still a taboo.”
Her cancer had already spread to her uterus, pelvic lymph nodes, and right lung before doctors made the discovery.
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The first red flag
Susan’s earliest symptom was relentless fatigue – a warning sign she didn’t take seriously.
“I’d drive my daughter to rowing practice and have to nap in the car afterward. That’s not normal,” she said.
At the time, she blamed it on stress or hormonal changes, never suspecting anything serious.
Pain, constipation, and a sudden health crisis
While attending a wedding in France, Susan experienced constipation for the first time in her life. She thought it was due to the rich food. But after returning to Australia, her symptoms worsened dramatically.
She recalls one terrifying night spent on the bathroom floor, battling vomiting, diarrhea, and pain she described as “worse than childbirth.”
“I thought I’d caught something from my horse. I didn’t think it was cancer,” she said.
Despite multiple tests, her initial results showed nothing unusual. It wasn’t until a colonoscopy that doctors finally found the tumor.
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“Push for answers” – Susan’s plea to others
Susan’s message is simple but urgent: trust your gut, even when the tests are normal.
“Even if they say it’s stress, diet, or hormones – listen to your instincts,” she said. “If something feels off, push for answers.”
Her diagnosis changed her life, but she’s determined to help others catch cancer earlier than she did.
To support fellow cancer patients, she founded The Floozie Foundation, which provides help for adults in cancer wards across Australia.
Susan continues her battle with chemotherapy while planning moments of joy, like overseas trips with her family. Her Instagram updates reflect strength, humor, and hope.
Though her diagnosis is incurable, Susan is focused on living fully and raising awareness.
Her story is a powerful reminder: even minor symptoms can point to something serious. Talking openly about your health – especially about topics like bowel habits – might just save your life.
Have you or someone you love ignored unusual fatigue or digestive changes? Susan’s story might be the sign to speak up.
