Oh sh!t, I've got bowel cancer: Part One: Diagnosis and treatment diaries
Author(s): David Barrow (Author)
Publisher: Itgp
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 226 pages
ISBN-10: 1787785777
ISBN-13: 9781787785779
Book Description
A portion of the proceeds from every purchase of the book will be donated to Bowel Cancer UK (reg. Charity no: 1071038).
David, also known as Dar, was a 47-year-old male cancer patient who thought he had a bothersome tummy ache. That tummy ache turned out to be colorectal cancer. This book documents his journey from feeling poorly to going to the GP and ultimately learning that he has descending colon cancer.
And all the SH!T that brings with it.
David started writing diary entries as a form of journalling. At the time, he was awaiting his diagnosis, and initially, it served as a simple yet powerful tool to help him navigate his overwhelming emotions. Putting his thoughts on paper became a sanctuary where he could express his fears and hopes freely, supporting his mental health during a time when he felt completely out of control.
As David progressed through his experiences, he reflected on how the intimate journalling practice profoundly impacted his well-being. It helped him articulate feelings he had previously struggled to express, fostering a crucial connection to himself during that tumultuous period.
Now, he shares these diaries with you, dear reader, in the hope that it provides support and perspective to those facing similar challenges or those supporting someone who is.
This book is a resource for everyone – whether you are facing cancer or supporting a loved one on their journey. We sincerely hope that within these pages, you will find insights, comfort and understanding about this complex disease and its often overwhelming impact on our lives.
Each shared story and lesson learned can be a beacon of hope and support during an incredibly challenging time.
Editorial Reviews
Review
As heard on The Graft Podcast When 47-year-old David (Dar) Barrow went on holiday to Menorca, the last thing he expected was to come home with bowel cancer. Fit, healthy, having just run an ultra marathon, he had barely had any symptoms or warning signs.” Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts — search “The Graft Podcast — Dar Barrow”
From the Author
I am David, also known as Dar, a 47-year-old male cancer patient who thought I had a bothersome tummy ache. That tummy ache turned out to be colorectal cancer. This book documents my journey from feeling poorly to going to the GP and ultimately learning that I have descending colon cancer.
And all the SHIT that brings with it.
I started writing diary entries as a form of journaling. At the time, I was awaiting my diagnosis, and initially, it served as a simple yet powerful tool to help me navigate my overwhelming emotions.
Putting my thoughts on paper became a sanctuary where I could express my fears and hopes freely, supporting my mental health during a time when I felt completely out of control. As I progressed through my own experiences, I reflected on how the intimate journalling practice profoundly impacted my well-being. It helped me articulate feelings I had previously struggled to express, fostering a crucial connection to myself during that tumultuous period. Now, as I share these diaries with you, dear reader, I hope it provides support and perspective to those facing similar challenges or those supporting someone who is.
This book is a resource for everyone – whether you are facing cancer or supporting a loved one on their journey. I sincerely hope that within these pages, you will find insights, comfort and understanding about this complex disease and its often overwhelming impact on our lives. By shedding light on the realities of cancer, I aim to foster empathy and awareness, ultimately reminding us that we are not alone in this struggle. Each shared story and lesson learned can be a beacon of hope and support during an incredibly challenging time.
A portion of the proceeds from every purchase of the book will be donated to Bowel Cancer UK (reg. Charity no: 1071038).
From the Inside Flap
What is Sh!T, I’ve got bowel cancer? Part One: Diagnosis and treatment diaries This book is for anyone going through cancer and wondering how to feel, what to do next, who to speak to, etc. This book is a resource for everyone – whether you are facing cancer or supporting a loved one on their journey. The harsh reality is that one in two people will be affected by cancer at some point in their lives.! I sincerely hope that within these pages, you will find insights, comfort and understanding about this complex disease and its often overwhelming impact on our lives. By shedding light on the realities of cancer, I aim to foster empathy and awareness, ultimately reminding us that we are not alone in this struggle. Each shared story and lesson learned can be a beacon of hope and support during an incredibly challenging time.
About the Author
I am David, also known as Dar, a 47-year-old male cancer patient who thought I had a bothersome tummy ache. That tummy ache turned out to be colorectal cancer.This book documents my journey from feeling poorly to going to the GP and ultimately learning that I have descending colon cancer. And all the SH!T that brings with it.Putting my thoughts on paper became a sanctuary where I could express my fears and hopes freely, supporting my mental health during a time when I felt completely out of control. By shedding light on the realities of cancer, I aim to foster empathy and awareness, ultimately reminding us that we are not alone in this struggle.