“Don’t Be Embarrassed—Trust Your Gut and Get Checked”: Glenys Popenhagen Shares Her Powerful Bowel Cancer Journey
Glenys Popenhagen has a heartfelt message for anyone delaying a health check because they feel embarrassed or uncomfortable discussing their symptoms: don’t wait.
As part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, Ryman Healthcare is sharing Glenys’ story through its partnership with Bowel Cancer New Zealand to help break down the stigma surrounding bowel health and encourage people to seek medical advice early. It is a message rooted in personal experience—one that Glenys wishes she had listened to herself decades ago.
Today, at 66 years old, Glenys lives life with optimism, humor, and gratitude. But her journey has been anything but easy. Over the years, she has faced chronic bowel disease, major surgeries, cancer treatment, life-threatening complications, and ultimately the permanent removal of her large bowel. Through it all, she has remained determined not to let adversity define her.
Now, she hopes that by speaking openly about her experiences, others might avoid the challenges she endured and recognize the importance of paying attention to their bodies.
Ignoring the Signs
Glenys was only 26 when she first began experiencing symptoms. She noticed blood in her stool, suffered from severe abdominal pain, and dealt with constant diarrhea. Despite the alarming signs, she chose not to seek immediate medical attention.
Like many people, embarrassment played a major role.
“It was embarrassing,” she recalls. “I kept thinking it would go away. I told myself, ‘Oh no, it’ll go away, it’ll go away.’”
Weeks turned into months, and the symptoms persisted. Instead of seeking help right away, Glenys tried to push through, hoping the problem would resolve itself.
Looking back now, she wishes she had acted sooner.
Her story serves as a reminder that bowel symptoms should never be ignored. While talking about digestive issues can feel uncomfortable, delaying medical attention can have serious consequences.
A Long and Difficult Health Journey
What followed was a complex and challenging medical journey that would span decades.
Doctors eventually diagnosed Glenys with inflammatory bowel disease, believed to be either ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Managing the condition proved difficult, and over time she underwent multiple procedures and treatments.
Her health struggles intensified when cancer was discovered.
She underwent major bowel surgery, including a J-pouch procedure designed to create a new reservoir for waste after removal of the colon. Alongside surgery, she faced chemotherapy and radiation treatment to combat the cancer.
The treatments were physically and emotionally demanding, but even after surviving cancer, her health challenges were not over.
Years later, in her 50s, doctors determined that the best option was to permanently remove her large bowel. The surgery left her with an ileostomy bag—a life-changing adjustment that many patients fear.
At one stage, her condition became so severe that she was given just six months to live.
“I was very, very sick,” she says.
Complications from surgery affected the way her body absorbed nutrients, forcing her to spend months recovering and relying on a feeding machine. There were times when the future seemed uncertain.
But Glenys refused to give up.
A New Beginning After Adversity
Although the challenges she faced were immense, Glenys says her story is not one of tragedy—it is one of survival and renewal.
Today, she speaks openly and even humorously about her ileostomy and what she affectionately calls her “Barbie butt,” using laughter to remove the fear and stigma surrounding life after surgery.
For her, the operation ultimately brought freedom.
“It’s a lifesaver,” she says. “It’s been the best outcome overall because I don’t have pain anymore.”
Living with an ileostomy bag has not prevented her from enjoying life. In fact, she believes it has given her a fresh start.
“It hasn’t held me back at all,” she says. “It’s probably given me a new lease of life.”
Instead of focusing on limitations, Glenys focuses on possibilities.
She continues to travel extensively, having explored seven states across the United States as well as destinations throughout Asia and Cambodia. She enjoys social outings and regular cocktail lunches with friends and embraces opportunities to make memories.
Swimming, traveling, and eating most foods remain part of her life, proving that an ileostomy bag does not have to define a person or limit their ambitions.
Bringing Positivity to Diana Isaac Village
That same positive spirit shines through in her professional life.
Glenys has been part of Ryman Healthcare’s Diana Isaac Village in Christchurch for 13 years. What began as a part-time position as an evening receptionist quickly evolved into a career she deeply loves.
Just weeks after joining the organization, she was offered the role of assistant manager. Today, she serves as Resident Services Manager, working five days a week and helping create a welcoming and supportive environment for residents and staff.
“I love my job. I love the people. I love the village,” she says. “It’s an awesome place to work.”
She describes the atmosphere as one filled with laughter and camaraderie.
“We always have a laugh or a high five as you walk past someone,” she says.
Her resilience, compassion, and ability to stay calm during difficult situations have earned admiration from colleagues. In 2023, those qualities were formally recognized when she received the prestigious Kevin Hickman Award—the highest honor presented during the annual Ryman Awards.
The recognition reflected the impact she has made on those around her and the example she sets through her perseverance and positivity.
Strength Through Family
Life has presented Glenys with personal challenges beyond her own health.
Following the loss of her daughter Amanda, she took on the responsibility of raising two of her grandchildren. The experience has brought both heartache and purpose.
Despite the demands of balancing work and family, she says her career has become a sanctuary, providing stability and a sense of fulfillment.
Meanwhile, her grandchildren keep her grounded and bring joy to her life.
Sundays have become a special tradition known as “Nana Day.”
It is a day dedicated to family, baking, sharing treats, and cheering on her grandchildren, including supporting horse-riding activities.
Those moments remind her what truly matters.
A Positive Outlook Learned Early in Life
People who know Glenys often comment on her unwavering optimism.
She credits much of that outlook to the values instilled in her by her parents.
“I’ve always been positive,” she says. “My parents instilled in us never to let anything beat you.”
That philosophy has carried her through cancer, surgeries, grief, and countless setbacks.
Rather than dwelling on what she has lost, Glenys focuses on what she still has—and on helping others navigate their own journeys.
Supporting Others Facing Similar Surgery
Because she has firsthand experience, Glenys has become an unexpected source of encouragement for residents who are preparing for similar procedures.
Some people feel devastated when they learn they will need an ileostomy bag. They worry that life will never be the same or fear losing their independence.
Glenys understands those emotions completely.
She often sits with residents, listens to their concerns, and shares her own story.
Many are shocked when she reveals that she also has an ileostomy.
“They say, ‘We can’t tell!’” she says with a smile.
She reassures them that while the adjustment may be difficult initially, life can still be full and enjoyable.
“Once you get over that initial bit, life’s good,” she explains.
And she offers an important perspective.
“If the worst outcome happens and you get a bag, it’s not the end of the world.”
Her openness helps reduce fear and reminds others that they are not alone.
Speaking Up Could Save Lives
While Glenys is grateful for where she is today, she still wonders whether things might have been different had she sought medical attention earlier.
“I kick myself in a way because I let the symptoms carry on,” she says. “It may not have been as bad if I’d caught it earlier.”
That regret fuels her determination to speak publicly.
Her greatest hope is that someone hearing her story will recognize their own symptoms and decide to make an appointment rather than postpone it.
She wants people to understand that embarrassment should never stand in the way of health.
Ignoring symptoms and hoping they disappear can allow problems to worsen. Early detection and treatment often provide better outcomes, particularly in conditions such as bowel cancer.
Her message is simple but powerful:
Don’t be embarrassed.
Don’t assume the symptoms will go away.
Don’t wait until things become unbearable.
Trust your instincts, listen to your body, and get checked.
Because, as Glenys’ remarkable journey shows, seeking help early could make all the difference.
Source link: https://www.rymanhealthcare.co.nz/
