Redesigning life after cancer

BARWON Heads’ Nicole Trimboli has turned the life-changing challenge of a bowel cancer diagnosis into a memoir that’s raw, honest and inspiring.

Released this week, What a Sh!t Show! invites readers into Trimboli’s world as she navigates burnout, two separate cancer diagnoses, and the realities of living with a stoma and ostomy bag.

First diagnoses with bowel cancer in 2006 and again in 2021, Trimboli underwent treatment that required the removal of her bowel.

“This book is the story I never thought I’d tell; the one I lived through, survived and finally felt ready to write,” she said.

“I hope people feel seen. I hope they realise they’re not alone in their mess or in their struggle to hold it all together.”

Trimboli’s memoir highlights the daily challenges of life with an ostomy bag — from food and fashion to the fear of accidents — while also exploring her deeper struggles around identity, confidence and resilience.

Although an emotional experience, she said, writing the memoir became a vital part of her recovery.

“Writing has been a positive part of my healing process, and I want this book to represent hope,” she said.

“In a world full of noise, it is possible with small steps to find peace and calm, enabling real change.”

Trimboli will celebrate the book’s launch with a special event at the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club tomorrow (Saturday, October 11).

She will participate in a Q&A and sign copies of her book.

For more information, head to nicoletrimboli.com.au/#aboutthebook