Hi, my name’s Andy. This is my journey as a colorectal cancer survivor.

A few years ago, my cancer journey began with a routine colonoscopy, which revealed stage 1 colorectal cancer. That I had a 90% 5-year survival rate was a reassurance amid the subsequent tests and diagnosis.

Learning about my cancer diagnosis stirred up a range of emotions, including fear, surprise, nervousness, and worry, especially as I remembered losing my aunt to pancreatic cancer.

My cancer journey began a few years ago when a routine colonoscopy revealed that something was amiss in my colon. This led to further tests and what doctors found was that I had stage 1 colorectal cancer. They told me I had a 90% 5-year survival rate, and that information was reassuring.

I embraced a few lifestyle changes after finding out about my diagnosis. I focused on nutrition and exercise, adopting a healthier diet seven days a week and doubling my physical activity. I also reduced my weekly alcohol intake.

Surgery Plan:

• Partial Colectomy (Removal of a part of colon)
• Polypectomy (Removal of polyps: abnormal growth of tissue)

Non-surgical treatment:

• Chemotherapy

The treatment plan that my doctor recommended consisted of a partial colectomy, polypectomy and chemotherapy. However, I ultimately chose not to proceed with the polypectomy. Deciding on the treatment options that I’d have to undergo made me anxious and a little scared, I have to admit.

Apart from conventional treatment methods, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was something I sought out too.

The path to remission wasn't without challenges. I grappled with fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea and vomiting, but I adopted a multifaceted approach to manage them, which includes exercising more often, improving my nutrition and taking prescribed medication. However, I did drink more often during this challenging period of my life.

Post-treatment, I underwent a profound lifestyle transformation to put my health first. I overhauled my diet, committed to regular exercise, and managed my alcohol consumption.

Other parts of my life that were transformed after my cancer diagnosis were my relationships with my loved ones, especially my kids. Finding out about my illness has brought us closer together; we spend more time in each other’s company and take more family trips. In fact, we have plans to go on a family trip to Hong Kong next month. For myself, I’m training for a half marathon that I’m going for this year.

My personal aspirations mostly center on completing my half marathon and achieving a good timing. I’m doing this to show myself that I can do anything as a cancer survivor. I also hope to spread awareness about cancer and the importance of cancer screening among my loved ones.

Throughout my journey to recovery, the fear of cancer recurrence loomed large on my mind. I’m worried that there is a need to remove more of my colon if the cancer does come back. To face these fears head-on, I attend regular screening to check my colon for polyps or any other signs of cancer, so that they can be addressed as soon as possible.

I feel rather neutral today as I look back on my cancer journey of the past few years.

For those on their own cancer journey, I emphasize the importance of having good relationships with healthcare providers, like your doctors and your nurses. It’s important to reduce your stress and if possible, focus on being stronger for recovery.