I'm Anna, and I was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer after strange symptoms led to an MRI.

The cancer had spread to my lymph nodes and liver. Overwhelmed with anger, fear, and sadness, I radically changed my lifestyle, opting for healthier choices and more exercise. My treatment included surgery, chemotherapy, and pain medication to manage the side effects.

Despite the fear, I found motivation to fight this battle.

I noticed something was wrong when I started to experience a change in bowel habits, blood in my stool, abdominal abnormalities (diarrhea, constipation, etc.) and abdominal pains and aches that didn’t go away. I sought medical advice and was first diagnosed with a perianal abscess, which they treated for weeks. Then, during an MRI to check if it was an abscess or a fistula, they stumbled upon the tumor. Further scans revealed cancer had spread to two lymph nodes and my liver. I was then diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer.

After the diagnosis, I knew I had to make some changes. I made a conscious effort to eat healthier every single day. I exercised a little more, from barely moving to making sure I got up and got going as much as I comfortably could. As for my alcohol intake, I went from five drinks a week to just one a week.

My doctors laid out the plan: partial proctectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy. It was overwhelming, to say the least, but I trusted their expertise.

I opted for surgery to remove part of my rectum, along with chemotherapy and pain medication. I decided not to proceed with radiation therapy. The decision wasn't easy, but I relied on my doctor's guidance. I was angry, anxious, and scared when I first heard about the treatment plan. But deep down, I was also motivated, hoping that this would be the key to beating cancer.

I also sought alternative treatments like traditional Chinese medicine, massages and nutritional supplements.

Side effects hit me hard. Fatigue, mucositis, peripheral neuropathy - they became my constant companions.

I ramped up my exercise routine, focused on eating nutritious meals, and relied on prescribed medication to ease the pain. Meditation, qigong, resting, and icing became my go-to strategies for managing the side effects.

Financial difficulties added another layer of stress to an already challenging situation. Alternative treatments aren't cheap, and they took a toll on my wallet. But I refused to let money stand in the way of my health.

After treatment, my life took a different turn. I realized that I couldn't go back to the way things were before. Cancer had changed me, inside and out.

I made permanent changes to my lifestyle, ones that I knew would benefit me in the long run. I swapped out unhealthy foods for nutritious options, making sure to eat a healthier diet every single day. I went from occasional walks to exercising more regularly. As for alcohol, it became a habit of the past.

Simply put, it's to keep on living.

But it's not just about me. My loved ones are my reason to keep fighting. My biggest aspiration with them is simply not dying and causing them pain. I want to be there for them, to share in all the joys that life has to offer.

Throughout my journey to recovery, my biggest fear was dying or surviving with dreadful health conditions.

I tried my best to overcome this fear, but it wasn't easy. I sought solace in meditation and counselling. I took my medication religiously, hoping it would offer some semblance of control in a situation where I felt utterly powerless.

Today I still feel the anger, fear, and sadness creeping in from time to time. The fear leaves me feeling helpless and overwhelmed, while the sadness weighs heavy on my heart. But amidst it all, there is hope that refuses to be snuffed out. I cling to it with all I have, knowing that it's the only thing keeping me going.

The testing and waiting for results is 100% the worst part of your cancer journey. Meditate, take the meds, and try to be calm. Get your head around the possibilities and try to accept that this is all out of your control. Focus on being calm and helping yourself. I won't say it's easy, but now I'm two weeks into six months of treatment, I am able to deal with this shit show. Honestly. It will get better. Find the charities to support you where you live. They are invaluable. Use every one of them, take what you need in your hour of need.

Be kind to those around you who say the wrong thing — most people have no idea how to talk about cancer until they get it. And be kind to yourself - above all, your mental attitude will get you through.