I'm Clement. Here’s how my experience with cancer has gone so far.

After visiting my general practitioner (GP) for symptoms like vomiting blood and blood in my stool, I was ultimately diagnosed with stage 2 colorectal cancer in Singapore. Feelings of anger and sadness only grew more fervent as I thought about how my brother-in-law was affected by cancer too.

My initial treatment plan was a total colectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and pain medication. Due to unbearable side effects, chemotherapy was dropped from my treatment regimen.

About a couple years ago, I started vomiting blood and noticed the presence of blood in my stool. I knew that this wasn’t normal. Concerned, I consulted my general practitioner (GP) for medical help. One thing led to another, and the next thing I knew, I was diagnosed with stage 2 colorectal cancer.

Post-diagnosis, I made significant lifestyle adjustments, particularly in terms of my alcohol consumption and smoking frequency. I cut back on smoking and reduced the number of alcoholic drinks I had each week.

Under the recommendation of my oncologist, I agreed to a total colectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and pain medication. However, after suffering from unbearable side effects, chemotherapy was dropped from my treatment plan. Changing my treatment plan did help to alleviate some feelings of anxiety and fearfulness.

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

The journey through treatment was challenging. I struggled with fatigue, persistent nausea and vomiting, and peripheral neuropathy. Taking prescribed medication helped to address some of these problems.

Financial burdens put further strain as well, as I found the chemotherapy medication to be very expensive.

Since beginning treatment, I’ve embraced certain lifestyle changes permanently. For instance, I’m trying to better my health by reducing my alcohol consumption and smoking less frequently.

Looking ahead, I don’t have any big plans for the future, apart from making a visit to Malaysia with my family.

My primary focus at the moment aren’t grand aspirations, but supporting my family during this challenging time as my wife is currently ill. My sole desire is to witness her return to good health.

My greatest fear throughout my recovery journey has been my own mortality, rooted in uncertainty about how my wife will be cared for in my absence. I try to cope with this fear through prayer.

Reflecting on my current emotional state, I feel rather neutral about having cancer. This is in stark contrast to the slew of feelings I had when I was first diagnosed.

To those embarking on their own cancer journey, I would like to emphasize the importance of heeding medical advice and perseverance as you face this. Life with cancer is not easy, but do whatever you can.