My name is Hilmi and I'm married with 2 kids. This is my journey with cancer.

I was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer after a positive fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kit result and subsequent colonoscopy. Receiving this diagnosis, I struggled with emotions of fear, grief and powerlessness.

After undergoing a partial colectomy, I'm now on chemotherapy. I also took traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as part of alternative treatment.

During a company health checkup, I was provided with a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kit, the results of which revealed blood in my stool. Consequently, my doctor referred me to the colorectal center for a colonoscopy. The colonoscopy identified several polyps and a tumor in my colon, which was ultimately diagnosed as stage 3 colorectal cancer. Doctors also notified me that I had a 5-year survival rate of 72%.

After being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, I made a few lifestyle adjustments. I exercised more frequently, cut down on smoking and ate a healthier diet more regularly.

Surgery Plan:

Total Colectomy - Removal of entire colon

Non-surgical Treatment:

Chemotherapy

My doctor recommended surgery and chemotherapy. I followed through with this treatment plan based on his recommendations and other considerations, namely financial reasons and after doing my own research. I'm still undergoing chemotherapy as of now. I also took traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as part of alternative medication.

Deciding on my treatment plan was an anxious and scary time in my cancer journey, but it motivated me as well.

As with others who've gone through cancer, I suffered from side effects such as fatigue, loss of appetite and nausea and vomiting. Coping with these side effects required me to improve my nutrition and take prescribed medication.

Since the partial colectomy, I've been living with a stoma bag, which has been a source of financial burden for me. The stoma bags are expensive, so I've tried finding other alternatives online but to no avail. My doctor referred me to a medical social worker to subsidize the cost of these stoma bags, but the cost remains very high.

Since starting treatment, I've continued to cut down on smoking whilst exercising and eating healthier more frequently.

Apart from my lifestyle, cancer has also changed my relationships with my family. For instance, my partner and I are no longer intimate with each other since I've had the disease. On the other hand, my children and I are closer than we were before. We spend more time together and go on family trips more often throughout the year.

Now, I'm looking forward to my eldest daughter's first child, and my second daughter's marriage next year. Hopefully, my family and I will be able to travel to Saudi Arabia next December to perform our holy pilgrimage together.

My biggest desire is simply to spend as much time as possible with my loved ones. I'd love to see my daughter get married and start a family, and this thought motivates to me get healthier and strive towards a speedy recovery.

The fear of the treatment failing and the cancer returning, even after the removal of my colon, weighs heavily on my mind. On top of that, I lost both my dad and uncle to cancer. In an effort to cope, I turn to prayer, and try to accept this is my destiny. Additionally, I engage in open discussions with my doctors, expressing my fears and concerns about the potential recurrence of the cancer.

A few years have gone by since I was first diagnosed with colorectal cancer. My initial feelings have dissipated, and I'm now optimistic, hopeful and rather neutral.

The journey is not always smooth sailing, but it's essential to stay strong. Place your trust in your doctors to the best of your ability and maintain open and honest communication with them. Remember your loved ones and seek guidance and strength from your faith in God.