After undergoing a hysterectomy, the doctors found cervical cancer. I then had a CT scan that found bowel cancer.

All this left me fearful and sad, not to mention surprised.

Treatment-wise, I followed my doctor’s recommendation and went ahead with:

• A partial colectomy (removal of a part of the colon)
• Lymphadenectomy (removal of lymph nodes, including those around cervix)
• Chemotherapy

For the chemotherapy I’m currently on, it is administered as 2-hr drip chemo and 14 days chemo tablets with 1 week off for 6 months.

Having this treatment regimen planned out, I was fearful. I was afraid I’d die and leave my family. Fortunately, my treatment costs are covered by the NHS.

Suffering from hand and foot syndrome because of chemo affected me the most. The first week of treatment I struggled to walk and couldn’t touch anything. Besides that, I also experienced peripheral neuropathy and fatigue. I coped with these side effects with the help of hot water bottles, wheat bags and heated blankets. I also found heat pads to be particularly useful.

I was recommended medical advice related to my alcohol intake, exercise and nutrition and diet, all of which I was very compliant with.

As for personal plans, it’s spending time with my family and going on holidays.

After finding out I had cancer, I stopped working. I’m on sick leave till chemo finishes.

Since my diagnosis, I’ve gone through challenges related to my self-esteem and professional life, but difficulties in my day-to-day life affect me the most.

My biggest fear? That I only had a few months to live. To overcome this, I paid private for mental health wellbeing classes.

I am still fearful, sad and surprised today. I struggled with the diagnoses as I felt well and healthy.

Talk to family & friends. Accept support when needed. Get help to come into your home.

Get out in fresh air when possible, rest when your body tells you to. Look forward, plan something for when chemo is over. Stay positive!!!!!