My name is Lina. I am a colorectal cancer warrior from the United States.

At the time of diagnosis, it was stage 4. I had been experiencing blood in my stool and persistent heartburn for a while, which led me to seek medical advice.

I made a conscious decision to go on a healthier diet after my cancer diagnosis. I committed to this switch in diet every single day.

I had undergone chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, based on my doctor’s recommendation. I felt quite anxious and extremely discouraged about the treatment.

I face some financial difficulties as my insurance does not cover immunotherapy. Since then, I have stopped my treatments, especially given the advanced stage of my cancer.

Apart from the medical treatments, I sought traditional Chinese medicine and nutritional supplements to curb the disease.

During treatment, I dealt with fatigue, hair loss, and nausea and vomiting. To manage these, I improved my nutrition and sometimes self-medicated.

Healthier diet has become a permanent part of my life. I’ve also made an effort to spend more time with my children. I have no plans for the near future but I’m settling my will and division of assets to ensure everything is in place for my family.

For now, I just want to live as long as I can with cancer and spend more time with my loved ones.

One of my biggest fears has been dying without leaving anything for my children and dying in pain. I’ve talked to my doctors and nurses about it and seek their support and advice.

Right now, I still feel a deep sense of grief about having cancer.

I cannot deny that dying from cancer is not scary. I worry about it every day. Spend all your time with the people you love while you are fit enough to.