My name is Lina, and this is my journey with colorectal cancer.
It all started with symptoms like stomach cramps and vomiting blood, which led to a stage 2 diagnosis. My older brother had succumbed to cancer too. The news left me fearful, but I adjusted my lifestyle to focus on improving my nutrition.
Alongside a treatment plan involving surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, I also explored alternative therapies.
My journey with colorectal cancer began when I started experiencing some concerning symptoms. More specifically, I was suffering from persistent stomach cramps and I was vomiting blood. Seeking medical attention led to my diagnosis of stage 2 colorectal cancer.
The news of my diagnosis elicited a myriad of emotions. I admit I felt overwhelmingly fearful and sad, with the weight of the news leaving me nervous and worried with a sense of powerlessness and disappointment.
In response to my diagnosis, I changed some of my lifestyle habits, particularly in the realm of nutrition and diet. I adopted a healthier eating regime and adhered to it every day of the week.
My doctors outlined a comprehensive treatment plan, encompassing
Trusting in their recommendations and having done my own research on treatment options, I decided to proceed with this treatment plan.
To be completely frank, making those treatment-related decisions and finalizing my plan gave me anxiety and made me feel a little scared.
I also explored alternative treatments, including nutritional supplements to complement conventional approaches.
Hair loss and fatigue were two of the most prominent side effects I experienced over the course of my treatment. Thankfully, a combination of improved nutrition and prescribed medication helped to alleviate their impact on my health.
Apart from these side effects, I also experienced financial difficulties as a result of treatment. More specifically, Medisave didn’t cover some of the medical costs.
Since treatment began, I’ve continued the habit of consuming a healthier diet without compromise, every day of the week.
Apart from my lifestyle, other aspects of my life have changed since my cancer diagnosis, particularly my connection with my kid. Our relationship has strengthened over the course of my cancer journey, as we spend more time together as a family.
We’ll be going on a trip to attend a relative’s wedding in Malaysia soon and I’m looking forward to it.
Since I was diagnosed with cancer, my aspirations are simple: I just want myself to be healthy and for my loved ones, like family and friends, to be healthy too.
The fear that I struggled with the most since beginning my cancer journey was the fear of relapse. I worry that if the cancer does come back, the disease could be worse than before. All I do to alleviate this fear is praying to God that I will be okay, and asking my family and friends to join me in praying for my well-being.
Some years have passed since I first received my cancer diagnosis. Now that I’m cancer-free, I feel rather neutral about my illness.
My advice to others on their own cancer journey? Don't give up. Remember, you are not alone in this.
This patient's story is published and shared with their full consent. Any personal data that can be used to identify the patient has been omitted.
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