Hi, I'm Mary, a survivor who had stage 3 colorectal cancer.

My journey with colorectal cancer began when a routine scan and colonoscopy found a large tumor and lymph node spread. After facing treatments such as partial colectomy and chemotherapy, I now embrace permanent lifestyle changes post-treatment.

I didn't observe any symptoms prior, but then, after a bi-annual bowel scan test, a minute trace of blood was found in one of the samples.

I took the letter to my general practitioner (GP), who promptly referred me to a gastroenterologist. A colonoscopy was done, where I was diagnosed with a large tumor. Pathology results later showed it had spread to my lymph nodes.

After the diagnosis, I made some lifestyle changes, starting with what I put into my body. I embraced healthier choices every single day and cut down on my alcohol intake, going from one drink before my diagnosis to none at all now.

My doctor initially recommended a partial colectomy, chemotherapy, and pain medication. I was also prescribed dexamethasone. I decided to go through with the partial colectomy and chemotherapy as my treatment plan.

During the course of chemotherapy, my doctor changed my 12 rounds of FOLFOX6 (a chemotherapeutic drug combination) to 8 due to my extreme tiredness. She wanted to stop at the 7th but I talked her into doing one more for good luck! I did feel more anxious after this change in my treatment plan.

I did experience some side effects, namely fatigue, peripheral neuropathy and weight fluctuations, but didn't do anything specific to manage them.

After starting treatment, I made a conscious effort to eat a healthier diet all seven days of the week on top of managing my alcohol intake.

Generally, I plan to do things I enjoy as often as I can and spend time with my grandchildren as much as I can. I want them to have good memories of me.

My plan is to stay as healthy as I can and spend my time doing enjoyable activities.

I no longer worry about the things I cannot change, and I forgive people who have made parts of my life difficult. I don’t want to die with any regrets.

I don’t talk about my cancer journey to my loved ones to worry them. I want them to remember me as being positive, living and always ready to help where I can. My husband has heart failure, and I don’t want to burden him with my worries. I want us to have whatever time we have together to be as good as it can be.

Our son got engaged just before I was diagnosed.My biggest fear was not being able to attend his wedding. Not only did I attend the wedding, I was also there for the birth of his baby boy, our 13th grandchild.

I still have a fear of more tumors showing up in my 6-monthly scans. I just pray for the strength to deal with that news, when it comes.

Today, as I reflect on my journey, a myriad of emotions course through me. Initially, I was optimistic, but now I feel fearful, overwhelmed and helpless. Within the span of 12 months, I was diagnosed with a tumor in my liver. In the three weeks between scans and further tests to when I went for an operation, the doctors found another tumor as well.

I have always had a positive outlook on life, which I think helps during the journey. I try to remember there is always someone worse off than you. I aspire always to be grateful for my life, even when I am going through a shitty patch for a time. I found that I felt worse about things if I dwelt on the negative.