My name is Roslan. After losing my wife to cancer, I too, journeyed with cancer.

Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kits were issued by my company. After the test came back positive, I was referred for a colonoscopy, and results showed that I had stage 3 colorectal cancer.

My original treatment plan involved a partial colectomy and chemotherapy, but after lymph node spread was discovered, I opted for a total colectomy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy instead.

Colorectal cancer entered my life unexpectedly, discovered through a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kit provided by my company. After a positive result, I was referred for a colonoscopy, which revealed the presence of stage 3 colorectal cancer.

After receiving my diagnosis, I made significant changes to my lifestyle, particularly focusing on my nutrition and diet and smoking habits. I adopted a healthier diet and took steps to cut down on smoking.

When I began my treatment journey, the recommended plan was surgery — a partial colectomy as well as chemotherapy.

However, due to the cancer spreading to a lymph node, my treatment plan needed adjustment. Doctors recommended I undergo a total colectomy instead, along with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

After doing my own research, I agreed and we proceeded with this plan. I also took nutritional supplements. To be honest, making these changes to my treatment plan did make me feel more anxious and scared.

Throughout my treatment, I experienced side effects that significantly impacted my daily life. Fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and peripheral neuropathy were among the most challenging. Managing these symptoms required a combination of strategies, including improved nutrition and prescribed medication.

Moreover, I faced financial difficulties due to inadequate insurance coverage.

Since beginning my treatment journey, I've made some permanent changes to my lifestyle. One significant change is in my diet — I now strive to maintain a healthier diet every day. Moreover, I've successfully cut down on smoking.

Looking ahead to the next two years, I have plans to visit Malaysia with my family for a reunion with relatives. Thankfully, my relationship with my two kids has improved after finding out about my cancer diagnosis. As for myself, I don't have any specific plans beyond continuing my work.

Throughout my cancer journey, my biggest dream and aspiration has always been to spend more time with my daughters and grandchildren, if God wills me to.

My biggest fear throughout my journey to recovery was the cancer coming back and affecting other parts of my body. I've already had my whole colon removed, and sometimes I feel very weak. Plus, chemotherapy can be quite painful. I do take medication whenever I’m feeling any pain. But above all, I pray to God to keep me healthy.

Thinking about my cancer journey now that I’m a survivor, I feel rather neutral about it all.

Cancer is undeniably difficult, and treatment methods like surgery and chemotherapy can be painful. Remember to eat healthily and be careful if you want to have a smooth and quick recovery.