My name is Roy. Let me tell you about my experience with colorectal cancer.
I was diagnosed with stage 2 disease after suffering from abdominal pain and discovering a suspicious growth during a routine colonoscopy.
I proceeded with my treatment plan comprising a partial colectomy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy after considering my doctor’s recommendations and doing my own research.
My journey with colorectal cancer began with the discovery of a suspicious growth during a routine colonoscopy. Prior to this, I had been suffering from abdominal pain that did not subside. Subsequently, doctors informed me that I had stage 2 colorectal cancer.
Receiving the diagnosis left me feeling a mix of emotions, from anger to sadness.
The news made me feel numb, resentful, and skeptical, while also evoking feelings of grief and powerlessness as I remembered how I lost my uncle to cancer too.
Following the diagnosis, I made significant changes to my lifestyle, specifically regarding my nutrition and diet. I committed to eating a healthier diet every day of the week, aiming to support my overall health and well-being. Additionally, I became more cautious and mindful of who I interacted with because I was scared of contracting any infections.
My treatment journey began with the recommended plan of surgery — partial colectomy, along with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. I placed my trust in my doctor’s recommendations after doing my research, and proceeded with this comprehensive treatment regimen, though not without a little anxiety. I also took traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and nutritional supplements as forms of alternative treatment.
While undergoing treatment, I encountered various side effects that posed significant challenges. Among the most impactful were diarrhea, fatigue, and peripheral neuropathy. Coping with these symptoms necessitated improving my nutrition and taking prescribed medication.
Additionally, facing financial burdens due to out-of-pocket expenses at a private clinic added an extra layer of stress to my journey.
Since starting my treatment, I've adopted some lasting changes to my lifestyle. I’ve been dedicated to eating a healthier diet and exercising more often, striving to stay active and healthy.
Another aspect of my life that’s changed is my relationship with my children, which has gotten better since my cancer diagnosis. We hang out together and go on family trips more frequently now.
Within the next two years, I have plans to indulge in some quality family time. My family and I are excited about a trip to Penang, where we can create cherished memories together. As for myself, I simply want to relish retirement and make the most of each day.
While I don't have grand dreams, my biggest aspiration is to maintain good health and enjoy my time with family and friends. This includes spending more quality time with my grandchildren too.
My biggest fear throughout my journey to recovery was not really the fear of dying, but rather being scared that the cancer would come back. The pain I went through during chemotherapy and radiation was pretty bad. I’m worried that if the cancer were to return, I would likely need to go through that same pain again. Now I’m trying to eat healthier and be more physically active so that the chances of the cancer coming back are lower.
Some time has passed since I was first diagnosed with cancer. In contrast to my initial feelings of anger and sadness, I feel rather neutral now.
To those who are currently on their own cancer journey, it will be a long fight, so take care of your mental and physical health. Family is very important; you must ask for support and help if you need it.
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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