Hi, my name is Shauna and I am a teacher. I was diagnosed with stage 2 colorectal cancer when I was 45.
I am still on immunotherapy now, but this is my journey so far.
My journey with colorectal cancer started when I started to have bloody stools, diarrhea, and weight loss. Concerned, I consulted a doctor and eventually, I was diagnosed with stage 2 colorectal cancer.
Fear. That’s the main emotion I felt when I heard my diagnosis. I was frightened and overwhelmed. It caused me a lot of nervousness and worry.
When I got my diagnosis, I drastically changed my nutrition and started eating a healthier diet every single day.
Initially, my doctor recommended these treatments:
- Total colectomy (removal of entire colon)
- Chemo
- Radiation therapy
However, after doing my own research and discussing with my doctor, I opted for these treatments instead:
- Total colectomy (removal of entire colon)
- Chemo
- Immunotherapy
Currently, I am receiving immunotherapy.
Deciding on my treatment plan didn’t make me feel better to be honest. I was really anxious and scared. I felt somewhat angry and discouraged.
Diarrhea, fatigue, nausea and vomiting were the worst side effects for me. I tried to manage them by improving my nutrition and of course, taking the medication prescribed to me.
I kept the changes I made in my diet and nutrition through my treatment and ate healthier 7 days a week.
In the next 2 years, I was thinking of going on holiday with my husband. Personally, I'm excited to go back to teaching once treatment ends. My biggest dream is to continue teaching because I love my kids in school. Thinking about them and going back to work kept me motivated and focused. I also aspire to travel the world with my husband, have kids of our own.
Throughout my journey so far, I am most afraid of recurrence and dying.
Going for therapy and counseling with my husband, seeking support from nurses and chemo buddies have helped me to cope with these fears.
To this day, I am still fearful. Nothing has changed.
It’s not going to be easy but stay focused on treatment and be strong for your loved ones.
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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