I’m Steven, and after experiencing many different symptoms, I was eventually diagnosed with stage 2 colorectal cancer.

My family and I have moved to New York in order for me to receive treatment.

I was suffering from very bad stomach cramps. I couldn’t eat and kept vomiting, and also suffered weight loss. I got a second opinion because I wanted to consult a more experienced doctor and confirm my diagnosis.

I changed a lot of my habits after knowing I had cancer. I cut down alcohol and smoking, and tried to exercise more and eat more healthily.

I’m currently undergoing treatment, and my doctor originally recommended me the following treatment plan:

• Surgery: Total Colectomy (Removal of entire colon)
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy

After doing my own research and considering my doctor’s advice, I decided to opt out of radiation therapy. I’m now undergoing chemo, and I also take traditional Chinese medicine and nutritional supplements.

I felt anxious and scared after deciding on my treatment plan. I’m not sure if my insurance will cover the cost of immunotherapy, and I’m worried about paying out of pocket.

Because of the treatment, I had diarrhea, and often felt fatigued. My weight also fluctuated. Together with improving my nutrition, I was also prescribed medication to help cope with these side effects.

Since beginning treatment, I’ve made even more effort to live a healthy lifestyle. I cut down on alcoholic drinks even more, and now I have just one drink a week. I smoke less, and also put more effort into eating healthily every day.

As for my family, I try to spend time with my children more often and go on more family trips.

I’m hoping to travel back home to China to visit family within the next two years. I’d also like to start a shop or small restaurant in Chinatown to support my family and myself.

My family and I moved here because the treatment center here is better, but the cost of living in New York is expensive. I’m hoping that a shop can help to cut medical costs. I want to send my son and daughter to college, and make sure my wife has enough money if I go.

I fear dying, because I want to achieve my dream of opening a shop and I don’t want to leave my family alone. I don't know if my wife will take care of herself if I'm gone. My kids need money to go to college too.

The way to cope with this fear is to spend more time with my family. I also talk a lot more with my son, which I never did before I had cancer. Going to church and praying with my wife also helps. We found some friends in church who are going through cancer too.

I don’t feel as angry, fearful or sad as when I was first diagnosed. I’m just neutral now.

Your cancer journey may not always be smooth. I still feel a little lost today, but follow your doctor's recommendations. Ask for a second opinion if you feel you need it. Make sure to check on your loved ones too.