Hi, I’m Ted, a survivor of stage 2 colorectal cancer from the USA. It was discovered by routine colonoscopy when I was 59.
I went for a routine colonoscopy since I was 59. The doctor found an ulcer in my colon and the biopsy came back positive for cancer.
My Emotions
- Frightened, helpless, nervous, overwhelmed and worried
- Confused and perplexed
I ate healthier most days, and also cut down on my smoking and drinking. I went from 4 drinks a week to 1 after being diagnosed.
My doctors initially recommended partial colectomy.
Afterwards, the surgeon thought the tumor was poorly differentiated and required chemotherapy.
The final decision for treatment, based on my doctor’s suggestions and my own research, was to do the
- partial colectomy
- chemo
After this, I felt a bit more hopeful and happy but still a little anxious.
Thankfully, after everything I’m now in remission.
In terms of side effects, the ones that affected me the most were:
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
To manage them, I relied on more exercise and eating better.
I tried my best to continue committing to eating better, exercising more and cutting down on alcohol.
Before I knew I had cancer
- Called/texted my parents 2 times a week
- Visited my parents 1 times a week
After knowing I had cancer
- Called/texted my parents 6 times a week
- Visited my parents 3 times a week
My biggest aspiration is to live a long and healthy life with my wife who is also a breast cancer survivor. She’s motivated me to stay positive throughout my cancer journey and make better health decisions. Beyond that, I also want to spend more time with her, and my elderly parents.
I’m hoping for career progression for the next couple of years.
My biggest fear is the cancer spreading to other organs, especially since mine was poorly differentiated. I tried to stay positive, ask for advice from my wife, and talk to my doctors more frequently.
Now, I feel optimistic, hopeful, and a bit more neutral about everything.
To others, I would say: “Learn as much as you can about your cancer and do everything in your power to fight the disease.”
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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