Hello, my name is Harrison. I'm a married man with 2 children, and I lost my daughter to cancer.

In 2018, after suffering from persistent stomach discomfort and nausea among other symptoms, my general practitioner (GP) referred me to a gastroenterologist. Many tests and biopsies later, my doctors notified me that I had stage 3 stomach (gastric) cancer.

I've since completed cancer treatment and am now in remission.

Back in 2018, I would have persistent stomach discomfort following meals, along with occasional nausea and a tendency to feel full easily. In fact, I ended up shedding about 10 pounds unintentionally. I initially attributed these symptoms to stress and thought it could be because of my diet.

Eventually I consulted my GP regarding these issues, and was subsequently referred to a gastroenterologist. Within a span of two weeks, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Doctors found lesions in my stomach, from which biopsies were taken. One week later, the results confirmed a diagnosis of gastric adenocarcinoma, with computed tomography (CT) scans revealing local spread of the disease.

After seeking a second opinion from a more experienced doctor, the final diagnosis was Stage 3b gastric cancer.

After being diagnosed with gastric cancer, my lifestyle changed. For instance, I exercised half as much as I used to and instead took long walks with my wife to maintain my health.

I also had to make adjustments to my diet following surgery. Apart from eating healthier, I opted for smaller and more frequent meals. This is because I kept getting heartburn and acid reflux after eating too much, and there were a few times I vomited too.

Besides these lifestyle adjustments, my doctor recommended that I go for counseling, and through those counseling sessions I found support. My wife was a huge help too as she accompanied me to all my medical appointments. My children live too far away and weren't able to visit regularly, but they still consistently called to check on me.

Surgery Plan:

• Partial Gastrectomy - Removal of a part of stomach

Non-surgical Treatment:

• Chemotherapy
• Pain medication
• Other medications - H2 blockers, Vitamins B12 and D

My doctor recommended these treatment options as part of my treatment plan. I followed through with his recommendations, and honestly felt scared but motivated after deciding on my treatment plan.

Right now, I'm taking the pain medication, H2 blockers, and vitamins B12 and D.

Over the course of my journey with cancer, I've experienced a wide range of side effects, such as

• losing my appetite
• feeling fatigued

I also suffered from

• abdominal cramping
• nausea and vomiting

On top of that, I had vitamin, calcium and iron deficiencies. My doctors helped me manage these side effects by prescribing me medication for the nutrient deficiencies.

Undergoing treatment for gastric cancer meant making some lifestyle adjustments. I changed my eating habits and opted for smaller, more frequent meals. I also get tired easily, so I take breaks more regularly.

Since being diagnosed with cancer, my relationships with my loved ones have certainly changed. My sexual relationship with my partner took a dip, as we stopped being intimate with each other after finding out I had cancer. With regards to my relationship with my children, while we haven't gone on any family trips since my diagnosis, we do spend more time together every week.

I've made various plans for the next 2 years, such as dedicating more time to practicing yoga and trying to share my story within local communities to help others facing similar challenges. I'm also making an effort to learn Chinese in order to communicate better with my son's husband. Furthermore, because my wife wants to travel more, I'm eager to accompany her if I can.

Throughout my journey with cancer, my primary desire was simply to spend more quality time with my family. My greatest fear is the possibility of my wife being left alone. As my children have grown up and seldom visit, I hope that I get to see my grandchildren before my time passes.

I would say that I worry about my wife ending up alone when I'm gone, since my children are adults now and they live too far away to visit frequently.

It's been more than a few years since I first received my cancer diagnosis, but I still feel fearful, frightened and helpless now.

I may be in remission, but I know that the cancer can come back. It feels like I'm just waiting to die.

Whatever happens, it's important to face it head on. It may be daunting and intimidating, but life happens.

We cannot simply give up and leave the ones we love without even trying or making an effort.