I first discovered that I had stage 1 colon adenocarcinoma through a bowel screening program.

I was surprised and sad when I learnt about my cancer as I am a very healthy person. There isn't any history of cancer in my family and I had no symptoms. 3 of my workmates had died of cancer in the past 3 years so I was very sad and fearful.

After considering my options, I decided to follow my doctor’s recommendation and opted for partial colectomy (removal of a part of the colon). My treatment costs were also covered by Ireland’s BowelScreen programme, a national colorectal cancer screening programme to help detect and treat colorectal cancer.

I was optimistic about it. It happened so quickly within 4 weeks of my diagnosis so I didn't have time to think. I just wanted it gone. I only had robotic surgery and didn’t have any other treatments. Thank God I didn’t have to undergo chemotherapy. Fortunately, post-surgery, I was declared cancer-free. I was lucky I didn’t have any major issues.

I experienced diarrhea and lymphedema because of my treatment.

I am going to visit my son in Australia at the end of this year.

I continued working until I had surgery and I took 4 months off afterwards.

I am currently only working 3 days out of my original 5 days. While out sick for 4 months, I was on social welfare so I have reduced earnings which can be tough at times. Because of this, I plan on returning to full-time hours after my review in June.

As someone who has overcome cancer, I am experiencing firsthand the challenges that follow. I am struggling with the emotional or psychological impact of having had cancer, financial or employment challenges, fear of recurrence and having to cope with a "new normal" or lifestyle changes. To manage this, I try to keep as active as possible. I also used to attend reflexology at the beginning every week but now I only go once a month.

Ever since I was diagnosed with cancer, I’ve had fears of the cancer returning (recurrence), not surviving or dying and not being able to continue with normal life or activities. I try to manage these fears by speaking to a therapist or counselor, engaging in mindfulness or relaxation techniques, focusing on physical recovery and staying active, educating myself about the cancer and treatment process and focusing on positive thinking or gratitude.

I still feel fearful but I am more optimistic now. I have routine tests planned for the next 5 years and my first appointment is on the 19^th of June. However, I am fearful that the cancer might come back in another part of my body even though I am back at work and I feel great now.

Try to be positive and live life if you can. The services and support are there if you need them. The care I received from the doctors at the hospital and all the nurses and staff was excellent and hopefully your experience will be the same. Try to stay positive and take all the support you are offered.