Hi, I'm Karen, a colorectal cancer survivor.
I underwent a total proctectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy after being diagnosed with stage 3 cancer when blood was found in my stool.
Despite the challenges, I remained hopeful and prioritized maintaining close connections with my family. I am now free of cancer and no longer taking medication.
There was blood in my stool. Due to this alarming incident, I went for a health check-up at the hospital, which confirmed the discovery of stage 3 colorectal cancer. I did not experience any other symptoms.
When I first heard the news, I was frightened. I felt helpless, and overwhelmed.
One of the first things I did after my diagnosis was cut out alcohol entirely. Before my diagnosis, I used to have a couple of drinks now and then, but not anymore.
I also started exercising more too.
My oncologist guided me through the big decisions I had to make regarding my treatment plan.
The initial recommendations were:
Surgical options:
- Total Proctectomy
Non-surgical treatment:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
I proceeded with only chemotherapy and radiation therapy at first.
When the pain from these treatments became unbearable, I decided to undergo the total proctectomy surgery. The decision to eventually take on the surgery was made after I did my own research.
Throughout this journey, I sought a second opinion to explore all possible options. Every time I made a big decision regarding my treatment plan, I felt hopeful and motivated about the steps I would have to take.
As of now, I have completed treatment and no longer require medication.
As I started with my treatment, I encountered unbearable side effects. The diarrhea and fatigue were relentless. I had to persevere through peripheral neuropathy as well.
Despite the challenges I was facing, I made sure to keep in touch with my parents regularly. Before my diagnosis, I would text or call my parents often, and that didn't change. Even after discovering I had cancer, I kept up with our communication.
My biggest dream is to live a happy and healthy life.
My plan with my loved ones is to travel together more, just go out more and live life to the fullest.
Throughout my journey to recovery, my biggest fear was the uncertainty of it all. It was the whole process of diagnosis and treatment and not knowing if I was going to die that terrified me. Then the complete unfamiliarity of hospitals and how they worked.
The fear eased when I realised they were there to help me.
As I reflect on everything I've been through, I feel optimistic. I'm confident, courageous and hopeful for the future. Most of all, I feel thankful.
Don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion. Being told that you only have one life changing operation by one doctor and then exploring a different route with a professor of oncology, giving you 3 different options, was a game changer for me.
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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