Hi, I’m Kenneth. I’m a Colorectal Cancer Warrior and this is my story.

A couple of years ago, I experienced sudden weight loss that caused me alarm.

I sensed that something was amiss and went for a medical check-up. To my shock, the doctor confirmed that I have Stage 3 colorectal cancer.

As of late 2023, it has been 2 years since my diagnosis. I am currently undergoing treatment.

I am now navigating life with cancer.

My symptoms

The sudden weight loss I experienced was suspicious enough for me to seek online explanations for it. I initially brushed it off, but when I noticed blood in my stool, I knew I couldn't put off a visit to the doctor any longer.

I wasn't satisfied with the doctor's explanation at my first visit to the hospital, so I sought a second opinion from another doctor.

After several tests and a few worrisome days, he then delivered the bad news to me: I have Stage 3 colorectal cancer.

I adjusted some of my habits as I prepared for treatment

I decreased my smoking frequency. I spent more time exercising instead, to build up strength for treatment. My priority now is improving my health as much as I can.

After careful consideration and consultation with my oncologist, we decided on the

However, I experienced unbearable side effects from the procedures. I consulted with healthcare professionals and trusted acquaintances for advice.

This led to

Throughout my treatment journey, I was actively involved in deciding my treatment plans with my main oncologist.

I asked for Pain Medication to manage my pain and had open discussions with the doctor about changing treatment options.

In addition to conventional medical care, I relied on nutritional supplements such as Ayurvedic.

I experienced several side effects from my treatment journey. I feel fatigued after every treatment procedure. I experienced diarrhea as a result of the Partial Colectomy.

I suffered an infection from the stoma created as well.

To manage these side effects, I asked my doctor to prescribe pain medication.

Since having discomfort after surgery, I became mindful of the food I consume to avoid causing irritation on my bowels.

Life changed in more ways than one since being diagnosed with cancer.

The frequency of family gatherings increased as my children keep me company throughout my treatment journey. During periods where I don't feel terribly exhausted, my family and I plan for getaways together. Having plans with my loved ones helped ease my loneliness.

In fact, we intend to go to Genting Amusement Park for holidays early next year!

Being a cancer patient is difficult and the treatment process is challenging, but amidst the bad days, I still get to enjoy quality time with my family and friends and form closer bonds with my loved ones.

I dream of living a long life, where I get to see my grandchildren grow up.

I want to be a figure of strength and resilience, especially since my family has been continuously motivating me to endure the pain and keep moving forward.

Nowadays I fully dedicate myself to recovery while living life as normally as I can.

My biggest fear are the treatment side effects.

I had experienced painful side-effects previously and I am terrified to go through that kind of pain again.

I am also worried that despite all of the discomfort, whether the chemotherapy and radiation therapy are sufficient to properly kill the cancer cells.

It has been almost 3 years since my diagnosis.

I went from feeling lonely and terrified, to feeling mostly neutral about my cancer diagnosis.

I have also lost a good friend to cancer and that had been a devastating and scary time for me.

I try to overcome my fear by regularly confiding in my wife and children. I relay my anxious thoughts about painful treatment side effects to my doctor and seek advice on pain tolerance.

Your mental strength can develop by practicing more positive thinking. Don't shy away from leaning on your loved ones for emotional support.

Navigating life with cancer requires strength, both physically and mentally. There are things you can control within your means, such as eating healthily and giving your body the nutrition it needs to endure the pain that comes with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.