I'm Paul, a father and a cancer survivor.

I received treatment after being diagnosed with stage 1 colorectal cancer because of alarming symptoms. Under my doctor's guidance, I underwent a partial colectomy and chemotherapy, and chose to skip radiation therapy when advised. Despite the side effects and financial strain, I emerged victorious. My focus nowadays is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. My journey taught me to not dwell on the negatives.

I began experiencing some strange symptoms some time ago. I found mucus and blood in my stool, and one day at work, I vomited blood. That's when I decided to head to a hospital and my doctor diagnosed me with stage 1 colorectal cancer.

I had to cut down on the alcohol big time. Changing my diet wasn’t easy, but I did it. Started eating healthier more frequently too. I couldn’t maintain the new healthy diet every single day because hey, gotta treat yourself sometimes, right?

When it came to fighting cancer, I went all in. I completed my treatment, so no more medication for me. My oncologist suggested several options: a partial colectomy surgery to remove a part of my colon, plus chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Before I committed to any plans, I did my homework. Spoke to friends, scoured the internet for info. My doctor’s insights were still the most influential for me.

Once the treatment plans were set, I was anxious and discouraged. I felt angry at the uphill battle I had to face. But deep down, there was a glimmer of hope that this treatment would work, and that I’d come out stronger from these trials.

After initial treatment, my doctor said that I did not require radiation therapy after chemo because most of the cancer cells have been destroyed. I gladly listened to him and we left it out of my treatment plan. Besides the medical care I received, I chose to take nutritional supplements as well.

The treatment, even though necessary, did not leave me unscathed. Hair loss; appetite gone; my weight fluctuated a lot too. I relied on better nutrition and a bit of self-medication to ease the discomfort that the side effects brought. It helped, but it was still tough.

And then there were the financial woes. Medical bills stacked up and I don't have enough in my Medisave to cover it all. But what choice did I have? As they say, health comes first.

But, here I am now. Treatment done, cancer beaten. It wasn’t easy, but I made it through.

After the treatment, I knew I had to make some permanent changes to my lifestyle. It wasn’t just about beating cancer; it was about staying healthy for the long haul. Seven days a week, I made sure to eat healthier.

Family time became a bigger priority and I spent more time with my children since I was diagnosed with cancer. We’re going to visit my wife's family in Muar in the near future.

As for my dreams and aspirations, they’re pretty simple. I just want to live my life with no cancer hanging over me.

I want to spend more time with my children and see my grandchildren grow up.

Throughout this whole journey, my biggest fear was always the same: dying.

Some time has passed since I was diagnosed with cancer. Right now I feel neutral about it. It’s not exactly happiness, but it’s not despair either.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from all of this, it’s this: don’t focus too much on the bad things.