Back in 2021, I had trouble speaking, my voice was very hoarse. Even short walks made me breathless easily. I went to see the doctor, and they referred me to the hospital.

They found a mass in my left lung and the cancer had reached the nearby lymph nodes. The doctor told me the bad news after a bronchoscopy and biopsy results confirmed that it was stage 3B lung cancer, specifically non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Post-diagnosis, I made some lifestyle adjustments. So, I focused on improving my nutrition by eating a healthier diet most days of the week. I also cut back on smoking, and exercised less frequently.

My oncologist recommended chemo, radiation therapy and immunotherapy, which I proceeded with as I trusted my doctor’s expertise. I have to admit that after deciding on this treatment plan, I felt very anxious and scared. I am now on immunotherapeutics.

I stopped treatment a few times. I gave up. I ended up returning to continue when my husband convinced me to continue.

Apart from fatigue as a side effect, after radiation therapy, I suffered from pneumonitis, which is inflamed lung tissue. The doctors gave me corticosteroids to help with this. The radiation caused slight burns too, and I needed skin cream. I also needed speech therapy to help with my hoarse voice.

On top of the discomfort brought about by these side effects, I struggled financially. I had insurance but it didn’t cover the immunotherapy. I needed to sell some of my assets to cover the cost of treatment.

I needed a speech therapist to help recover my voice. I’m not able to exercise much as well. I’m constantly tired even after chemo had ended. I don’t know how long it’ll take to recover. I lost a lot of hair during chemo and it has started to grow but it has made me more self-conscious as well.

I used to spend more time with my 2 children but it has become more difficult and tiring ever since my diagnosis. I want to spend more time with my kids in the future. As for myself, I plan to finish my treatment. I had stopped halfway a couple of times in the past. The symptoms of chemo took a huge toll on me. I hoped to complete my treatment plan and make a recovery.

Personally, I don’t have any dreams that have helped me in this journey. I simply wish to no longer have cancer. My kids understand and have been sensitive to my situation, but I feel like I’ve forgotten how to be a mother to them. I want to recover and spend more time with them.

I feared that I would no longer be able to live the way I’ve been living in the past. To cope with this fear, I tried to plan my day so I can get things done while I still have energy throughout the day.

My life has changed since my diagnosis but doing small things around the house helps me feel a little bit like how it used to be before I fell sick.

Emotionally I feel more withdrawn now. I used to be more outgoing. I seldom socialize nowadays. I often get depressed and seldom leave the house. It’s hard to be cheerful with everything that’s going on.

Take the time to recover. Embrace the change.