In December 2022, I was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer after symptoms like difficulty breathing, coughing, and even coughing up blood led me to seek medical attention. Fear, nervousness, and worry were the immediate emotions I grappled with.

I opted for a full pneumonectomy along with chemo and radiation. Currently undergoing chemo, I manage the harsh side effects of fatigue, diarrhea, and hair loss through improved nutrition and prescribed medication.

My journey with cancer began in December 2022. I began having trouble breathing and coughing a lot, even coughing up blood sometimes, and these symptoms were concerning enough for me to seek medical help. The next thing I knew, I was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer.

I knew I had to make some lifestyle adjustments post-diagnosis. Namely, one change I could make right away was cutting down on my smoking habits.

I stayed with the treatment plan that my doctor and healthcare team recommended. They suggested a surgical procedure called a lobectomy to remove a lobe of my lung, along with chemo and radiation. In the end, though, I decided to go for a full pneumonectomy — removing the whole lung, alongside chemotherapy and radiation. It was a tough decision, but I trusted the doctor’s advice. As of now, I’m receiving chemo at the hospital. After I decided, I felt a mix of emotions – mostly scared and a little anxious and discouraged.

The side effects were rough — diarrhea, fatigue, and hair loss hit me the hardest. They took a toll on both my body and my mind. I tried to manage them by eating better and taking prescribed medications.

Since starting treatment, I've made some permanent changes to my lifestyle. I'm eating healthier now, and I've cut back on smoking even more. It's important to me to do everything I can to stay healthy.

Another aspect of my life that’s changed since my cancer diagnosis pertains to my personal relationships. Unfortunately, I don’t visit my parents as much as I used to before learning that I had cancer. My daughter and I also don’t go on family trips as often anymore.

My plans for the near future mostly revolve around my daughter, who’s my priority now as I’m widowed. I hope that I can recover from cancer as soon as possible, and focus on marrying my daughter into a good family.

Recovering from cancer is what I yearn for the most now. My daughter has been my greatest strength and support, and I hope to live a healthy and blissful life with my loved ones.

The hardest part, though, is the fear of leaving my daughter alone, without anyone to take care of her. I’m trying to be strong in overcoming this fear.

Even though it’s been more than a year since I learned that I had cancer, the fear, nervousness and worry that I faced at diagnosis still linger. Unfortunately, time does not change some things.

My advice to anyone else facing cancer is this: it is scary. But it’s important to be strong for your loved ones.