Hi, I'm Abdul. I'm married with 3 children, and this is my stomach cancer story.

After brushing off the stomach pain that I was experiencing for years, I finally sought medical help at the hospital after being barely able to stand one day. That was when I was diagnosed with stage 3 stomach (gastric) cancer.

My treatment plan included surgery and chemotherapy. However, I've since stopped receiving further treatment because I feel cancer is too advanced.

I was suffering from stomach pain for years, but I always attributed it to fatigue from work and brushed it off.

One day, the pain became so severe that I could barely stand. My wife insisted we seek medical attention at the hospital. I was then diagnosed with stage 3 gastric cancer.

While many individuals diagnosed with cancer opt to make certain changes in their lives, I, on the other hand, continued my usual routine without making any adjustments to my lifestyle.

Surgery Plan:

• Partial Gastrectomy - Removal of a part of stomach

Non-surgical Treatment:

• Chemotherapy

Following my doctors' recommendations, I underwent a partial gastrectomy and chemotherapy as part of my treatment plan. Although I initially adhered to these recommendations, I eventually made the decision to stop receiving further treatment. I felt that the cancer was too advanced and additional treatment would not help.

Undergoing treatment for gastric cancer brought about numerous side effects. For instance, I was always feeling fatigued, I lost my appetite and my hair was falling out. Despite these challenges, I didn't do anything to manage these side effects.

Since my last cancer treatment, I haven't made any lifestyle adjustments.

However, there have been notable shifts in my relationships with my loved ones. While I've been in more frequent contact with my parents, I'm not able to visit them as often. In terms of my relationship with my wife, we're no longer intimate with each other since finding out I have cancer.

Conversely, my relationship with my children has strengthened in the face of my cancer diagnosis. We now spend more time together, hanging out and going for family trips more often throughout the year. Looking ahead for the next 2 years, my plans include going for more roadtrips with my kids, and indulging in sports that I love like hockey and golf.

My greatest aspirations are to be able to provide for my family and give them the life they deserve. Witnessing my 3 daughters walk down the aisle and lead fulfilling lives remains a cherished dream of mine. Additionally, I yearn to travel the world again with my beloved wife, just like we used to in our younger years.

I think my biggest fears would be the cancer becoming worse and potentially limiting the time that I have left with my family. In order to confront these fears, I try to be strong and make a concerted effort to engage in open conversations with my loved ones while we create lasting memories together.

It's been quite some time since I was first diagnosed with gastric cancer. While initially overwhelmed by a myriad of emotions, I've since found myself feeling rather neutral towards my condition.

Life is precious, and it's important to forgive those who may have hurt you in order to attain peace of mind.

Don't hesitate to ask your family to accompany you regularly to your appointments; their presence can provide much-needed comfort and support during these times.