I have a family history and experienced some symptoms, including:

• Blood in my stool
• Frequent constipation
• Feeling that the bowels do not empty all the way
• Constant abdominal pain/aches
• Unexplained weight loss
• Tiredness/fatigue

That’s what led to my diagnosis of colorectal cancer, specifically colon adenocarcinoma.

Finding out I had cancer, it took me by surprise. I was only 34 and I had a young son. I assumed this was a death sentence and I was very scared.

Based on my doctor’s recommendation and having done my own research, I opted for a partial colectomy (removal of a part of the colon), lymphadenectomy (removal of lymph nodes), chemotherapy, immunotherapy and pain medication. After deciding on this treatment plan, I felt rather fearful as I heard chemotherapy was difficult and I was scared of the experience. But I wanted to try anything that could be helpful. In terms of the costs of treatment, I am covered by insurance.

I started in 2021 with FOLFOX (folinic acid, fluorouracil and oxaliplatin) and Vectibix. I did that for a year. I also had a temporary ileostomy. After a year I was able to get the ileostomy reversed and had a partial colon resection. I’ve continued with FOLFOX but now only use Vectibix as needed when my CEA levels go up. I’m stage 4 and supposedly on chemo for life, so we are continuing on FOLFOX until we need to explore other options.

Because of chemotherapy, I suffered from peripheral neuropathy. I lost sensation in both hands and feet and had to relearn how to do things without actually feeling what I’m doing. On top of that, I struggled with fatigue and diarrhea. To manage these side effects, I exercised more and improved my nutritional intake.

The biggest lifestyle change I made after treatment had to do with my nutrition and diet. I started taking nutrition more seriously because this type of cancer is very affected by what you eat.

To be honest, I haven’t made any arrangements or considerations for end-of-life care yet. I’m hopeful that I have lots of time.

I was too sick to continue working after my cancer diagnosis.

Over the course of living with cancer, I’ve had difficulties in various aspects of my personal life such as:

• Social life and relationships with loved ones
• Day-to-day life
• Self-esteem/self-image
• Professional life

But I can say that challenges in my day-to-day life affected me the most. I had to learn to live a new normal because everything I knew was now different and overshadowed by my diagnosis. I wish I knew how much different cancer really is as opposed to how it’s always portrayed.

My greatest fear? Leaving my son alone without me. But we spend lots of time together and I try to not let my illness overshadow his childhood.

Today, I am optimistic. Medicine has come a long way and although I’m still and always will be on treatment, I am pretty stable and able to live a good life.

Even at stage 4 there is hope for us. We can never stop showing up for ourselves even on the hardest days. We deserve life.

Just keep showing up. Join support groups and talk to people. The people in those groups going through it as well sometimes have the best insight and advice.