I underwent a faecal immunochemical test which led to my diagnosis of colorectal cancer in November 2023.

Finding out that I had cancer left me feeling angry, fearful, sad and surprised. I had no symptoms. Furthermore, my husband had just passed away so I was very surprised and didn't quite believe it.

I opted for partial colectomy (removal of a part of the colon), chemotherapy and radiation therapy based on my doctor’s recommendation. I went for 2 rounds of chemotherapy over a span of 4 months followed by 1 session of radiation therapy for less than a month. Currently, I am awaiting results from my CT scan before deciding my next steps. I feel fearful because I don’t know the next steps yet.

With regards to treatment costs, my treatment is being subsidized.

As a result of the treatment, I struggled with a loss of appetite and I was not enjoying eating. In Particular, I was not able to eat properly during chemotherapy. I also experienced fatigue and nausea and vomiting. To cope with this, I increased my exercise frequency.

As for future plans, I have none. I am awaiting results from my CT scan and blood tests for further evaluation.

Since I was diagnosed with cancer, I’ve struggled the most with my social life and relationships with loved ones as I have a hard time socializing. I’ve also faced challenges in my day-to-day life as I question everything. I am not happy and I am always overthinking. To manage this, I try to take it day by day and also by praying a lot.

Since my cancer diagnosis, I have been fearful of a lot of things, such as:

• Not surviving or dying
• Losing independence or ability to care for myself
• Changes in appearance or body image
• Being a burden to loved ones
• Not being able to continue with normal life or activities
• Impact of my prognosis on family or relationships

I have tried to manage this by focusing on physical recovery and staying active, educating myself about the cancer and treatment process as well as focusing on positive thinking or gratitude.

I was taking care of my husband in our home until he passed. Taken together with the news of my cancer, it has left me feeling angry, fearful and sad today. I can’t believe this is happening.

Eat healthy and regularly. Prepare food that you enjoy.

Try to stay positive even though it’s difficult. Pray as much as you are able to. Don’t lock yourself away from others. Ask questions, advocate for yourself ALL the time.