Hello. My name is Gordon and I’m from New Zealand. I was diagnosed with stage 2 colorectal cancer in January 2022. After going through surgery and chemotherapy, dealing with their side effects and being readmitted to the hospital twice after surgery, I was finally declared cancer free in September that same year. I was fearful of the unknown as I had watched my father pass from prostate cancer, but I relied on the love of family and expertise of healthcare professionals to get me through.
I was having frequent constipation and had blood in my stool. Previous tests I had were all clear, but for my third test I used a home screening test kit. That’s what led to my diagnosis with an adenocarcinoma of the bowel.
I was fearful of the unknown. My father died from cancer and watching him fade was depressing. But the cancer had been identified, so I was optimistic.
After my diagnosis, I was recommended to get a partial colectomy (removal of a part of the colon) and chemo by my doctor, which I followed. I also ended up having to take pain medication and Paxlovid as I tested positive for Covid.
The record indicated 7 polyps found and 1 polyp found in the rectum were removed.
As for chemo, I had eight sessions of Capecitabine (days 1 to 14, dissolved in water twice daily) and Oxaliplatin for 30 minutes. Thankfully, my treatment was subsidized.
Throughout treatment, I remained optimistic. I had positive thoughts and faith in the specialist. I was eventually declared cancer-free in September 2022.
The worst side effect I experienced was leakage from the surgical scar. I couldn’t hold down food and required further hospitalization. I also suffered from hand and foot syndrome as well as weight fluctuations.
In terms of lifestyle, my doctor recommended some advice on exercise frequency. My biggest lifestyle change, however, was my alcohol intake. I would not have reduced my alcohol intake by 90 plus percent if not for unemployment and surviving on a pension.
After my cancer diagnosis, I resigned from my job as I was of retirement age and unsure of the length of absenteeism (allowed) in a competitive industry.
In the next 2 years, I plan to just get better and enjoy family and friends. I hope to keep physical activities going and appreciate all the time I have with them.
The community nurses, A & E and all other staff were particularly helpful during my cancer journey. After the original operation, being admitted back into hospital two more times was unexpected. That’s why it’s important to keep positive and take small steps but maintain the road planned for you.
The biggest challenge in my personal life was how cancer affected my self-esteem, but having positive thoughts & supportive people around helped me get through it. I also faced challenges in my day-to-day life, social life and in my relationships with loved ones.
Being a cancer survivor is challenging too, with being a burden to my loved ones and at times not having the patience. But know that after cancer, there is a possibility of life and returning to a fruitful relationship.
My biggest fears were concerns regarding my lifestyle and the thoughts of ‘if only I’. Trying to overcome these meant being positive and thankful for what I have. Going for walks and appreciating what’s around, who’s around and enjoying the whanau who have supported me.
Some time has passed and I now feel neutral, like I’ve been in a holding pattern.
There is only one person who travels through life with you. Be truthful to yourself and remain ever open to the aroha of whanau. Trust in the wisdom and expertise of the staff.
This patient's story is published and shared with their full consent. Any personal data that can be used to identify the patient has been omitted.
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