One of the medical tests that I took showed that I had iron deficiency. Subsequent tests revealed that it was due to stage 4 colon sarcoma. That was how I got my cancer diagnosis.

When I first received my diagnosis, I was surprised, fearful and sad. I was fearful of the unknown and I had no family living in the same state to lean on.

Following my doctor’s recommendation, I opted for partial colectomy (removal of a part of colon), chemotherapy and immunotherapy. I was optimistic and hoped that this treatment plan would be effective. I am also covered by insurance for my medical fees.

After my surgery, I started on FOLFOX for 6 rounds, delivered via a chemo pump. Unfortunately, they found that the cancer had metastasized to my lungs and I changed my chemo regimen to FOLFIRI for another 6 rounds, delivered via a chemo pump as well. Overall, I underwent 12 rounds of chemotherapy over 10 months. Subsequently, I took a 2 month break for tests which showed that the tumors in my lungs had increased. Due to the new lung tumors, I went for immunotherapy. I have undergone 3 rounds of immunotherapy so far over a period of 2 months. I am currently still on immunotherapy, taking Lumakras (sotorasib) daily and receiving panitumumab intravenously every two weeks. Thankfully, my CEA levels have dropped from 144 to 34 over the last 6 weeks.

I experienced hair loss, fatigue and hand and foot syndrome as a result of treatment. It was especially frustrating to lose my hair. However, I did not do anything to manage these side effects. There was nothing I could do but accept them.

I continued working despite my cancer diagnosis as my employer offered some accommodations.

Being diagnosed with cancer has brought challenges to several parts of my personal life, such as my:

• Day-to-day life
• Self-esteem/self-image
• Professional life

I’ve been struggling the most with challenges in my day-to-day life but I am doing my best to work around the fatigue and feeling of being sick all the time.

What I fear most is undergoing treatment and losing independence or the ability to care for myself. I have been trying to cope by educating myself about the cancer and treatment process and by focusing on positive thinking or gratitude.

Today, I feel sad and resigned. I can’t change my diagnosis so I just have to move forward.

Be patient with yourself and don’t give up. You will be tired/sick and won’t have a lot of energy but in time, it will get better. Focus on the good things and don’t stop laughing!!