The first symptom I experienced was rectal incontinence. Other signs I noticed were:

• Blood in my stool (bowel movement)
• Frequent diarrhea
• Feeling that my bowels did not empty all the way

I thought my symptoms were due to rectocele. After I had rectocele surgery, the symptoms got worse. I finally had a colonoscopy. That’s how I learned I had stage 3 colorectal cancer.

Though I was fearful and surprised at first, I was also determined to beat it! I have too much to live for.

I followed my doctor’s recommendation and opted for chemotherapy and radiation therapy as treatment. In total, I was scheduled to undergo eight rounds of chemo over five months, and 28 sessions of radiation therapy over one month. After deciding on this treatment plan, I was fearful. I didn’t know how it would affect me.

I started with at-home chemo with a pump at the same time as I was getting radiation. I’m now receiving chemo at the cancer center every two weeks. An unexpected experience I had was that during chemo at the cancer center one day, the needle fell out and the chemo infusion got into the tissue. It’s getting better but I will probably have some permanent tissue damage.

After surgery, I had a temporary chemo port attached to my body, but it did not affect me in any way. As for finances, I am covering the treatment costs myself.

The worst side effect I’ve had thus far is fatigue. Because of it, I’m unable to drive myself anywhere. I’ve been taking naps to cope with it.

Besides the fatigue, I also suffered from nausea, vomiting and appetite loss.

In the next two years, I hope to get back to my normal routine.

Since my cancer diagnosis, challenges in my day-to-day life have affected me the most. The fatigue keeps me from doing things like household chores and yard maintenance. Thankfully, I have friends and family who help.

I am most fearful of:

• The cancer returning (recurrence)
• Not surviving or dying
• Undergoing treatment (e.g., side effects, pain)
• Losing my independence or the ability to care for myself
• Being a burden to my loved ones
• Not being able to continue with normal life or activities

To overcome these fears, I have been:

• Seeking support from family or friends
• Educating myself about the cancer and treatment process
• Focusing on positive thinking or gratitude

Today, I am optimistic but fearful at the same time. I still feel that I’ll beat the cancer, but at the same time, once the treatments are done and I go through all the imaging, I sure hope I get good news.

To others on their cancer journey, I’d say stay positive. It’s not always easy but I think it’s important. You’re stronger than you think. When you’re feeling down, don’t be afraid to call a friend or family member. They’re always there for you. Do what you can, rest when you need to.