Hi, my name is Sarah, and I survived Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer.
Cancer has been a part of my life even before my own diagnosis. When I was younger, I lost my grandmother to it. Little did I know that one day, I would be facing it too.
Despite the challenges, including loss of appetite and weight fluctuations, I've now started to embrace a healthier lifestyle and vegetarian diet. Now in remission, I'm focused on living fully, and hope to prioritize travelling and family time at the forefront of my aspirations.
Initially, I noticed blood in my fecal matter and experienced pain in my abdomen. My stool seemed thinner than usual as well.
There was a change in my usual bowel habits, and I suffered from diarrhea and constipation.
My doctor delivered the dreaded news to me: stage 3 colorectal cancer.
I was fearful and surprised. My doctor informed me of the survival rate with and without treatment. If I were to forgo treatment, my survival rate would only have been 28%, but if I was determined to undergo treatment, the odds of survival would be much better at 75%.
It was a worrisome time and I felt perplexed at my situation.
I made a change to my dietary habits after I was diagnosed and started to consistently choose a healthy diet every day.
The recommended treatment plans were daunting:
- Surgery: Partial colectomy
- Non-surgical treatment: Chemotherapy
Throughout my treatment journey, I stuck to the plan laid out by my doctor. Confirming the treatment plan was a decision made with a mix of emotions — fear, anger, anxiety. But deep down, I knew it was the right choice.
In addition to the medical care in the hospital, I sought alternative treatment as well. I used turkey tail mushroom as an additional supplement to my treatment plan.
Now, I'm happy to say that I've completed treatment. I'm in remission and not taking any medication.
The loss of appetite hit me hard, and my weight fluctuated too. But I still managed to power through, with the help of prescribed medication to help mitigate these effects.
One permanent change I've made is in my diet. Beyond eating healthier, I've also transitioned to being a vegetarian.
Family has always been important to me, but cancer shifted my priorities. Before, I used to keep in contact with my parents regularly, but since my diagnosis, it's been harder to keep up.
As for visits, they've remained somewhat consistent. Before cancer, I visited my parents a couple of times a month, and that hasn't changed much. It's comforting to spend time with them, even if it's just for a short while. I found myself spending less time with my children as well, as my priority shifted to focusing on my treatment.
While intimacy with my partner has dwindled slightly since I was diagnosed with cancer, we still enjoy our private time together.
My personal aspiration is simply to stay alive.
Traveling is something I've always wanted to do, and now that I've survived cancer, it feels like the perfect time to start exploring.
Throughout my journey to recovery, the possibility of cancer returning is a terrifying thought.
I try to overcome this fear by staying positive and focusing on the present moment.
Today, I feel optimistic. It's a feeling tinged with hope and gratitude that I’ve beaten cancer.
Do what you can, don't give up. Therapy works. I am happy to be enjoying time with my grandchildren. If I had not received treatment, I'd be dead and I never would have known them.
Reach within yourself to find positive ways to think about your situation from day to day.
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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