I had a routine colonoscopy for a company-wide medical exam. Doctors found some polyps in my colon and a growth. That’s the story of how I was diagnosed with stage 1 colorectal cancer.

The news totally took me by surprise. I was otherwise healthy and didn’t see how I could get cancer. I remember feeling fearful and sad, too.

Guided by my doctor’s recommendation, I opted for the following treatment options:

• Partial colectomy (removal of a part of the colon)
• Polypectomy (removal of polyps: abnormal growth of tissue)
• Radiation therapy
• Pain medication

After I found out I had cancer, the doctors told me my best chance at survival was surgery to get rid of the polyps and the mass, so I did as I was told. I was fearful, and as was told to me by some friends, the side effects were brutal.

Following surgery, I also had temporary urine and stool bags attached to my body, which caused:

• Lower self-esteem
• The inability to eat my favorite food
• Altered body image
• Increased social anxiety

I was on pain medication for two months. After surgery ended, I was prescribed radiation therapy for about one month. I underwent 28 sessions of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). As for financing treatment, my treatment was subsidized, and I was covered by insurance. I was declared cancer-free the same year.

The worst side effect I had was diarrhea, followed by fatigue, nausea and vomiting. I couldn’t go anywhere without being near a washroom. It was quite the inconvenience.

To manage these side effects, I improved my nutrition, took prescribed medication (Loperamide, anti-nausea medication) and self-medicated at home.

As for my future plans, I hope to be in remission when I hit the 5-year mark. Other than that, maybe I’ll get back to work.

I took a leave of absence from work after finding out I had cancer.

Since being diagnosed, I have had to deal with challenges in my personal life, such as my social life and relationships with loved ones. But I struggled most with keeping up with my day-to-day life, especially in trying to get used to all the diarrhea and loose stools. I got through this challenge by reminding myself that I’m in a better-off position than others who have the same cancer.

The most challenging aspects of life after cancer have been:

• Physical side effects (e.g., fatigue, pain, mobility issues)
• Changes in body image or appearance
• Ongoing medical care or check-ups
• Coping with a "new normal" or lifestyle changes

Learning to live with this new normal is tough. I try to take it one day at a time and not stress about things I can’t control.

Throughout this journey, I feared:

• Undergoing treatment (e.g., side effects, pain)
• Losing my independence or the ability to care for myself
• Changes in my appearance or body image
• Not being able to continue with normal life or activities

I managed these fears by:

• Seeking support from family or friends
• Engaging in mindfulness or relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation, yoga)
• Focusing on physical recovery and staying active
• Educating myself about the cancer and treatment process
• Joining a support group or connecting with other cancer survivors
• Focusing on positive thinking or gratitude

Today, I’m optimistic. Treatment is going alright, so I think it will be okay.

Having cancer is a lived experience that is individual and unique to everyone who has it. Do what’s best and works for you. Some practical advice would be to take loose foods, nothing with too much fiber.