I was anemic and after the doctor sent me for a colonoscopy, the cancer was found. Subsequently, I got a second opinion because I wanted to confirm my diagnosis.

I was surprised to hear the news because I had no symptoms and no family history. It left me fearful too.

Treatment-wise, I opted for a partial colectomy (removal of a part of colon), chemo and radiation therapy according to the recommendations of my doctor. I took 3 rounds of chemo which gave me chest pain so we stopped it. The chemo medication was called FOLFOX (folinic acid, fluorouracil and oxaliplatin). My treatment costs are covered by insurance. I was declared cancer-free in December 2023.

To be honest, because everything was new and foreign, I didn't know what to expect.

I had some preconceived notions about my temporary stoma bag and was very affected by them, namely:

• Being afraid of smells
• Worry about leakage
• Whether the bag would dislodge

I was trying to keep working while doing radiation and it was tiring. To cope with the fatigue, I tried to rest more.

My plan for the future is to remain cancer free and enjoy being so. My advice to others with cancer is to take things one day at a time.

Home nurse visits were something I found to be especially helpful. But I wish I knew how to get more help with daily life after being diagnosed.

I kept working after being diagnosed with cancer. Truthfully, I needed the income to support myself and my loved ones.

Worrying about the cancer returning – that’s the most challenging aspect of being a cancer survivor. But life after cancer means trying to stay positive that you've beat it and not worry about it returning.

Not making it was my biggest fear. I was wanting everything to be over with faster than it was. To cope with these thoughts, I turned to my faith and stories of people surviving.

I have a 3-year check up soon and am fearful of it coming back.

Take it a day at a time and don't worry so much. The doctors know what they are doing and will get you through it.