I'm 謝董 from Taiwan. This is my story of dealing with stage 2 colorectal cancer as well as lung adenocarcinoma.
My biggest aspiration is to get my nursing license after completing my treatment. I’d previously lost both my grandfathers, an aunt and uncle to cancer.
Lung nodules were found after I had a cold many years back. After monitoring for 5-6 years, I suddenly had intestinal blockage. I had treatment followed by a colonoscopy. It revealed two tumors, in two parts where colorectal tumors are rarely found. As the tumors were in two parts, they had to be treated with surgery first and then chemotherapy.
The next year, it was found that the lung nodules had deteriorated into lung adenocarcinoma and had to be treated surgically. The year after that, adenocarcinoma was also picked up in the left lobe from cancer monitoring, and surgery was carried out once again. The four cancers were all in situ (primary cancer) and non-metastatic.
I also experienced
- A change in bowel habits
- Blood in my stool
- Feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way
At first, the tumor was so close to the anal opening that I thought it was a haemorrhoid falling out, but it turned out to be a tumor. I found out that my 5-year survival rate was around 80% from my own research.
After hearing the news, I felt:
- Frightened, helpless, insecure, nervous, overwhelmed
- Disappointed, grief, powerless, vulnerable
- Confused, perplexed
I worked on eating healthier every day.
Based on my doctor’s recommendations, I opted to do a surgery (partial colectomy and partial proctectomy), and chemotherapy. My doctor also prescribed me some pain medication.
After deciding on my treatment, I felt happy, and a bit more relieved and motivated.
In terms of side effects, the ones that affected me the most were:
- Fatigue
- Lymphedema
- Mucositis
To manage them, I relied on exercising more, eating better.
I tried my best to commit to a healthier diet every day.
My relationship with my parents remained quite strong. I contacted and visited them often, around 10 times a week.
My plans are to complete my treatment, finish my studies and get my nursing license. For my family, I wish for them to live healthily.
It was the fear of getting another cancer diagnosis and the risk of recurrence every time I return to the clinic for check-ups. It’s important to divert my attention from these fears. Even if I do get cancer again, I still have to face it and get the treatment I need.
Now, I feel optimistic, courageous and thankful.
To others, I would say: “Be brave, set a goal for your life, and work hard to fulfill your dreams.”
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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