What to Expect During Chemo For Colon Cancer: A Survivor’s Story

Carla Deschamps is now a survivor of colon cancer after receiving her diagnosis in February 2020. Read Carla's blogs here!

Have you ever wondered what your life would be like after being diagnosed with colon cancer? I never imagined I would become a cancer survivor. The joys and challenges of my life after my cancer diagnosis have changed me forever. In this blog, I would like to share with you my ups and downs after my diagnosis with colorectal cancer.

To start, one of my biggest challenges during that time was to thrive during chemotherapy. I did not know what to expect going through the treatment. Even though I was very scared, I made a commitment to myself that my health was my number one priority no matter what during chemo. My mindset was to stay strong and optimistic throughout this journey.

In those days, my oncologist provided me with two different treatment plans that I had to choose from. Option one was a combination of oral and injection medication that would last only three months. Option two, on the other hand, was a six-month duration, but only taking oral medication. I was still indecisive, and I did not know what to do. After speaking with my family and thinking about it for a few days, I finally decided to go with option one.

I told my oncologist that I wanted to see how my body reacted to oral and intravenous chemotherapy. If it was too much for my body to handle, I was going to strictly stay with oral medication even though it was a longer time span. My treatment consisted of two weeks straight on medication and one week off. This included doing blood work and check-ins every three weeks.

Moreover, in April 2020, I started chemotherapy. During that time, I was working from home due to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a way, it was a blessing in disguise since I had already begun my treatment. Within those two weeks, I was taking oral pills with a combination of IV. I noticed that it was too much for my body to handle, especially because I was very slim. I was constantly tired, felt nauseated all the time, and I barely had any appetite. For this reason, at the end of the first cycle, I informed my doctor that, moving forward, I wanted to stay with oral medication only.

When I began the second cycle of my treatment, I noticed that my body reacted much better since it was only one dose versus two. I started to eat more, and my energy increased tremendously. I was feeling like my old self again, which brought me a sense of peace and happiness. I was extremely excited when I finally finished my last cycle of chemo in October 2020. Everything went well, and my doctor was extremely joyful with the results of the treatment.

Additionally, one of my momentous joys after my diagnosis with colon cancer was realizing the significance of a healing heart through self-healing. You are probably wondering how I healed myself without going to therapy or speaking with a psychologist. The first step I took in my self-healing recovery was changing my way of thinking and attitude. I told myself, “No matter what happens, I will do everything in my power to be cancer-free.” With that mindset, I started to train my way of thinking by applying affirmations, meditation, motivational videos, journaling, visualization, and emphasizing the importance of self-love and gratitude in my daily life. Self-healing, without a doubt, was my crucial triumph to become a cancer survivor.

In conclusion, even though I had my ups and downs after my diagnosis with colon cancer, I would not change anything I went through as it made me the woman I am today. I am much stronger because of it. I love the person I have become, and this unexpected journey made me appreciate life more.

This piece reflects the author’s personal experience and perspective. For medical advice, please consult your health care provider.

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