Colorectal Cancer: Ber's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Ber sought medical attention for piles in June 2023 and was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. A family history that included a brother who died from cancer at 41 and a father with lung cancer made the diagnosis especially frightening.

Treatment started with radiotherapy and oral chemotherapy. The chemotherapy tablets had to be stopped after 19 days because of a full-body rash. Ber completed 28 radiation treatments over 2 months and also completed 6 rounds of intravenous chemotherapy over 3 months. Pain medication was used during the treatment period.

Diarrhea was the most difficult side effect, along with fatigue and peripheral neuropathy. Imodium was prescribed to help control the diarrhea, and Ber had to learn how to adjust eating and daily routines around unpredictable bowel symptoms. The experience also affected confidence and created fear about survival and leaving family behind.

Treatment was completed, and Ber was declared cancer-free in March 2024. Fear of recurrence has continued during follow-up checks, but family and friends provide an important source of support. Ber encourages others to ask questions, follow up on appointments and scans, accept help, and be patient with themselves during recovery.