Colorectal Cancer: Hai's Patient Story

What happened, in summary

Hai Sheng's cancer journey began when a company health screening found very low hemoglobin. Doctors suspected internal bleeding, and he needed 7 packets of blood transfusion over 3 days before he was fit for colonoscopy. The procedure found a tumor at the ascending colon and jejunum, leading into cancer treatment. He felt helpless and anxious about what might come next. His treatment plan changed after the earlier approach was not working effectively, with decisions shaped by his doctor's advice, a second opinion, financial considerations and his own research. He experienced fatigue but few other treatment side effects. Cancer also prompted lasting lifestyle changes: he stopped drinking alcohol, reduced smoking and tried to eat more healthily. Even after insurance and Medisave support, he still faced out-of-pocket costs. Family support became especially important while he waited for the birth of his newborn. His greatest fear was being told the cancer had spread, and he focused on spending meaningful time with family and friends.