I was diagnosed with Colon Cancer in May 2025. I experienced symptoms a couple months before my 50th birthday. (Screening for this type of cancer begins at age 50).

Immediately after the colonoscopy the doctor took me and my fiancé into a room and explained that he saw a tumor and it was cancer. It was surreal. That moment remains clear in my memory.

After that, despite moments of extreme emotion alternating with the out-of-body surreal, I felt a fire inside me – preparing me to be capable of hard things.

A few weeks after diagnosis I had sigmoid colon resection surgery. I was an excellent patient! Recovery went well. I walked and gardened, being gentle on the surgical site. I tried manifesting a best-case scenario biopsy result. I imagined a powerful version of myself overcoming this disease. I visualized my body healing and being cancer-free.

Well, the biopsy results were out of my control. The cancer had gotten out beyond the wall of the colon and was labelled Stage 3. I saw an oncology team at Northumberland Hills Hospital (a wonderful small-town hospital) to get things rolling. I would need 6 months of FOLFOX chemotherapy. Before chemo started, there were CT scans, MRIs, and a PET scan. Suspicious lesions were deemed most likely benign with no metastases. The stress waiting for the results of these scans was one of the most difficult times during my cancer journey.

I needed to tip the balance between stress and positivity. I researched, read books written by cancer survivors, and lined up all the resources I could before treatment started. I needed to plan. I needed my family supports to know how to help me and how to help themselves. I needed to control my fate as best as I could while I was relatively healthy, before chemo started. I am so grateful for my family and friends, my workplace and Wellspring therapy and support groups. They all helped cheer me on, connect to other cancer thrivers, and hold me in a hopeful place.

Despite trying so hard to keep a positive attitude, my motivation waned part way through treatment. My fire became an ember. I felt I was just “getting through” each day. Each day during and post-chemo can be a massive feat. I tried to manage fatigue, nausea, and neuropathy. There were days when my main accomplishments were getting up and drinking fluids. This was nothing to be ashamed of when going through treatment and healing. Sometimes we need to be gentle with ourselves. We deserve to celebrate small wins.

I reached out to CCRAN (Colorectal Cancer Resource and Action Network) and found incredible support via dietician, Cancer Coach, Support groups, and one on one discussions. CCRAN listened and helped me move forward. When learning of my drop in energy and positivity, they recommended I connect with Cancer Fatigue Services.

Cancer Fatigue Services tailored an exercise plan based on my body’s capacity. The goal was (and still is!) to reduce fatigue, to strengthen my body, and to reduce the risk of recurrence of cancer. I became focused on exercise targets, was motivated by the compassionate staff (especially Matt!).

Working with Cancer Fatigue Services was one of the best choices I have made on my cancer journey. I am physically stronger. I have energy. I feel empowered to manage my health. I got my fire back.