‘Fear, shame, guilt, hope, love, optimism'

Kristopher Saim of Kansas City, Missouri, has been diagnosed with Stage III Colon Cancer. He shares why it’s so important to surround yourself with supportive loved ones.

“While I have completed my chemotherapy and currently have no new cancer in my body, I still go to the oncologist and to my surgeon regularly. Until I hit the five year mark, I will be a regular in both of their offices. Aside from those appointments, I have moved on. I am stronger, more loving, an outspoken advocate for Colon Cancer Awareness and, overall, a better person. Life is too short to not love and care for people greater than I did before cancer.

“I don't think the treatment of Colon Cancer gets ‘easier.’ The shock of a cancer diagnosis and the uncertainty that surrounds it will always make it difficult. The people you have surrounded yourself with and the attitude you approach your care with can make a difference. Fortunately for me, I approached this situation as a challenge I knew I would overcome.

“Quite certainly the most difficult part of my diagnosis was telling my parents and children. It was bad enough I had to deal with the stress of the disease and the treatment, but to have to add stress to the lives of those I love the most was heartbreaking. I remember each of those conversations as if they just took place yesterday. I never want to relive those moments of pain and uncertainty.”

---

Kristopher’s six words to describe his experience with cancer are “Fear, shame, guilt, hope, love, optimism.” Share your six words here.

Kristopher’s words, which were shared digitally through Tell KC, have been lightly edited for clarity.

As part of a local reporting project around the upcoming Ken Burns documentary series, Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies, KCPT presents Cancer in KC. 

We want to learn more about how cancer affects our community. How has cancer impacted your life? Share your story.