The Chemo Club is so excited to get to know you!!! Please introduce yourself (Name, where you’re from) - What was your life like before undergoing chemotherapy?

JJ Singleton

Canton North Carolina

I was a typical mid 20s single guy. I worked for my family’s business as operations manager. I enjoyed all sports working out and especially hanging out with friends grabbing food and drinks. I was a fly by the moment type person

Bring us along your journey – when were you diagnosed with cancer? What was your initial reaction?

I was diagnosed on September 4th 2015 after months of ignoring the symptoms. It rocked me to my core how could I have cancer? Especially colon cancer… I’m too young- it made me numb to the world but after a few days I was determined to put my head down block out the world and beat it: 12 rounds… “I can do that” was my mindset

What was your first chemotherapy treatment like? What treatment/treatments did you or are currently undergoing?

My first chemo round took me by surprise, they tell you all this info and sounded like a flu mixed with hangover symptoms. I was confident I would handle it well. I was wrong… it knocked me down and frankly kicked my ass. The mental emotional effect were a total shock the chemo feeling that takes over your body an soul is line nothing words can even describe, the physical side was bad as well nausea, body pain, mouth sores and fatigue ran my life.

I did Folfox treatment for 12 rounds. Since my cancer came back in 2016 I’ve tried 4 other failed chemo cocktails and then was lucky a clinical trial drug I qualified for as a last option worked and been on it (keytruda) now since then. Overall, last week I completed 112 rounds of chemo!! 

Who did you turn to as your support system?

My family is amazing, a few life long friends been there every step but they can only support so much because they haven’t experienced chemo. At first I wasn’t open to making friends in the cancer world but now I’ve found one of my best friends in the world through our shared journey and other friends that support me

What is something you wished you knew before starting your chemo treatment?

Mental health and the emotional and mental effects of chemo are just as if not harder than physical side effects and they never stop. Get help and asking for mental help doesn’t make you weak - it’s the bravest thing you can do

Have there been certain side effects that have been worse than others?

For me mouth sores and issues have been constant for 6 years and by now they never go away always painful and effects the way and what I’m able to or want to eat

What about tricks you have learned along the way to help with chemo side effects?

For me I don’t eat solid food a day before I got smoothies and meal replacement shakes because its easier and less painful throw up liquid also hydrate and stay hydrated start taking nausea meds before chemo and keep on the hourly schedule. And get as mentally ready as possible

 Do you recommend any chemo friendly products?

Healios mouth wash has been amazing to me and everyone’s body reacts different so don’t be scared to find your own thing that works

Any advice for other chemo patients?

It sucks but get help reach out your not alone and you can get through this