Paul Cauthen is updating fans on his health weeks after canceling his tour and taking a break from social media.

“It’s been for the right reasons,” the “Country Coming Down” singer, 39, said in a video posted to his Instagram account on Friday, March 14.

The singer said he was on tour when he came down with pneumonia. His health then began to deteriorate.

“I was taking a bunch of steroids to get me through those shows,” the singer told his fans in the video. “Something woke me up and I was blue in my lips and white in my face.”

“It just scared the hell out of me,” Cauthen said, looking at the floor.

It was in that moment he decided he needed to go home to Texas, the country singer recalled. Fortunately, his bus driver was just approaching the exit for the Des Moines International Airport.

“I kinda shook myself, you know,” Cauthen said. “And listened to myself for the first time in a long time.”

After a few weeks of being back home, Cauthen said he went to the Cooper Clinic in Dallas to get a full checkup.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“So I go up there and get a bunch of scans done and happened to be clear,” the singer said before mentioning the doctor had found “one little spot.”

From the spot the doctors identified, Cauthen said the doctors found a mass in his right thyroid.

“They told me that it is papillary carcinoma and that it’s cancer,” Cauthen said before admitting that taking time off of the road to get healthy and take care of himself is likely what saved his life.

“I have had a lot of time to reflect and realize that life is short and precious,” Cauthen continued before thanking his fans for their “unwavering support” during this uncertain time.

Cauthen expressed confidence that this was not the end of his singing career. He promised fans that he would continue writing music and tour again.

“I’m not done by any means,” Cauthen said. “And I know that I’m a vessel on stage and that God has me here for a reason.”

In the comments, fans poured out love and support to Cauthen wishing him well and commending him for listening to his body.

“Paul, you are an inspiration to many people. I have been a fan from the very first song I heard,” one fan wrote in the comments.

“Wishing you a quick recovery,” wrote another fan. “Love ya Paul 🩵so glad you were able to slow down and listen to your body to give it the care it needs.”

Cauthen’s team posted to his Instagram account announcing his leave from the road for mental and physical health purposes on Feb. 6. 

“We all love Paul very much and we are very happy and relieved that he has made this decision to put himself first,” his team wrote. “It is obviously necessary to cancel all of his shows for the foreseeable future and each venue will be able to provide information on cancellations and refunds.”