Take Control!

I would’ve never imagined that a shy girl like me would be speaking to hundreds of people before a race, or standing in front of a crowd, telling my story, and agreeing to a recorded interview, while being featured on our local TV news segment. I have led maybe one or two songs in my entire life of singing in a choir, yet I agreed to sing the National Anthem at a local soccer game! What would cause me to do such things?

I am a two time cancer survivor, seven years breast and four years colon. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, a few months after my dear father had passed. If that wasn’t enough to deal with. All I could think about was, “how is this news going to affect my family?” I didn’t know how I felt about it yet, because it seemed as if this bad news was for someone else. It was strangely an out-of-body experience.

Having been diagnosed with cancer twice was devastating. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my two daughters were 11 and 7 and my husband and I had plans to achieve, plus I was earning my bachelors’ degree with only eight classes left. “How can I have cancer now? This was not supposed to happen to me. I have too much to do, I don’t have time to be sick.” Then in 2020 at the height of COVID-19, I was almost finished with my course of degree when I was diagnosed with stage 3b colorectal cancer.

After I went home I noticed that my chest felt heavy and I could barely scramble a pan of eggs for my family. I became very lethargic and could not breathe as normal. So, back to the ED and to my surprise they found a saddle pulmonary embolism, among several other blood clots in both lungs. The situation was critical. Because I had a previous blood loss and the only way to treat my blood clots was blood thinners…which can cause bleeding; the doctors didn’t know what to do. Finally, after my fervent prayers, they came up with a plan. I was in the hospital for another week.

I know my life was spared for a higher purpose. The chemotreatment for colorectal cancer could not be continued. My last treatment was in December of 2020 and have not had any other treatment since. I realized that all I have endured, cried through, prayed through, and suffered through, could only mean one thing. The only way I got through this season in my life was by the grace and strength of God. It came through my husband, my children, my mother and brother, my friends, and my beautiful church family’s fervent prayers and support. People have passed on from what I have been through. I am supposed to be here and there’s a purpose for my life. 

I have since found a career in Health & Wellness Coaching, Mentoring, Managing volunteers on SHARE Cancer Support Line, creating, and facilitating training modules, hosting a podcast, and advocating for those who are going through cancer.  I have launched a cancer patient-driven skincare line with essential oils, and all-natural ingredients that are safe for all skin types. I have taught classes on skin care at YSC’s  (Young Survival Coalition) Health & Wellness Summits two years in a row.

Karen's Featured Resources

Disclaimer: Neither the publisher nor the author of Just Diagnosed Breast Cancer or Insights Newsletter are engaged in rendering professional and/or medical advice or services to the individual reader. The ideas, procedures, practices, and suggestions in this book and newsletter are not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician. All matters regarding your health require medical supervision. If readers are taking prescription medicines, they should consult with their physicians and not take themselves off prescribed drugs without the proper supervision of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health care professional before undertaking any change in your physical regimen. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this book. While the author has made every effort to provide accurate information at the time of publication, neither the publisher or the author assumes any responsibility for errors or changes that occur after publication.