Karen // Breast & Colon

Age: 68 years old

From: Houston, TX

What treatments did you undergo during your journey? Chemotherapy, Surgery, and Radiation

What were your signs/symptoms leading up to your diagnosis? Breast: Pain, Knot, and Swelling — Colon: Pain, Blood, and Constipation

How did cancer alter your lifestyle? Through it all and all that I had to endure, all of it became an awakening for me, in which I received and gained all the strength and encouragement I needed to conquer. Through it all, not only did I find the true meaning of life, but more on how I viewed myself. Through the chemo, radiation, the pain I endured and still do, I felt pretty good about me. I found myself looking in the mirror even more during this time, because I thought what I was dealing with something that would drastically change me, but as I viewed the imperfections on my body I now must live with, over time it got better, and instead of feeling sorry for myself, I embrace it. I’m still among the living, who am I to complain.

What kept/keeps you going? I feel that whether we are dealing with an illness or any other negative feelings about ourselves, our lives, as well as our bodies, we need to be our on-cheering section. Through all my mishaps, I still see myself as beautiful, and it is real. I have come to realize that even going through such a dark time, I still have a life to be lived, and I am going to live it to the fullest. When I think about the individuals that are no longer among us due to such a horrific disease, I’m truly grateful, and I will no longer take my life for granted. Life is precious, and we don’t realize it until we come close to losing it. When I think of the “gift of life” that was given to me twice over, I knew I didn’t have a moment to waste. I would never say having or going through cancer is a gift, surviving it, receiving a second and third chance at life to spend with your family, is the gift. Yet, through it all, I did not allow the disease to take away who I am, or what I stand for. I am a survivor, as well as an example to show that it can happen, and that I can go on and look and feel just as beautiful inside and out, and it shines brighter.

What makes your story unique or helpful to others?When I look back now and see how far I’ve came, I have to say, I thought right away that my cancer diagnoses were truly a death sentence. I would like others who may face such an ordeal hat it’s not always. Cancer brought me through my biggest fight ever in life. It has taught me not to blink twice on life, my eyes are wide open, living my best life. I also realized that I was about to face new beginnings, new hope, do and see more with a whole new perspective on life.

Any advice for those coming behind you? I share my story with others hoping to make a positive impact on someone who is ill or otherwise, where they can proceed life in a whole new way. I am 67 yrs of age now, and I am cherishing each day, each moment, and through it all, I feel that I’m at my best. I am more confident in myself, as well as grateful. I am starting over, doing things I should have done before cancer.

The scars and mishaps that are now attached to my body due to cancer, are just that. They are symbols for someone else’s inspiration and hope. I am thankful, because if I had not struggled, I would not have found my true strengths. Not allowing anything to stop me. I am a true example that you can survive cancer, not once, but twice, providing you get to it in time. I am not saying all will be easy, I am not saying all will survive it, what I am saying, is to have faith, fight with all you have, then hold on. I honestly believe, when and if you survive a horrific tragedy or a horrible disease such as cancer, it is for a reason. You have a purpose, and through that purpose, faith, compassion and strength, your true self is born again.

Do you have a funny cancer story? No, not really, except at times when I would go around others, I would hear whispers that I was in denial about my cancer diagnose. No, I was never in denial, I just knew within my heart that I was going to fight this, and that I was going to be OK.

Favorite quote, scripture or song? This too shall pass!

Product or service that changed your life?A Bowels Chapel where I entered to pray my first prayer after my initial diagnose. I knew the moment I walked in, I would receive the spiritual answers I needed. I felt it going forward.

How did you hear about Brighter? How has it made a difference? Seeking another cancer related site!