Karen’s Journey: An Awakening – Surviving Stage 1 Breast Cancer and Colon Cancer

Initial Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Reaction

When I was diagnosed with Breast cancer, I reacted like many; first thing came to mind was “a death sentence”. However, I found out later it was truly “an awakening” for me, especially when I received sad news again later down the line. I was diagnosed with colon cancer a few years later, yet I am still here to talk about them both. I first began asking God why, why me? What had I done so wrong in life to have this placed upon me? But suddenly, I knew that I was going to be okay.

A New Perspective on Life After Cancer

I also realized that I was about to face a new beginning, new hope, do and see more with a whole new perspective on life. When I think of the “gift of life” that was given to me twice over, I know that I will develop and gain strength from all my experiences. I would never say having or going through cancer is a gift; surviving it, receiving a second and third chance at life, is the gift. Yet, through it all, I did not allow the disease to take away who I am, or what I stand for. Even with all the current complications I now must live with, I still feel truly blessed.

Finding Strength and Inspiration During Cancer Treatment

For a while, I was not happy with the way I looked after my surgery, nor the pain I must deal with daily. But one day I decided to snap out of it. I thought about the individuals, especially children, who receive an overwhelming number of different treatments during such an ordeal. They are so young and have not yet lived, as well as other individuals who are no longer among us. I also realize that there will always be someone worse off than I am, so who am I to complain, “I’m still among the living”.

A Peaceful Experience and Creative Outlet During Breast Cancer Journey

One day during one of my many surgeries, I experienced something so real, so peaceful, that I knew I had to write it down. I turned my experience into a poem, and I called it “Peace“. I took that poem, along with many others I had written during my Breast cancer period and placed it into book form, and had it published, and I recently completed another one titled, “Cancer, Yet Cancer again, but I Will not Die, before I’m Dead.” I titled it that because that is exactly how I felt when I heard the word cancer. I thought right away that my cancer diagnose was truly a death sentence, because you are not sure you are going to make it.

Living Life to the Fullest as a Cancer Survivor

I have learned not to blink twice at life anymore and to live it to the fullest. Through my tragedies and all that I had to endure, it all became an awakening for me, in which I received and gained all the strength and encouragement I needed to conquer.

I honestly believe when you survive a horrific tragedy or a horrible disease as cancer, it is for a reason, you have a purpose and I want to live and find out exactly what that is for me. Right now, all I have is to share my experiences, my faith and hope with others.

Sharing My Cancer Survival Story and Helping Others

The experiences I have had to endure are what gave me insight to form words to write. With the words and phrases, I form into statements, I wish to make a positive impact on someone who is ill or otherwise hurt, hoping it gives them the strength to embrace their life in a whole new way. I am a true example that you can survive cancer, not once, but twice, if you get to it in time. I am not saying that it will be easy, and I am certainly not saying all will survive it. What I am saying is to try and hold on to faith, fight with all you have. Once you’ve done all that, all you can do going forward is to try and relax and allow life to take its course.

Learn Look Locate: Supporting Breast Cancer Survivors Like Karen

At Learn Look Locate, we are deeply inspired by Karen’s resilience and strength in the face of her stage 1 breast cancer and colon cancer diagnoses. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that hope, faith, and a positive outlook can make all the difference in a cancer survivor’s journey. We are honored to feature Karen’s story on our platform, where we strive to create a supportive community for breast cancer survivors, caregivers, and loved ones. By sharing experiences like Karen’s, we aim to empower and uplift those navigating their own cancer journeys, reminding them that they are never alone.