Cancer is a word that can stop life in its tracks. For Karen Rice, a two-time cancer survivor and author, the moment she discovered her diagnosis was one she will never forget. “The first moment I read the words that I had cancer, was a day I felt that my life had stopped as I knew it,” Karen recalls. Working in a hospital, she accessed her lab results online before hearing them from her doctor. This allowed her to process the devastating news privately, without having to manage her emotions in front of a medical professional.
The Challenges of Treatment
The journey that followed was anything but easy. One of the biggest challenges Karen faced was grappling with the question: “Why?” She struggled to understand why cancer had invaded her life and disrupted everything she knew. Without finding the answers she sought, she focused on pushing through the ordeal. Weekly visits to the facility for chemotherapy or radiation became routine, but the hardest part was telling her daughter. “That was the scariest part of it all,” she says, reflecting on the emotional toll of breaking the news to her family.
A New Outlook on Life
Surviving cancer has profoundly changed Karen’s outlook on life. She describes the experience as a rebirth, where everything seemed new and precious. “I didn’t take anything for granted any longer,” she says. Everyday moments, like driving and enjoying the scenery, felt like seeing the world for the first time. Cancer gave her the courage to do things she had always been afraid to try, as she embraced the reality that “you only live once.”
The Power of Support
Karen credits much of her strength to her support system, particularly her daughter and grandkids, who she describes as her backbone. Their positive attitudes and unwavering presence were crucial to her survival. “I know for a fact without them, I may not have made it,” Karen admits. She also found solace in cancer-related resources and organizations, but emphasizes that ultimately, a person’s outlook and self-treatment play significant roles in their journey. “The ultimate goal is how you feel and treat yourself, as well as how you take in the news of having cancer.”
Debunking Misconceptions
Karen understands that cancer is often perceived as a death sentence, a misconception she once held herself. “Cancer is what it stands for, a horrific disease that no one wants. It’s like a thief in the night,” she says. However, Karen’s experience has shown her that there is hope, especially with early diagnosis and a determined fight. “A lot of the time, it depends how soon you’re diagnosed with cancer. Fight with all you have, following all procedures and directions from your MD.”
Supporting a Loved One with Cancer
For those who have a loved one battling cancer, Karen offers simple yet powerful advice: be kind, present, and supportive. “You don’t have to give or perform any tasks for them to say you help, just being there is the most important thing ever,” she explains. Emotional and spiritual support can make all the difference, helping cancer patients feel less alone during their fight.
Words of Advice for the Newly Diagnosed
Having faced cancer twice, Karen’s advice to those newly diagnosed is to allow themselves to feel their emotions fully and authentically. “No one could ever tell you how to feel,” she says. Once those initial feelings are processed, she encourages others to focus on fighting with all their might and maintaining a positive attitude. Keeping busy with other activities can also help keep the mind occupied and reduce feelings of anger or helplessness.
Karen Rice’s story is one of resilience, strength, and a renewed appreciation for life. Her journey through cancer has taught her to embrace every moment, cherish the support of loved ones, and face life’s challenges with unwavering determination.
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