Karen Adams

Survivor

Cancer Didn’t Kill Me, It Changed Me Through Faith

Never in a million years would I have thought that my life story would include several chapters about cancer. In 2017, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductile Carcinoma ER+/PR- and HER2+ in my left breast. I found the lump during a self-breast exam. I hoped it was just a bump and prayed it wasn’t cancer. Deep down I had a bad feeling that the news was not what I wanted, I was right. I endured several rounds of aggressive chemo, a double mastectomy, reconstruction and removal of my ovaries.

The side effects were terrible, with the loss of hair, appetite, taste, and a constant upset stomach. I had neutropenia after the first round of chemo, which landed me in the hospital for days. That’s when my hair began to fall out and when I had a mental break. I had so many positive people in my life that supported me and lifted me up, along with my faith, I made it through.

I don’t see how people could go through a traumatic experience like this and not change their view on life. I always knew I would do something for the community, but I didn’t know in what capacity that would be. Having breast cancer changed my trajectory on life, which made it very clear that this is the area I am to work in. My life is dedicated to learning, educating, advocating and encouraging all who may experience cancer in one way or the other. I know my assignment, and I plan to carry it out, while I have breath in my body. I am currently NED and feel amazing! That’s why I can say, ” Cancer didn’t kill me, it changed me, through faith.”