I Discovered My True Beauty And Confidence By Surviving Cancer Twice
Through it all, I gained strength and confidence in myself that I never knew I had, which led to me loving myself all over again.
Photo courtesy Karen Rice
After going through so much in my life, things were going well, until it happened. I had a head-on collision with not only breast cancer, but colon cancer, as well. It changed my entire outlook on life. I thought I had endured rough years before, but going through cancer was the rest of the proverbial iceberg. There is nothing like it. You wonder what in life have you done so wrong to have this placed upon you? You begin asking, why me?
Yet, my tragedies and all that I had to endure became an awakening for me. Not only did I find all the strength and encouragement I needed to conquer, but I also found the truth about how I viewed myself. Through all the chemo, radiation, and the pain I endured, I still felt pretty good about me. I found myself looking in the mirror even more during this time, because I thought I was dealing with something that would drastically change me. But, as I viewed the imperfections on my body I now must live with for the rest of my life, over time it got better, and instead of feeling sorry for myself, I embraced it. I’m still among the living; who am I to complain?
Whether we are dealing with an illness or any other negative feelings about ourselves, our lives, or our bodies, we need to be our own 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 did not have a moment to waste. Surviving cancer and receiving a second and third chance at life to spend with my family is a 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 it can happen, that I can go on and look and feel just as beautiful inside and out, and shine even brighter.
Areas of my body that were interrupted by this disease will be a constant reminder I had cancer, and at times, it does bother me. I’m human. But, within a moment or two, I look past it. I can even cover up those areas if I choose. Your true self and beauty is within, and when you feel beautiful on the inside, it shows so clearly on the outside. Just because I had cancer, does not mean cancer had me. We do not have to allow anything to steal our joy nor our self-esteem, even while going through the many emotions and unknowns of cancer. We must try, even a little bit, and fight past it and keep living. No matter the tragedy we endure, we will always be beautiful and unique!
When I look back now, I see how far I’ve come. At first, I thought my cancer diagnoses were truly a death sentence. You’re not sure if you’re going to make it when you get that diagnosis. But cancer has taught me live with my eyes wide open, living my best life. After surviving cancer each time, I discovered new beginnings, new hope, new things to do and see with a whole new perspective on life. I share my story with others hoping to make a positive impact on someone who is ill or otherwise, where they can proceed through life in a whole new way. I am 67 years old now, and I am cherishing each day, each moment. Through it all, I feel 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 a part of my body due to cancer are the symbols of my struggle for which I am thankful. 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 living example that you can survive cancer not only once, but twice. I am not saying all will be easy, or that all will survive it. What I am saying is to have faith, fight with all you have, then hold on. When 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 your true self is born again.
Karen Rice is a 67-year-old, two-time cancer survivor and author, inspiring others to do what you want to do while you can!
