A Journey of Strength: Overcoming Metastatic Breast and Colon Cancer Against All Odds
Cancer. It's a word that hits you like a punch in the gut, a word that no one ever wants to hear, let alone face. But for me, that word has been a part of my story for years—first with metastatic breast cancer, and then again with metastatic colon cancer. As a two-time cancer survivor, I can tell you firsthand that cancer doesn't just challenge your body—it challenges your soul, your spirit, and your sense of purpose. But I'm still here. And through my journey, I’ve found that strength, resilience, and hope can move mountains.
What Is Metastatic Cancer?
For those who don't know, metastatic cancer is when cancer cells spread from the original site—like the breast or colon—to other parts of the body. In my case, it meant that the cancer moved beyond where it started and impacted my ovaries, liver, lungs—my entire body. These are the toughest battles you’ll face, and treatment is a delicate balance of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and other methods. But it's not just about the treatment; it's about finding the will to keep going every single day.
My Story: Conquering Two Battles
When I first received the diagnosis of breast cancer, I was blindsided. I’m a fighter, but this felt like a fight I might not win. At that moment, my world flipped upside down. The endless medical appointments, rounds of chemo, surgeries—it all felt overwhelming. But my family and friends? They became my anchors. Their love, their support, their belief in me kept me going through the toughest times.
I thought I had fought my hardest battle, and survived the worst, but life had a second test in store for me: colon cancer. I had already been through so much, and this second diagnosis hit hard. But I wasn’t going to let it take me down. The strength I had built through my first fight gave me the fuel I needed to keep pushing. This time, I knew what I was facing, and I was ready to take it on headfirst.
The Struggles of Cancer
Anyone who has battled cancer knows it's not just about the disease itself. It's the toll it takes on every aspect of your life:
Physical Challenges: Chemotherapy is brutal. It takes away your energy, your appetite, your hair. I’ve lost count of the number of days I spent in bed, too weak to even get up. But I knew this was temporary, and I would get through it.
Emotional Toll: Cancer doesn’t just affect your body; it messes with your mind. The constant fear of recurrence, the anxiety, the depression—these are real battles. But I leaned on my faith, my purpose, and my community to pull me through those dark moments.
Financial Strain: The costs of cancer treatment are astronomical. Many nights I wondered how we were going to manage it all. But I held onto the belief that I’d find a way, just as I’d find a way to fight through this.
Social Isolation: Sometimes, it felt like I was in this alone. But I wasn’t. I reached out, leaned on my friends, my family, and my martial arts community for the strength to keep going.
Overcoming the Challenges
So, how did I keep fighting? It wasn’t easy, but a few key factors made all the difference in my journey:
Support Network: I couldn't have done this alone. My family, friends, medical team, and my students at my martial arts school—each of them was a vital part of my strength. They cheered me on when I had nothing left to give.
Positive Mindset: I won’t lie—it wasn’t always easy to stay positive. But focusing on small victories, like completing a round of treatment or seeing a positive scan, helped me stay motivated. Keeping my mindset in a place of hope and possibility was crucial.
Advocacy and Education: I became my own advocate. I asked questions, learned about my treatment options, and took control of my journey. Knowledge was power in navigating this complicated road.
Faith and Resilience: Through it all, my spirituality, my faith in something greater than myself, helped me tap into a deeper well of strength. It was my driving force, especially in those moments when I thought I couldn’t go on.
Lessons from My Journey
What have I learned through all of this? A lot, actually. Here are some of the most important lessons I’ve taken from my fight with cancer:
Seek Support: You can’t do this alone. Build your team of support—whether it’s family, friends, or support groups. Surround yourself with people who lift you up.
Be Proactive: Understand your diagnosis, take charge of your health, and make informed decisions about your treatment. You are your best advocate.
Celebrate the Small Wins: It’s easy to get discouraged when the journey is long. But every small victory is a victory. Celebrate each one, from getting through a treatment cycle to having a moment of peace.
Never Give Up: Resilience is everything. The road is tough, and it’s easy to want to give up. But remember, persistence pays off. Keep pushing. Keep believing.
Cancer Doesn’t Define You
Cancer may have tried to take me down, but it has never defined me. As a survivor of metastatic breast and colon cancer, I can tell you that the fight is never easy, but the strength you gain along the way is invaluable. Cancer may change your life, but it doesn’t have to control your story.
To all the warriors out there, fighting their own battles: keep going. Keep fighting. Know that your story can inspire others, just like my journey continues to inspire me. Life is tough, but so are you. Embrace every moment, every victory, and most importantly, keep believing in yourself.
I’m still here. And I’m here for you, cheering you on every step of the way.
