Discovering Faith, True Beauty, and Confidence During and After Cancer

Karen Rice shares her beliefs on continuing to live passionately while diagnosed with cancer.

When going through a serious illness, you learn what faith truly is, the true meaning of beauty, and how you really feel about yourself. I know this all too well because I have experienced many trials and tribulations in my life. I conquered cancer, not once, but twice. Through it all, I gained strength that I never knew I had and much more confidence in myself, which led me to loving myself all over again. The rough years I had endured before I was diagnosed with breast cancer and colon cancer were just the tip of the iceberg. Going through cancer was the rest of it! There is nothing like it. I wondered what in life had I done so wrong to have this placed upon me. Yet it became an awakening for me. I received all the strength and encouragement I needed to conquer cancer. Not only did I find the true meaning of life, but I learned more about how I viewed myself.  

After chemo, radiation, and the pain that came with treatment, I still felt pretty good about myself. I was looking in the mirror even more during that time because I thought I was dealing with something that would drastically change my appearance. But as I viewed the new imperfections on my body, 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 negative feelings about ourselves, our lives, or our bodies, we need to be our own cheering section. I still see myself as beautiful. I have come to realize that even after going through such a dark time, I still have a life to live, 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 know I don’t have a moment to waste. I would never say going through cancer is a gift; however, surviving it and receiving a second and third chance at life is a gift. 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 that it can happen.  

When I look back, I see how far I’ve come. I truly thought that my cancer diagnoses were a death sentence. But now, my eyes are wide open to new beginnings, new hope, and new perspectives—and I am living my best life. I share my story with others hoping to make a positive impact on someone who is ill, so they can proceed in a whole new way. I am now 67 years old, and I cherish each day, each moment, and I feel that I’m at my best. I am more confident in myself and doing things I should have done before cancer. 

The scars that are now attached to my body due to cancer are symbols for someone else’s inspiration and hope. I am thankful, because if I had not struggled, I would not have found my true strength. I will not allow anything to stop me. I am a true example that you can survive cancer: not once, but twice. Have faith, fight with all you have, and hold on. You have a purpose—and through that purpose, faith, compassion, and strength, your true self is born again. 

Whether you are a patient, survivor, caregiver, or loved one touched by cancer, your story can have an enormous impact. You can provide hope and inspiration to someone recently diagnosed with cancer or a patient undergoing therapy.