Survivor Sunday Introduces…

Name:  Karen Lynch

Favorite Color: Purple

Diagnosis Date: July 2003

Where were you when you heard the news that you had cancer? 
 
I was sitting in my kitchen when the surgeon called my house. The moment is encrypted in my brain like a photograph; there I was, sitting at the counter, while a contractor worked in my dining room and my kids played downstairs. So surreal, looking back, that I remember the way I had to rest my elbows on the table and hold my head up with my free hand — I experienced such a strong physical sensation that I wouldn’t be able to hold myself up. 
 
What kind of treatment have you done or are you currently doing? 
 
Since my initial diagnosis I had a partial mastectomy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy (Tamoxifen) — then a recurrence entitled me to a double mastectomy and more hormone therapy (Zolodex) — the an oopherectomy/hysterectomy last December. Fortunately 2007 was a surgery/treatment free year for me. Let’s hope the rest of my years remain that way as well. 

What is one comment that has stuck with you, positive or negative? 
 
A Christian friend of mine told me that whenever I felt fear, really debilitating fear, I should picture the face of Jesus and know that He was with me. Like when I was being wheeled into the operating room prior to surgery, when I laid down for my radiation treatments or my Zolodex injections. That advice worked, and stuck with me.

Has cancer changed your life? How? 
 
Oh, yes … in so many ways. Cancer helped me to prioritize my life. I always stop what I’m doing to hug my children. I ask for hugs when I need them as well instead of just wishing I’d get one. I don’t get annoyed at people the way I used to — and I don’t mean my family, they still get under my skin at times — but random people. Who cares if someone is rude out there in the world, I let those things go. I don’t make time for people who I don’t like and appreciate and I make time and go out of the way for the people I love and care about. And, I stopped putting off my writing career until my kids were grown and began to focus on it. There’s no use waiting to do or accomplish something because we never know what tomorrow will bring, now, do we?  

Are you involved with any cancer organizations, etc? 
 
I’m a survivor speaker for the American Cancer Society and I’ve joined the team at Breast Cancer Wellness magazine as host of their weekly Internet radio talk show program, Inspire! 

What does it mean to you to Go Beyond Treatment? 
 
To me that encompasses healing from more than the physical standpoint. It means doing whatever you can to beat the disease from a physical and mental standpoint. Go beyond treatment and treat your mind, body and spirit. Don’t let cancer kill you but don’t let it crush you, either. There’s a whole lot to life and nobody should just focus on healing the body that encloses your soul. 

Leave us with a favorite quote or verse…

From the bible … Philippians 4:13:  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

I know people have different faiths and belief systems, but this is the verse that, well, strengthened me.