Hi, my name is Karen. Have you ever wondered how in the world that one person can survive so much pain and suffering in their life? Well, I would love to share with you how I went from despair to joy. Would you like to find out what it's like from a cancer patients point of view? Our bodies are miraculous!! It's amazing how much abuse, pain, surgery, poking and prodding that a body can endure. Mine has come through 14 different surgeries in just the last 14 years. Walk with me as I share my journey through this incredible ordeal. It has taken a lot of personal development on my part to get me through the trauma. My story could possibly be your story. There are probably many things that we have in common, you just haven't written yours down. I pray that you will have the courage to do so after reading my book. My name is Karen; I am a 44-year-old mother of four, with a marvelous husband, one grandson, and two granddaughters. I started singing when I was 8 years old. God has taken me down many paths since then. At the age of 9, twice a copperhead bit me. At the age of 10, I was in a severe car accident with my family. In the 10th grade, I started working at a rest home as a volunteer. I enjoyed it so much, that I continued through until the 12th grade. I was told that I could not stay there anymore because I was spending too much time with the patients. I sang to them brushed their hair, and rubbed their feet. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I say this to let you know that I have a deep love for my elders. At the age of 25, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer and had a complete Hysterectomy. God wasn’t finished testing me yet. At 32, I was diagnosed with a Vertebral Artery Dissection in the brain. As you can imagine, I often wondered how much a body could take. I trusted in the Lord to take care of me, and he did. In 1997, I started my own business so I could stay home with my children. God blessed the business with an overabundance of joy and financial blessings. I still sang for Gods glory during all of the trails and all of the good times. I learned from reading Gods word and from huge amounts of self-motivational books, that "If it is to be, its up to me!" I decided that it was time for me to give back something of myself to mankind; by helping others feel good about themselves, and to have a positive attitude no matter what the situation. I began doing that through sharing my testimony. In June of 2001, I was once again diagnosed with Cancer. This time of the Colon, I prayed for God to get me through this and once again he delivered me. He wasn’t finished with me yet, so in February 2002, I was diagnosed with Cancer of the Liver. I told God that I would bear the load if only I could touch one person. He allowed me to touch more than one; he has allowed me to touch thousands. Before going into surgery for the Liver Cancer, the doctors told me to get my affairs in order because I probably wouldn’t make it through this time. I told them that they weren’t God, and that he would decide when it was time for me to go. I got through that one with a victorious smile and a lot of pain after 9 hours of surgery and a lot of prayer. With great expectations, I continued to sing Gods praises. Little did I know that he had more in store for me, In June of 2003, I was diagnosed with Rectal Cancer. They told me I would have a permanent colostomy and basically not much of a life. They wanted me to go to counseling, but God wanted me to be the counselor. Have you ever wondered what your family member or friends are going through when they are diagnosed with cancer? Just read the words of my book for encouragement. There is something you can do to help. You can take action now by purchasing my book. I guarantee that you will travel an emotional highway as you live through the experiences with me. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will rejoice with me as you find the answers that you have been searching for. In conclusion, I just want to sing and share my testimony with the world.My prayer is that this book will be a blessing to you and your loved ones. It has been very healing for me to write. I look forward to sharing my whole story with you in the upcoming pages of One Woman’s Story: How I Survived Cervical, Colon, Liver and Rectal Cancer. In His Grip, Karen www.4xcancersurvivor.com fourxsurvivor@yahoo.com


Someone you love has just been diagnosed with cancer--and you're feeling helpless. You want to do something, but your offers of chicken soup and jello seem pretty partly when measured against The Big C.

Start by realizing that simply being there to listen and offer support will make a huge difference to your loved one. People who don't have to face cancer alone have a better chance of both surviving over the long term and of triumphing over the here-and-now of treatment and recovery.


How to help

• Hit the books. If your friend is overwhelmed, help out by searching for information on standard treatment options and alternative treatments. Learn about ways to control pain. You might even want to offer to help figure out the ins and outs of financial issues for cancer care.

• Accompany your friend or loved one to the doctor. The American Cancer Society recommends people bring a friend or family member along to appointments. It can be hard for someone to pay attention while they're being poked and prodded. Be his or her eyes and ears. Take notes. Ask questions.

• Don't underestimate the power of chicken soup and jello. They may not be able to kill cancer, but hand-delivered, home-cooked, tasty and nutritious meals can do a world of good.

• Take a hike -- with your loved one. Exercise can beat back fatigue, speed recovery, and promote a sense of well-being.

• Be specific. Offer to help with a particular chore, rather than asking if there's 'anything' you can do. Cook a meal, mow the lawn, clean the bathroom, or shuttle the kids to soccer and school. Every single little bit helps.

Fighting cancer is a team effort. Your loved one can't do this entirely by his or herself, and neither can you. Help to create a strong support network by staying in touch with other friends and family members, sharing information, and giving everyone a chance to do what they can.

Common pitfalls, and how to avoid them
Wondering about what not to do? Follow your heart and these simple guiding thoughts:

• Don't trivialize or discount your loved one's feelings. They may be scared, they may be depressed. Having you there to listen will go a long way toward helping them work through those emotions.

• Don't treat them like a china doll. Take your cues from them on what they can and cannot handle, both physically and emotionally. If they want to laugh at themselves, laugh along with them. If they want to cry, hold them.

• Don't take it personally. It's okay if your friend turns down your offers of help. Your job is to let them know you're there for them; if and when they need you, they'll let you know. Just keep on offering.

• Don't bite off more than you can chew. You may want to help your friend in every way possible, but if you're unable to keep your promises or follow through on your offers, they're going to suffer more than if you hadn't offered at all.

• Just be there. Don't let the fear of losing a loved one keep you from being there because now is when you're needed most.
  

See also

• Other sources of support
• Understanding cancer
• Sharing experiences
• Staying positive