Karen’s amazing story

 

As a person who advocates for people to share their stories of adversity to triumph, Karen’s story sums it up very well, its great to think people still like to share their journeys to inspire others in their own journeys and to show you that you can do it, it is possible to achieve your aims and goals.

I would like to thank Karen for sending me her story and for choosing stoma heroes to share it.

 

Karen my story of triumph over adversity

I would like to share my bowel cancer, Stoma and colostomy bag wearer and GORD story with you. To maybe help and support others going through something similar.

I live in Cheltenham, England.  Sociologist/ BA Hons Sociology. I am writing my autobiography my life after cancer and colostomy bag and living with benign brain tumours.

It’s a triumph over adversity story. 9 years now living with benign tumours/ cancer. Battling on regardless. Post advanced bowel cancer survivor with stoma and colostomy bag.  4 years in remission.  Survivor’s Guilt. PTSD, grieving life before cancer. Scans / bloods anxiety, fear of cancer coming back.  Brain Tumour getting bigger. But rising from the ashes and soaring high like the phoenix.  (My Coventry emblem/ motto.).

Hysterectomy and benign brain tumours and B12 deficiency. I am not defined by the above. I am defined by being the amazing Karen.

Cancer is not the end of the story. It’s the beginning of a new chapter of adventures, experiences, fun, travels and meeting the most wonderful people along the way.

I was diagnosed with GORD, two Christmases ago. And must take medication for it. I love nuts and seeds and popcorn.  I had to stop eating causing blockages and acid reflux and choking.

I am a beauty pageant finalist / pageant Queen. Charity poster girl and hidden disabilities and size plus model. Happy sunshine personality. I do a lot of charity fundraising, campaigning and community work. I love the beach and countryside and getting a suntan.

As a cancer survivor.  Every day is precious and a gift from God.  God and The Angels had a plan and purpose for me. It wasn’t my time to go. God doesn’t put you through anything, he doesn’t think that you can’t cope with and overcome.  Make each day count and live your best life ever.  Make a difference in this world. Putting the can into cancer!  Inspirational figure to others whose parade got rained on too. Empowering people to after illness / disability get out of their comfort zones and do something different.  If you can dream it, you can do it!

Karen Elizabeth Bucknall