Grateful for your Support in my Fight

7th Chemo – March 19, 2025

I finally had my 7th chemo session. It was delayed for about a week and a half because my immune system was too low to handle it. Every time that this happens, I feel frustrated, but I know my body needs that time to catch up.

This round came with some new challenges. I felt side effects while I was actually receiving the chemo. It hurt as the treatment was passing through my veins, a burning, uncomfortable sensation that left me with a bruise afterward. It caught me off guard and made the session feel even longer.

Afterward, the usual side effects hit hard this round and lasted about five days. It wasn’t easy, the fatigue, the discomfort, just feeling off. But I got through it, like I have every time before.

Honestly, one of the things that keeps me going and motivated to finish this treatment soon and get back to normal things is food. I miss eating all the things I used to love without having to think twice. I dream of eating outside again and enjoying seafood, sushi, spicy meals, raw salads and desserts.

I'm getting closer to the end, and I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel :)

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Reflection on Women’s Day – March 08th, 2025

This Women’s Day holds a special meaning for me. It’s not just a celebration of the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women around the world. It’s also a moment for me to reflect on my journey, particularly as I’ve been fighting cancer.

Battling cancer has tested every part of me, physically, emotionally, and mentally. But through it all, I’ve discovered a strength I didn’t know I had. There were days when getting out of bed felt like a victory, and nights when I questioned everything, but I kept going.

Women’s Day reminds me that I’m not alone. I stand beside millions of women who face their battles every day, whether it’s illness, injustice, loss, or simply the weight of unrecognized labour.

Living with cancer has changed everything, how I see time, how I value moments, and how I show up for myself. It has brought fear, uncertainty, and pain. But it has also brought clarity, strength, and a deeper appreciation for life.

I am still learning (every day) how to understand this disease, how to listen to my body, and how to navigate the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it. There’s no manual, no perfect way to handle it. Just a constant journey of lessons and resilience.

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March 07, 2025 - Update

Once, I attended a conference, and the speaker asked the audience what they would do if they had one day left to live. I answered that question in my mind without really understanding what it meant to be in that position.

Today, I would answer differently because now I understand how fragile and valuable time is. Life doesn't wait, and every moment counts.

Today, I would answer that I would hug more, say, "I love you," without reservation, forgive without pride, and give myself more moments to rest to do my hobbies.

The real lesson is not in how much time we have left but in how we choose to live each moment with love, gratitude and purpose.

My fight against cancer continues; it is a process that will last five years, starting once I finish my chemotherapy treatments.

Thank you for being part of my healing path!. ✨

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February 20, 2025 - Update / Sixth Chemotherapy

The sixth chemotherapy was delayed by one week because the blood test results that I do every month before each chemo came back low, especially my white blood cells, which help fight infections in the body. The oncologist didn’t want to take any risks and postponed the sixth chemo, which was initially scheduled for February 13.

I felt sad, as you always look forward to each treatment and adding another achievement to the "chemotherapy board." The oncologist’s recommendation was simply to wait and repeat the blood tests in a week. During those seven days, I focused on painting, studying French, exercising, meditating, and spending quality time with my family.

Six days later, I took the blood test again, and fortunately, all the markers that were out of range returned to normal. This made it possible to go ahead with the sixth chemotherapy today, YAAYY!

Just like the fifth one, this one was painful as well. My veins burned, and the "knives" in my blood came back. The nurse had to stop one of the medications and administer others to ease the pain. Thanks to the calming medications, I could rest a little and relax.

The treatment lasted four and a half hours. When it finished, I felt fatigued, with pain in my left hand, but also happy that I managed to complete another chemotherapy.

Thank you so much to everyone who sends me strength and words of encouragement. Thanks to you, I feel supported, even from a distance.

Love you all❤️!

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February 14, 2025 - Update / Reflection

"Valentine’s Day this year is about Love, Strength, and the Path to Beating Cancer"

Valentine’s Day made me reflect on the different types of love. Love isn’t just about romance. The ancient Greeks identified multiple types of love, each shaping our relationships and well-being in different ways. When facing a battle as tough as cancer, these forms of love become even more meaningful, offering strength, hope, and resilience.

✨ Eros – Passionate, romantic love

For those fighting cancer and their partners, Eros takes on a new depth. It’s about standing by each other, cherishing every moment, and finding beauty in love that endures even through the hardest times.

✨Philia – Deep friendship and camaraderie

A cancer diagnosis reminds us of the importance of friendship. The unwavering support of friends—whether through late-night talks, hospital visits, or simple gestures of kindness—can make all the difference.

✨Storge – Unconditional, family love ‍‍‍

Families become pillars of strength during a cancer battle. The love of a parent, child, or sibling provides comfort, encouragement, and a reminder that no one fights alone.

✨Agape – Selfless, unconditional love for humanity

The fight against cancer is fueled by Agape—the kindness of strangers, the dedication of doctors and caregivers, and the generosity of those who support research and awareness efforts. It’s a love that unites us all in the hope for a cure.

✨Pragma – Enduring, mature love that stands the test of time

Long-term caregivers and survivors know that love isn’t just about the good times. It’s about perseverance, patience, and standing together through every high and low.

✨Ludus – Playful, flirtatious love that brings joy and excitement

Even in the midst of a difficult journey, moments of laughter and joy are essential. A lighthearted joke, a playful smile, or a simple dance can lift spirits and bring much-needed relief.

✨Philautia – Self-love, the foundation for all other types

For cancer fighters and survivors, self-love is crucial. It means listening to your body, embracing rest, allowing yourself grace, and celebrating the strength it takes to fight another day.

Let’s celebrate love in all its forms this Valentine's Day—not just as romance.

Thank you for all your support! I am super grateful!

All your ways of love have strengthened my hope❤️.

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February 04, 2025 - Update

#World Cancer Day

I never imagined myself writing a post about cancer, and now that it's my turn, I realize that it is a disease with many stigmas, prejudices, myths; and that more people than we think are survivors.

Knowing stories of survivors filled me with hope at the beginning of my diagnosis. It was what kept me with faith to trust that medical odds would not determine my destiny. I'm not going to lie, I was terrified to know that the chances of success of my treatment were less than 50%. I thought about my death every day. It was difficult for me to assimilate and accept my new reality, that my plans to close the year had changed and that anything I considered important was put on the back burner to concentrate on my recovery.

I will have the sixth chemotherapy soon, and I'm better than I thought I would be when I imagined myself at this time last year. I'm more than halfway through, and I hope to complete my treatment in the coming months successfully.

Today, on International Cancer Day, I want to thank all the people who have given me their support and words of encouragement. Those who have been by my side on this emotional roller coaster give me their strength, time and energy to help me stay positive and strong.

Your company and solidarity have been a light of hope in the most difficult moments, and for that reason, I will always carry your love in my heart.

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January 23, 2025 – Update

My Experience with Chemotherapy

I want to share with you what a chemotherapy session is like from my own experience.

Each session feels different. A few days ago, I had my fifth cycle, and so far, it has been the most painful. From the very beginning, I had complications with the IV insertion; finding a vein was difficult because, with each session, the medications weakened and thinned them out.

As soon as the medication started flowing into my body, I felt intense pain and a deep burning sensation, as if I were being burned from the inside out. It was a sharp, stabbing feeling, like tiny knives moving through my bloodstream, accompanied by constant pain. My arm and legs went numb, the itching on the soles of my feet became unbearable, and fatigue slowly began to take over.

I tried to sleep, but the pain wouldn’t let me. Talking to my family didn’t help either; the discomfort was so overwhelming that even forming words became difficult.

So, I closed my eyes and sought refuge in sound. I played relaxing music—rain, ocean waves, birds singing in the countryside. I focused on my breathing, deep and slow, and mentally transported myself to the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. For a moment, I found relief.

That’s how I spent five hours of the treatment.

I hope the following sessions will be gentler, like the second and third ones. In the meantime, I keep moving forward, holding on to the hope of better days ahead.

Take care! Sending you all a big hug ❤️ .

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January 15, 2025 - Update

Hello everyone!

I recently had my 4th chemotherapy, yay !! I am halfway through the treatment. I still have four more chemos and one surgery left. I am eternally grateful for all the support and love I have received through messages, calls, and visits, which have greatly lifted my spirits.

I thank God and life for giving me the opportunity to face this difficult moment with my family and partner close to me. Without a doubt, having the people I love close by gives me strength every day to give my best in the recovery process and, above all, to continue being with them for many more years.

I am sending you so much love and blessings!

Karen

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November 22, 2024

Dear friends,

As many of you may already know, in early September, I received a diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer. Since then, I’ve begun treatment. I am currently undergoing chemotherapy. The plan is for me to complete at least eight cycles of chemotherapy, with treatments every three weeks. Along with chemotherapy, there are various tests and medications that are part of this journey.

While I’ve been managing the costs on my own up until now, I’m finding it increasingly difficult to sustain these expenses. That’s why I’m reaching out to you for support during this challenging time.

I understand that everyone has their own financial commitments, so please don’t feel any pressure to donate if it’s not possible for you. However, if you’re able and willing to contribute, it would mean the world to me. And if not, your love, thoughts, and prayers are more than enough, and deeply appreciated.

Thank you all so much for your ongoing love, encouragement, and support. It truly helps me stay strong through this journey.

With gratitude,

Karen

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Noviembre 22, 2024

Queridos amigos,

Como muchos de ustedes ya saben, a principios de Septiembre me diagnosticaron cáncer de ovario. Desde entonces, he comenzado el tratamiento. Actualmente estoy recibiendo quimioterapia. El plan es completar al menos ocho ciclos de quimioterapia, con tratamientos cada tres semanas. Además de la quimioterapia, debo someterme a diversos estudios de imagen, clínicos y tomar medicamentos durante este proceso.

Aunque he estado cubriendo los gastos por mi cuenta, cada vez me resulta más difícil sustentarlos. Es por eso que me veo en la necesidad de recurrir a ustedes en busca de apoyo en este momento tan desafiante.

Sé que cada persona tiene su propia situación financiera, así que no quiero que nadie se sienta comprometido en donar si no está en condiciones de hacerlo. Sin embargo, si pueden y desean contribuir, les estaría muy agradecida. Y si no, su amor, pensamientos y oraciones son más que suficientes; los valoro profundamente.

Muchas gracias a todos por su continuo amor, aliento y apoyo. Me ayuda mucho a mantenerme fuerte durante este proceso.

Con gratitud,

Karen