Strength in the Struggle: My Way Forward
Karla Ferguson's Story
Welcome to our "Surviving the Storm" Member Spotlight! Today, we're honored to share Karla Ferguson's inspiring journey.
PERSONAL JOURNEY
LiveWell: Can you share your cancer diagnosis story and how it has impacted your life?
Karla: 96! That was my goal - live to 96. Maybe because my grandmother lived to that age and I always thought I wanted to be like her. Fun fact, I lived outdoors as much as possible as a child, gathering tadpoles to watch them turn into frogs, climbing trees and fences, and facing down the “boy bullies” who thought I wasn’t tough enough to join their sports.
Toughness came in handy when I went for my annual screening mammogram in July 2020. Ten days later, I received a letter for an ultrasound follow-up. When the radiologist said there was a definite mass, August 27, 2020, became embedded in my mind forever. The next day a biopsy confirmed my greatest fear, I had DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Site). I was shocked AND the world was in the middle of a pandemic. At least my health system was able to provide treatment right away.
An MRI came next followed by gene testing. My mother had the same breast cancer so gene testing was recommended to help my daughter and granddaughter know if we had an inherited breast cancer gene. Fortunately, I don’t have an inherited breast cancer gene, but I just won the lottery of being the 1 in every 8 women who get breast cancer “just because”. In October 2020 I had a lumpectomy followed by 16 radiation treatments. I nicknamed the linear accelerator machine “Optimus Prime” since it looks like a giant transformer.
I finished radiation and rang the bell just before Christmas Day. I felt so grateful to have a very supportive medical team starting with my oncologist, radiation oncologist, and all the radiation technicians. Everyone was so positive and reassuring.
SUPPORT SYSTEM
LiveWell: Who were the key people who supported you during your journey, and how did they help?
Karla: Throughout this saga, my husband Danny was my constant supporter, caregiver, and all-around great guy along with the rest of my family. Many friends in my ladies' Bible study group and in my Sertoma club sent cards and prayed for me daily. This support kept me positive and moving forward.
LiveWell: How did the Complete Cancer Rehab community affect your recovery?
Karla: In January 2021, I started seeing Erin Erickson for occupational and physical therapy. She became the best resource and mentor to get me through the aftermath of active cancer treatment. She helped me feel confident that healing would happen even when there were some post-radiation issues. Erin gave me many exercises to loosen the grip that radiation had brought onto my body. She patiently answered all my crazy questions about the side effects of radiation and encouraged me to remain patient with the healing.
I was given a boost when Eric Souser was hired to work as an exercise coach with Erin’s clients. Since he personalizes the one-on-one programs, my physical strength and endurance have come back to a level where I feel normal again. Complete Cancer Rehab has brought me back to good health both physically and mentally.
COPING STRATEGIES
LiveWell: What coping mechanisms or strategies did you find most helpful?
Karla: Facing cancer made me want to find humor wherever possible. Also, research was soothing because it kept me focused on how to beat this. My medical team had given me a lot of literature to read and suggested that if I wanted to do my own research, breastcancer.org would be a great website to get information that was accurate and could answer a lot of questions about my current and future health.
LiveWell: What words of advice do you have for people facing their cancer journey?
Karla: For a person getting a diagnosis of cancer, I would recommend the following:
Don't Panic: You will feel a range of emotions but don’t panic. There are so many advanced treatments and supportive people who will keep you going.
Take Simple Steps: Even if you have always lived life in a healthy way, take the diagnosis as an opportunity to find new ways to improve your health: Simple things like drinking more water, eating less sugar, and discovering more vegetables and fruits.
Embrace Your Journey: Make a plan to adopt new habits. Exercise when you don’t feel like it. It’s important to embrace your new reality at your own pace. Your journey is YOUR journey!
Stay Connected: I’m glad that I stayed connected to my social network and very happy to welcome so many new acquaintances and supporters into my life!
LiveWell: Karla's journey is a profound testament to resilience, optimism, and the healing power of community. From the early days of her diagnosis to the ringing of the bell marking the end of treatment, Karla's story reminds us of the importance of finding strength in unexpected places, embracing humor even in challenging times, and leaning on loved ones and dedicated professionals to navigate life's most difficult journeys. Her words are not just advice—they're a beacon of hope for anyone facing similar circumstances. Karla shows us how a positive outlook, purposeful actions, and unwavering connections can lead to recovery and a renewed appreciation for life. Through her experience, she inspires all of us to face life's trials with courage and grace, proving that even in the face of adversity, a meaningful and vibrant life is always within reach.
Thank you for being part of our LiveWell community!