Karen Milton ... Megan McCormack ...
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Karen Milton ... Megan McCormack ...
A Story of Resilience and Hope " Thankfully , I can say that in my experience with breast cancer , I caught it early ," Karen Milton recalls , reflecting on the day that would forever change her life . Diagnosed in her early 40s , Karen ' s world was turned upside down when she learned she had breast cancer during a routine exam . " It was a shock , of course , but I knew I had to stay strong — for myself and my family ."
Karen ' s journey was not without its challenges . After her initial diagnosis , she underwent surgery in an attempt to remove the cancer and begin her path to recovery . However , just as she thought she was on the mend , an unexpected setback occurred . A post-reconstruction staph infection led to the loss of her breast . " I didn ’ t lose it to cancer ," Karen recalls . " I lost it to the infection ."
This blow could have been devastating , but Karen ' s indomitable spirit wouldn ’ t let it defeat her . Instead , she chose to focus on resilience and what the experience had taught her . " I was determined to show other women that cancer doesn ’ t have to break you . In fact , it can make you stronger ," she shares . " There will be tough days , but it ’ s how you approach them that matters ."
A Journey of Strength and Faith In November 2020 , just two weeks before my 33rd birthday , I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer — the most aggressive form of the disease . It was during my yearly exam that my medical provider discovered a lump .
We decided to monitor it for six months before I underwent a mammogram . I ’ ll never forget that week : the mammogram was on a Monday , a biopsy followed on Wednesday , and by Friday , I was told I had cancer . Everything happened so fast , and life as I knew it changed in an instant .
Over the next several months , I faced 20 weeks of chemotherapy , 30 radiation treatments , and a lumpectomy . One of the most memorable moments came on Valentine ’ s Day . After my second chemo treatment , my hair started falling out . That night , my husband shaved my head . It was a deeply emotional experience , but we faced it together .
Despite the challenges , I continued working as the Assistant Principal at Foley Elementary throughout my treatment . The support from my Principal , coworkers , and students kept me going . Their love , encouragement , and understanding helped lift me up on the days when I needed it most .
For Karen , her mindset was everything . She credits her positive outlook and determination for getting her through the darkest moments . " Your mindset is what gets you through the hardest days ," she emphasizes . Her faith , family , and friends played a crucial role in her recovery , but her personal belief in the power of positivity kept her moving forward .
“ I want women to know that they are strong , and they can get through this ," she says . " I ’ m living proof that you can overcome , and life on the other side is worth fighting for ." Karen ’ s story is a powerful reminder that no matter the obstacles , inner strength and a hopeful outlook can see you through .
Prayer and positivity became my lifelines . I believed in the power of hope and leaned on my faith every day . Almost four years later , I ’ m thrilled to share that I ’ m cancer-free , and God has blessed me with a beautiful 1-year-old son .
My journey wasn ’ t easy , but it has shaped me into a stronger person . I ’ m grateful for my family , friends , and community for their constant support . God has been so good to me , and I hope my story inspires other women to stay strong and have faith , even in the hardest of times .
30 S plash !