Carla Deschamps

Carla Deschamps is now a survivor of colon cancer after receiving her diagnosis in February 2020. Read Carla's 

Have you ever wondered what your life would be like after being diagnosed with colon cancer? I never imagined I would become a cancer survivor. The joys and challenges of my life after my cancer diagnosis have changed me forever. In this blog, I would like to share with you my ups and downs after my diagnosis with colorectal cancer.

To start, one of my biggest challenges during that time was to thrive during chemotherapy. I did not know what to expect going through the treatment. Even though I was very scared, I made a commitment to myself that my health was my number one priority no matter what during chemo. My mindset was to stay strong and optimistic throughout this journey.

In those days, my oncologist provided me with two different treatment plans that I had to choose from. Option one was a combination of oral and injection medication that would last only three months. Option two, on the other hand, was a six-month duration, but only taking oral medication. I was still indecisive, and I did not know what to do. After speaking with my family and thinking about it for a few days, I finally decided to go with option one.

I told my oncologist that I wanted to see how my body reacted to oral and intravenous chemotherapy. If it was too much for my body to handle, I was going to strictly stay with oral medication even though it was a longer time span. My treatment consisted of two weeks straight on medication and one week off. This included doing blood work and check-ins every three weeks.

Moreover, in April 2020, I started chemotherapy. During that time, I was working from home due to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a way, it was a blessing in disguise since I had already begun my treatment. Within those two weeks, I was taking oral pills with a combination of IV. I noticed that it was too much for my body to handle, especially because I was very slim. I was constantly tired, felt nauseated all the time, and I barely had any appetite. For this reason, at the end of the first cycle, I informed my doctor that, moving forward, I wanted to stay with oral medication only.

When I began the second cycle of my treatment, I noticed that my body reacted much better since it was only one dose versus two. I started to eat more, and my energy increased tremendously. I was feeling like my old self again, which brought me a sense of peace and happiness. I was extremely excited when I finally finished my last cycle of chemo in October 2020. Everything went well, and my doctor was extremely joyful with the results of the treatment.

Additionally, one of my momentous joys after my diagnosis with colon cancer was realizing the significance of a healing heart through self-healing. You are probably wondering how I healed myself without going to therapy or speaking with a psychologist. The first step I took in my self-healing recovery was changing my way of thinking and attitude. I told myself, “No matter what happens, I will do everything in my power to be cancer-free.” With that mindset, I started to train my way of thinking by applying affirmations, meditation, motivational videos, journaling, visualization, and emphasizing the importance of self-love and gratitude in my daily life. Self-healing, without a doubt, was my crucial triumph to become a cancer survivor.

In conclusion, even though I had my ups and downs after my diagnosis with colon cancer, I would not change anything I went through as it made me the woman I am today. I am much stronger because of it. I love the person I have become, and this unexpected journey made me appreciate life more.

This piece reflects the author’s personal experience and perspective. For medical advice, please consult your health care provider.

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A personal narrative details the journey of a colon cancer survivor, highlighting the challenges and triumphs experienced during and after chemotherapy. The author initially faced difficulties with a combination of oral and intravenous chemotherapy but found relief and improved well-being by switching to oral medication only. The COVID-19 pandemic inadvertently provided a conducive environment for treatment. Emphasizing self-healing, the author adopted a positive mindset, utilizing affirmations, meditation, and self-love practices. This transformative experience fostered personal growth, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for life.

I share my challenges and healing journey through colon cancer treatment, emphasizing mindset, self-healing and a newfound appreciation for life.

What to Expect During Chemo For Colon Cancer: A Survivor’s Story

Mhar once said, “From every wound there is a scar, and every scar tells a story. A story that says, 'I have survived.'" This quote exemplifies my defining moment after my diagnosis with colon cancer at the age of thirty-four. Being diagnosed at such a young age was definitely a hard pill to swallow. Yet, my journey as a cancer survivor made me the woman I am today. In this blog, I would like to share my experience that first made me feel like a survivor.

To begin, in the past, I have had multiple surgeries due to my health challenges. These operations consisted of eye surgeries along with a neck surgery, all leaving scars of survivorship. Each surgery had left a significant impact on my life due to the fact that it has assisted me in having the qualities of strength, resilience, and hope. For this reason, my defining moment was when I recovered from a five-hour surgery after my diagnosis with colon cancer. This procedure embarked on the starting point of being a cancer survivor, leaving me with four impactful scars on my stomach.

I remembered looking at my scars for the very first time and instantly cried because it represented that I no longer had the cancerous mass inside of me. Each scar symbolized that I was blessed and fortunate to be alive. Hence, I looked at my scars as a way to remind myself that I have so much to live for. Even though I was terrified of what was coming, aka… Chemotherapy, my scars emphasized that I have the power to face my difficulties with my head held high. Due to this outlook, my embodiment and attitude towards my diagnosis was “I am a cancer survivor, and God has blessed me with a second chance in life.”

From every wound there is a scar, and every scar tells a story. A story that says, 'I have survived.'

Before I had my surgery, however, I was still trying to grasp the idea that I had a cancerous mass that was harming my body. This was not only affecting my self-esteem, but also my body weight. As a result, after my operation and surviving it, I made the decision to shift my mindset and focus on developing healthy habits as well as routines that in the long run helped me become a cancer survivor.

Additionally, some of these healthy habits included daily exercise, eating more whole grain foods, fruits, and vegetables, and feeding my mind with positive messages. I began to read books that include the power of positive self-talk as well as self-development. My way of viewing my journey as a cancer survivor shifted because I started to focus on all the things I was grateful for, especially the support and dedication of my family. Without them, my drive as a cancer survivor would have been a lot more difficult.

This is when affirmations, meditation, journaling, and visualization arouse. All of these techniques gave me the tools and strategies I needed to turn my life around. I have become the best version of myself because of it. On the other hand, out of all the techniques, journaling, without a doubt, was the most significant one. It allowed me to express everything I was going through. All of my ups and downs were reflected every time I took the time to write in my journal. Looking back five years later, I have grown so much as a person, and it all began by surviving my surgery. Indeed, words cannot express how grateful and blessed I am to be a cancer survivor. I hope that our stories being shared through our blogs continue to inspire others that anything is possible! Forever Blessed.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education,

A personal journey of surviving colon cancer at a young age highlights the transformative power of resilience and positive mindset. The experience of multiple surgeries, including a significant five-hour procedure, left physical scars that symbolize survival and strength. Embracing a healthier lifestyle, including exercise, nutrition, and mental wellness practices, played a crucial role in recovery. Support from family and the use of affirmations, meditation, and journaling facilitated personal growth and a renewed outlook on life. The narrative underscores the importance of sharing survivor stories to inspire hope and possibility.

I became a colon cancer survivor after my 2020 diagnosis, and I share how my scars, mindset shifts and journaling helped me embrace this second chance.

How Scars and Journaling Helped Me Embrace Life After Colon Cancer

Have you ever wondered how connecting with nature helps improve your mind, body and soul? After my diagnosis with colon cancer, one of my biggest remedies during that time was connecting with Mother Nature. In this blog, I am going to share with you self-care activities that boosted my energy and how the season of spring lifted up my spirits while going through challenges in my recovery with colon cancer.

First of all, my perspective of spring consists of a season where everything around me begins to blossom. It is the time of year where I see flowers blooming, animals awakening from hibernation, along with birds migrating due to warm weather. Spring has symbolic themes that include new beginnings. From my point of view, it represents rebirth, renewal, love, youth and spiritual rejuvenation.

One of my self-care activities that I still practice today is journaling. In April 2020, I started to journal as a way to express everything that I was going through. It helped me understand my journey in my recuperation with colon cancer, especially during chemotherapy. For this reason, I began to write down my feelings and thoughts in a notebook as a way to empower my mind by focusing on sustaining a positive mindset. I recalled going to the park near my house, sitting on a huge rock, smelling the flowers while I was writing my emotions in my journal. On that day, I made a promise to myself that I would take time every spring to journal outside because it made me feel amazing connecting with nature.

In addition, another self-care activity that I still do is exercising outside. Ever since I was diagnosed with colon cancer, I intentionally started going for walks, especially in the mornings. Walking, without a doubt, was one of the exercises that I enjoyed the most due to the warm climate of spring. It helped me reduce stress as well as anxiety due to my treatment. I remembered moments where I felt so overwhelmed due to the pressure of making sure I was taking my medications on time, going to doctor visits every two weeks, and working from home because of the COVID-19 pandemic. By walking and connecting with nature, it lifted my spirit and kept my mental health state strong.

Another self-care activity that I enjoy is meditation. This allows my mind to stay serene and helps reduce my apprehensiveness when I have too much on my plate. In February 2020, when I was diagnosed with colon cancer, I felt extremely worried because I did not know what to expect in regards to my health. However, by practicing meditation during that time, it assisted me in decluttering my mind about what I was thinking along with focusing on what I truly desired, which was staying cancer-free. By meditating on a consistent basis, I was able to train my mind and be optimistic throughout this journey. My focal point is and will always be my health.

In conclusion, being diagnosed with colon cancer was not easy news to grasp, yet my recovery during that time was blissful and full of love and light. Looking back five years later, I can see now how the symbolism of spring helped me with my recuperation and treatment. It represented new beginnings which helped me become a better version of myself. Indeed, the season of spring is a time of year where it allows me to start fresh along with blossoming as a person. I am forever blessed!

Connecting with nature can significantly enhance mental, physical, and emotional well-being, especially during challenging times like cancer recovery. Engaging in self-care activities such as journaling, outdoor exercise, and meditation can foster a positive mindset and reduce stress. The symbolism of spring, with its themes of renewal and new beginnings, can provide hope and inspiration during recovery. Embracing these practices can lead to personal growth and a deeper connection with oneself and the environment, ultimately contributing to a more fulfilling and resilient life.

Connecting with nature through journaling, walking and meditation helped me heal during and after colon cancer treatment.

Connecting With Nature After Colon Cancer: My Self-Care Practices

Have you ever wondered what life lessons you will experience after a diagnosis of colon cancer? Well, I would have never guessed that this question would be a part of my adventure. Being diagnosed with colon cancer in my early thirties was definitely not a thought in my mind. However, when the doctor informed me of my prognosis, I took the news with my head held high as I knew that my family needed me. I had to stay strong and courageous, as I was an inspiration to those around me. I did not have the heart to disappoint themost important people in my life, especially my parents. I wanted to set an example that fighting for your life is worth every sacrifice.

For this reason, as difficult as it was, I knew that having peace of mind as well as empowerment of positive thinking was one of the best remedies to overcome this life changing event.

Now you may ask, “What are some of these life lessons that you can learn from after going through a cancer journey?” My immediate response is the power of self-love. Loving yourself is the best gift you can endure. Before my diagnosis with colon cancer, I thought that I loved myself, yet this experience taught me the true meaning of self-love. What do I mean with this phrase? It is as simple as saying, “I am always putting myself first no matter what.” Also, it is stating, “It is ok to say no and not feel guilty about it.” Now, this does not mean that you are selfish and that you would not be there for the people that you care about. It is simply that youneed to take care of yourself first before you can take care of others.

Additionally, another life lesson that I was able to gain an understanding of was getting out of my comfort zone. This has been an area where I have genuinely struggled. Ever since I can remember, I always liked conformity and did not like change or try new things. Yet, after my diagnosis, I began to explore and became more open minded. I started to do things on my own and not depend on others. For example, I attended a women’s retreat in Upstate New York, where I was able to reconnect with myself on a much deeper level. At the same time, I met incredible, powerful women that I learned so much from. I would have never gone on my own, but I have become braver, and I am not scared to do things alone. If anything, I have acquired positive experiences and have grown exceedingly.

To sum it up, these past few years have been bittersweet, yet I would do it all over again for the simple fact that because of my colon cancer voyage, I have become my highest, truest expression of myself. I have acquired a knowledge of experiences where my life lessons assisted in helping me grow in all areas of my life. By going through this path, I have gained insight of who I am meant to be along with where I want to go.

With that being said, I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude. Thank you for taking the time toread my blogs. It is a blessing to be sharing my story with you. I hope and pray that my memoir be an inspiration that anything is possible as long as you believe. May God continue to bless you with an abundance of love, prosperity, health, success, but above all happiness. Forever Blessed!

A colon cancer diagnosis in one's early thirties can be life-altering, prompting profound personal growth and self-discovery. Embracing self-love and prioritizing personal well-being become essential, as does stepping out of comfort zones to explore new experiences. This journey fosters resilience, courage, and a deeper understanding of oneself, ultimately leading to personal empowerment and fulfillment. The experience, though challenging, is transformative, offering valuable life lessons that contribute to personal development and a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

After being diagnosed with colon cancer, I learned the life-changing lessons of self-love, stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing positive thinking.

Carla Deschamps

What to Expect During Chemo For Colon Cancer: A Survivor’s Story

How Scars and Journaling Helped Me Embrace Life After Colon Cancer

Connecting With Nature After Colon Cancer: My Self-Care Practices

Life Lessons I Learned After My Colon Cancer Diagnosis

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