Carla Deschamps

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

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.

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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.

Life Lessons I Learned After My Colon Cancer Diagnosis 

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

Someone once expressed, “The secret of being happy is accepting where you are in life and making the most out of it.” This quote represents how I viewed my life after my diagnosis with colon cancer at the age of 34. During that time, it was extremely difficult to accept the fact that I had colon cancer, especially being that young. Without a doubt, the news was a hard pill to swallow. In this blog, I would like to share with you how choosing to be happy and accepting where I was in my life made a significant difference throughout this journey.

First of all, it was not easy to accept that I had a cancerous mass in my body. The unknown of whether or not it spread throughout other parts of my body was very terrifying. I recalled occasions where I thought of worst-case scenarios, which did not help me in any way. If anything, the feelings of anxiety and fear took over. I allowed my emotions to control my way of thinking, which eventually impacted my actions when I was at the hospital. However, there was a time where I was lying in my bed meditating, and I was able to be mindful of everything that was happening to me. In that moment, there was a sense of peace, purpose and clarity.

That was when I decided to shift my way of thinking and chose that no matter what happens, I was going to be happy and accept that being diagnosed with colon cancer was a part of my journey. As a result, I began to do activities that brought joy into my life. One of those activities included being around nature as often as I could. My favorite place that I visited during that time was a park near my house. It has a lot of beautiful trees, a lake, and a breathtaking view of New York City. I remembered waking up early in the morning to simply go on walks, which was relaxing and therapeutic. It was definitely one of my most cherished memories.

Additionally, another activity that I enjoyed was going on hikes with my family.

In the summer of 2020, we went on our first hike located in Ramapo, New Jersey. It was a two-hour hike where I was able to connect with Mother Nature. We took on the challenge to go to a specific spot in the hike where we eventually saw this beautiful lake that had an amazing view of tall mountains. It was gorgeous scenery to see. I loved every minute of it due to the fact that I was able to do this hike with the most important people in my life. For this reason, every summer, my family and I go on a different hike as a way to spend quality time together along with doing something fun that we all love.

To conclude, by being happy and accepting where I am in my life and making the most of it has impacted my diagnosis with colon cancer that much smoother. Even though it has been an emotional roller coaster, intentionally doing things that I love has assisted in viewing my journey with an optimistic outlook. I am fortunate to be alive, and being a cancer survivor is definitely worth smiling about. With that being said, live life to the fullest, be present in the moment and laugh often.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to 

subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters here.

A personal journey through colon cancer diagnosis at age 34 highlights the transformative power of acceptance and choosing happiness. Initially overwhelmed by fear and anxiety, the individual found peace through mindfulness and a shift in perspective. Embracing activities that brought joy, such as nature walks and family hikes, played a crucial role in maintaining a positive outlook. This approach not only eased the emotional burden of the diagnosis but also fostered a sense of gratitude and fulfillment, underscoring the importance of living life to the fullest.

Being diagnosed with colon cancer at 34 was difficult, but choosing happiness and acceptance helped me find peace through mindfulness, nature and family.

Carla Deschamps

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

Accepting My Colon Cancer Diagnosis at A Young Age

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