Karen's Story: Bringing My Work Home: From Oncology Nurse to Patient

My name is Karen Powell. I’m a mom to four amazing children including a nine-year-old son, eight-year-old twin boys and a three-year-old daughter. I'm also an oncology nurse practitioner and menopause specialist. Most recently, I became a breast cancer survivor at 39.

I casually brushed my hand against a lump I hadn’t been looking for. In an instant, the onslaught of exams and biopsies began and my life changed completely. I reviewed the results while I was at work, caring for the women on the journey I was about to join from a whole new vantage point. "Invasive Ductal Carcinoma." Familiar words that suddenly felt foreign with my name attached to the report. In this instance I thought about my patient waiting and thought to myself, "No one more equipped to help her," so I straightened my lab coat, and saw my next patient.

There are no guidelines on how to be can oncology patient.

One of the most polarizing, agonizing times of my life was navigating the anxiety of knowing I had cancer growing inside me, while also figuring out the realities of childcare. One minute I was creating a surgical plan with my breast oncologist; the next, I was cheering on my kids teams from the sidelines. I was weighing reconstruction options after a bilateral mastectomy while deciding on new school bags to buy for the first day of school.

Early detection and early screening saved me. And I want that for every woman.

Get to know your breasts from a place of empowerment, not fear. Trust your instincts, and speak up. Advocate for yourself.

Navigating the unique challenges of a cancer diagnosis as a young woman can be particularly isolating. Know that through the fear and uncertainty, I am right here with you, and we will never walk alone.