In 2023, Kristina was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Breast Cancer (Triple Negative) and finished her treatment 6 months later which showed a complete response to treatment, meaning no evidence of disease.  This made her feel so relieved and grateful for the amazing care she received at EvergreenHealth.

 

When she was in treatment, she felt like it was a job that she took very seriously. What surprised her was how she felt after treatment ended. The joy and elation after finishing treatment didn’t last very long. It bothered her that that she wasn’t being positive and grateful. Logically she knew we all live with uncertainty, so didn’t understand why she was so worried and anxious all the time.

It wasn’t until after she finished with treatment that she began to explore the programs offered through Cancer Lifeline. In hindsight she wishes she had been involved with a support group during treatment but at the time it didn’t feel right to her. Now that treatment is over, she’s been focusing on eating nutritious food and exercising, and is learning so much from the nutrition and exercise classes she’s taking.  “The nutrition instructor, Ami Karnosh is a wealth of food knowledge. I love her Cancer Lifeline cooking classes and recipes. I make her Mulligatawny recipe which is full of anti-inflammatory ingredients once a week. Until last week I had a big dislike for mushrooms. When Ami showed us how to cook them in the in person Healthy Mexican Food class I became a mushroom convert. They had a totally different texture and were super flavorful with all the sauces she made for us. Vital Moves is also a fun class taught by Meryl Shier. I look forward to attending more of those and becoming a regular!”

Her anxious and worried feelings are dissipating more and more each day thanks to the good information, support & community she’s found here along with her care team. She finds it helpful and truly inspiring to be with others who have been diagnosed with cancer, because she feels heard and understood, all without judgement. She was immediately struck at the comfort of being with others who have a shared experiences, even though everyone’s experiences are all unique. She wishes everyone ease in all of their journeys and wanted to leave us with this quote from John O’Donohue that makes her feel inspired:

“May I have the courage today

To live the life I would love

To postpone my dream no longer

But do at last what I came here for

And waste my heart on fear no more.”