I'm Not Fine yet Perfectly Fine with Cancer with Deb Krier
Photo: Deb Krier. Graphic created on Canva

I'm Not Fine yet Perfectly Fine with Cancer with Deb Krier

How can you be perfectly fine with cancer? If you have ever had the big “C” diagnosis, the words perfectly fine don’t readily come to mind! Deb Krier had to work emotionally through her initial diagnosis of Stage 0 cancer that moved to Stage 4 triple positive breast cancer. She is now a coalition builder and warrior who is rewriting the playbook on how to live with cancer. Even after catastrophic complications from her first chemotherapy treatment, she maintained her sense of humor and continued to work. In fact, her work expanded and intensified with a renewed purpose.

Like many who move through difficult experiences, Krier expanded her coaching business with a mission to ensure we are no longer just perfectly fine with cancer. Providing educational materials and support to those on similar journeys has now become her passion. What Krier did with her Cancer diagnosis is a beautiful example of how one can use a situation in life, whether good or bad, to propel one to action in an area that would normally not be pursued. The perfect time for this is at mid-career or the halftime of life. Deb was able to get beyond her fear and physical setbacks to move forward. She had both the skills and the passion that uniquely equipped her to help others.

Diagnosing the I'm Fine Syndrome

How many times have we been asked, “How are you?” and we’ve given the answer, “I’m fine!” Probably more than we can count. It is a go-to response many of us know all too well as it’s easy and non-committal. It saves both the inquirer and listener the awkwardness of an explanation of events that may or may not be comfortable to share. There are a number of reasons for this. Sharing details takes time, energy and emotion. Listening is no easier. How should we respond? She understood many of the issues people face with the diagnosis. In fact her website, TryingNotToDie.live came out of her passion to help others live, not die. (read more...)

Fighting for Our Future

Pain, whether physical, mental or even financial, serves to signal the need for action. Resolving pain takes a mental commitment to a plan. It’s an emotional decision and if put off, symptoms will usually escalate. If Deb had waited, her outcome could have certainly been much worse or even fatal. After 8 different Chemotherapy sessions and complications from Sepsis, her whole system was shutting down like a cardiac attack. It was serious. However, difficult times build the warrior inside all of us, especially if we fight for survival. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, all baby boomers will be sixty-five or older. Usually, additional physical challenges are brought on with age.

Defining Personal Champions

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When my dear mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer at the age of 80, we as her family as well as some of her close church friends became her champions. Then when a staph infection almost did her in, a medical team stepped in for home care that brought her back from a situation that was as dangerous as the growing cancer. That medical team served as additional champions to help her fight her battle when she felt like giving up. A support system including communities of champions is desperately needed to reassure others they are not alone in their journey. This type of encouragement applies not only for cancer but other physical, personal, and mental challenges. (read more...)

Deciding to Live No Matter What--You are In Charge

As with most cancer patients, dying starts from the day they are diagnosed with the disease. Questions we can ask ourselves are:

  • How do we ensure we not dying before we are dead?
  • How do we keep working and growing despite the disease?
  • How do we ensure we are not stuck?

It is necessary to constantly lead your tribe of encouragers, invigorate your soul, voice your feelings, and elevate your mindset with input that will help you stay mentally centered after any diagnosis. Life is transient, so it is important to remember to really live, reassuring yourself that cancer, or any other of life’s challenges, doesn’t control you. Find a place for input that uplifts your spirit and keeps you focused and mentally balanced. Reading good books also helps. Women at Halftime is one written especially for the second half of life.

 We're not a warrior of ourselves but a warrior that has a tribe of supporters around us, whether those are the caregivers, the healers, the elders, the sage, or others. We never have to be alone through our challenges but ultimately, the choice is ours. No matter what we're doing, starting a business, or experiencing a life-change, gathering people we can trust with some type of accountability to push us forward beyond our comfort zone will help to draw out the warrior in all of us. Because it will be a fight and it’s better to fight together!

Listen to this episode and get the full article & experience here - including other resources!

About the Guest:

Deb Krier is a coalition builder and warrior who is rewriting the playbook on how to LIVE with cancer. She's on a mission to ensure that we are no longer "fine" with cancer. She's also a podcaster, founder of Wise Women Communications, and LinkedIn Strategist - truly living her live with cancer.

The Host

DEBORAH JOHNSON, M.A. has 25+ years working as an entertainer, composer, producer, author and speaker. Her keynote, "The Hero Inside" stirs audiences to not settle for merely playing as an accompanist to their dreams. Rather, it is to call upon everything they have inside to be soloist & center stage in pursuing & accomplishing their dreams and potential. This can include pursuing a new avenue or expanding on a current area of business, especially at mid-career or the halftime of life. Get more free downloads & links at: DJWorks. Websites: DeborahJohnsonSpeaker.com; GoalsForYourLife.com; DJWorksMusic.com

Ana Melikian, PhD

AI Without Burnout | Mindset Optimization Strategist, Public Speaker, Top 1% Podcast Host & Amazon Best Selling Author of MINDSET ZONE

1y

Thank you for this interview, Deborah Johnson, M.A.! This article is a powerful reminder of the importance of living life to the fullest, even in the face of adversity. It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget to appreciate the journey, but Deborah ("Deb") Krier's personal experience with cancer serves as a poignant reminder that every moment counts. We should all take a step back and make the most of each day, cherishing the small moments and savoring life's simple pleasures. Thank you, Deb, for sharing your inspiring story and for reminding us to embrace life with open arms :)

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