Karlene McGowan was a full time wife and mother and worked outside of the home, but when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2004, all of that changed.
“Before cancer, I was working and enjoying my life,” she said. The diagnosis of cancer seemed to come out of nowhere. McGowan explained that when she began having health problems, she initially thought she was just experiencing menopause. As the symptoms became more problematic, she consulted her doctor. “My doctor sent me to a specialist, and through a biopsy, found I had stage one uterine cancer,” McGowan said.
Hearing the diagnosis, McGowan said she was stunned and let down. “It was like walking in a daze. I went through several different stages from disbelief to anger, then I was very determined to beat the cancer and not let it beat me.”
Prior to her diagnosis, there had been one instance of cancer in her family. McGowan said her father died of prostate cancer in 1995, however, the diagnosis still came as a shock.
Shortly after her diagnosis, McGowan underwent a complete hysterectomy to rid her body of the cancer. After the surgery, she said it was six to eight weeks of waiting to hear from the pathologist about whether the cancer was gone or not. Today, more than five years later, McGowan is still cancer free.
Hearing the diagnosis she said made her more aware that life is very short and you have to enjoy it to the fullest. “Since my scare with cancer, I have made it my goal to try and do things I’ve always wanted to do. I have made a list of things, and as I do them I check them off,” she said. Part of McGowan’s new activities includes dancing at her daughter’s dance studio. “I’m doing tap, jazz and hip-hop,” she said. “It’s my second year, and I’m loving it.”
In addition, McGowan has since gotten involved with the American Cancer Society and actively participates in Broome and Chenango events. “I’ve been doing Relay for Life since 2005,” McGowan said. Currently, she is participating on two teams, Rays of Hope in Chenango County and Sourcecorp BSP, her employee team, out of Broome County.
While the diagnosis was frightening and difficult, McGowan said she learned from it. “I have learned we should all visit the doctors more often. Do research and help others life longer by taking care of ourselves,” McGowan said. “I want women and men to become more aware of their bodies, and if there are changes that aren’t normal, to get to the doctors. You could be saving your life and living longer for your loved ones,” she said.
Now, after the cancer diagnosis, McGowan is back to doing the things that she loves. “I keep busy and thank God for my life,” she said. “When spring comes and I can smell the lilacs, I know another has passed and another will follow with more surprises and new adventures.”
For more information about the Relay for Life visit www.relayforlife.org/chenangocountyny.