Krista’s Cancer Journey
Krista didn’t let thyroid cancer silence her. Read her uplifting story! From battling cancer to taking the stage for a transformative public-speaking event!
Krista Ellis // 30 Stories Campaign™ // Thyroid Cancer Awareness
For the last two years, I have been dealing with thyroid cancer and related issues. I have had 4 surgeries plus radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment. After the second neck surgery to remove cancer, I had a paralyzed vocal cord and my voice was pretty weak. It was pretty exhausting to speak.
Since I am a litigator and a mom of two kids, I really need to use my voice all the time. Oddly enough, I was nominated at work to participate in a public speaking program where I would need to present a TED-style talk in London. I was a bit surprised to be nominated and hesitant to take part in the program, given my voice, but I decided to go for it. I certainly had things I wanted to say about my experience fighting cancer whilst working full time and raising two children.
I was happy to be there… to have people hear me… because I had just had surgery on my voice.
I started to prepare my talk, which ended up being about how revealing more of yourself at work is good for the company and also good for the employee. In the midst of my preparation, I had surgery on my voice to strengthen it. For a while, I really could not use my voice, but once I was able to start using it again, it sounded much better.
I attended a conference shortly after my voice was back and at the start of a session I was leading, I mentioned that I was happy to be there and to have people hear me and understand me when I spoke, because I had just had surgery on my voice. So many people came up to me at breaks to share their experiences and to ask questions and I made so many great connections. Coincidentally, this was the topic of my upcoming talk.
I felt powerful and strong, even while speaking to strangers about my cancer journey…
I traveled to London and delivered my talk. It was a really great experience and I felt powerful and strong, even while speaking to strangers about my cancer journey and what I learned from that experience. I do not take for granted having a voice and being able to share my story.
I am so grateful to everyone who has supported me through the last two years. Particularly the doctors and nurses and hospital staff for the great care I received, but especially my husband and son and daughter—my family and friends for keeping my spirits up. For dealing with my moods, helping with the children, sending me all sorts of thoughtful gifts and treats, and just being there for me.
Interested in Sharing Your Cancer Journey?
For someone recently diagnosed with cancer, reading the stories of other caregivers and survivors can inspire.
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