‘Can't breathe, too scared for chemo’

Beth Kornegay, a colorectal cancer survivor from Shawnee, Kansas, gives advice about cancer and the Internet.

“My colorectal cancer was discovered at my routine 50-year colonoscopy. It was diagnosed at Stage III. Twenty-five radiation treatments, two surgeries, two additional hospitalizations and one wig later, I have been cancer-free since October of last year.

“Don't drive yourself crazy by looking at the Internet about your specific cancer. There are so many frightening things on the Internet, many of them outdated and most of them are worst-case scenario. Join a support group — Facebook has many dedicated to different kinds of cancer — and talk to people who have been there, done that.

“I feel extremely lucky and have a wonderful family that was able to support me through taking me to appointments, bringing meals, things to do, read, etc.

“I was devastated beyond belief. I don't drink, smoke or do drugs. How did I end up with cancer? To quote my oncologist, 'just bum luck.' No real answers.”

Beth’s six words to describe her cancer experience are “Can't breathe, too scared for chemo.” Share your six words here.

Beth’s  words, which were shared digitally through Tell KC, have been lightly edited for clarity.

As part of a local reporting project around the upcoming Ken Burns documentary series, Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies, KCPT presents Cancer in KC.

We want to learn more about how cancer affects our community. How has cancer impacted your life? Share your story.