A Journey of Resilience, Hope, and Gratitude: Reflecting on My Cancer Experience
There are moments in life that catch us completely off-guard, reminding us how quickly everything can change. Today, I want to share an especially personal moment—an experience that has redefined what it means to be resilient, to trust intuition, and to find strength in community.
For those who may not know, on May 22 of this year, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage III rectal cancer.
There were no symptoms, no warning signs.
Only a whisper of intuition after hearing a friend’s story prompted me to get tested early. At 44, turning 45, I was already approaching the age typically recommended for a colonoscopy. Choosing to get tested early led me to life-changing news—news that no one expects to hear.
Since that day, my life has transformed in ways I never could have anticipated. I’ve undergone multiple surgeries and have a long list of appointments scheduled—17 are currently in my Mayo Clinic portal. This journey has forced me to confront the reality of my health in a way I never imagined. It has also forced me to focus solely on what matters most: my health and my well-being.
Throughout this experience, I’ve chosen to live out loud (LOL). I’ve shared my story openly with the hope that it might inspire or support someone else who may be going through something similar. We all have a choice in how we respond to the challenges we face. We can choose to let life’s obstacles define us, or we can choose to meet them head-on with connection, openness, and resilience. I chose the latter. And having each of you here, supporting me, has meant more than words can express.
The greatest lesson I’ve learned on this journey is the importance of staying neutral. It’s all too easy to get pulled into negativity, or even the trap of toxic positivity. There have been moments of missed opportunities and difficult goodbyes as I rearranged my life to accommodate treatment. Yet, through it all, I’ve done my best to stay grounded. Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, I’ve focused on each moment as it comes, trusting that it will unfold as it’s meant to.
Today, as I prepare for my appointment, I’m filled with anticipation and hope. I am hopeful that the treatments have done their job and that the “free-flowing little stinkers” in my lymph nodes are under control. I’m filled with gratitude, knowing that I’m turning 45 this week—a milestone that now holds an entirely new meaning. This journey has opened my heart to a depth of gratitude that I could never have imagined before.
As I continue on this path, I promise to keep showing up with honesty and vulnerability. We are always stronger together, and the collective strength of those around me has carried me through the hardest days. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being here and being part of this journey with me. I am here for you, just as you have been here for me.
Let’s make this week beautiful, meaningful, and filled with gratitude. Your support has been a lifeline, and I look forward to connecting again next week. Together, we will continue to grow stronger, one day at a time.
I’m Krista Ryan
My job is to help you learn a little, laugh a lot, and get clear on action steps for your success.
It may have taken a life changing event to shake me awake and decide I no longer wanted to live a comfortable life… I wanted to embrace the discomfort and live a life of courage and intention.
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