There's LIFE after cancer By Nova Browning
» Perseverance can be defined as overcoming obstacles in the face of adversity. Mikyla Stewart was forced to persevere when at the age of 19, a doctor told her that she had papillary thyroid cancer. What started as an unknown lump that piqued her curiosity changed to a very real scare within weeks when she was diagnosed.
Initial shock affects some people differently than others. When the fog of disbelief dissipated, Mikyla scraped herself off the kitchen floor, wiped her tears and raised her head from her mother’s lap where she had been sobbing, immediately deciding “this will not get the best of me.” She began doing extensive online research, as well as speaking with health professionals. She soon became comforted by knowledge that this cancer was curable and her bright future would not be snuffed out if she was willing to fight for it. As her disturbing reality set in, this introverted but creative soul realized that to beat cancer her physical and mental resilience would be tested.
Mikyla’s treatment began with surgery. Doctors removed her thyroid and infected lymph nodes. To ensure the cancer had been destroyed, she then underwent radioactive iodine treatments at Princess Margaret Hospital that were so toxic that all visitors were asked to keep their distance, isolating her even further.
The surgery was a success, but when her sensitive skin began to darken and bubble with keloids it added unpredictable emotional stress to her fragile state. Although she was healing internally, her disfiguring scars were a constant reminder that this war was far from over. Putting her health before vanity, she hid behind a collection of turtlenecks and repeated to herself a new mantra, “Whatever it takes.”
Mikyla’s neck bore the wounds of a cancer survivor. The radiation and stitches from surgery left very visible disfigurements and blemishes. “I couldn’t wear turtlenecks all year round, and I was fed up with hiding, because I knew I was growing stronger on the inside,” recalls Mikyla. Despite the hurtful stares from strangers and continuous inquiries from friends, Mikyla persevered, knowing the light at the end of this tunnel was shining bright.
“Regaining confidence was one of the hardest struggles I went through, but I was able to do that with the consistent support of family and friends,” says Mikyla. “My best friends kept talking to me like they always did, like nothing was different. Maybe they didn’t know what to say, but that made me feel normal and grounded. It reminded me that life keeps moving even when you feel like you’re standing still.”
Nearly a decade has passed since Mikyla’s victory over cancer and her scars have healed inside and out. To celebrate her experience, she created LIVE.LOVE.LIFE - an organization for all cancer survivors and their supporters, focusing on health and life’s possibilities.LIVE.LOVE.LIFE is planning a summer 2008 fashion show fundraiser (allowing Mikyla to channel her inner designer) complete with musical performances from Canadian artists. All donations will go to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Mikyla is happy to share her motivating message with younger patients, who desperately need proof that there is life after cancer. “I feel like I’m a great spokesperson, because I lived it, and now want to help others feel the same – that this is conquerable, let’s all help to find a cure.”
• For more information on the fundraiser, email Mikyla at livelovelife@email.com.
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