Cancer survivor turns full-time life coach
Although the fear of cancer does not define Phyllis, it is always in the back of her mind. When in doubt, she immediately turns to her husband,
Terri Clark said, “When someone has cancer, the whole family and everyone who loves them does too.”
With tears in her eyes, Phyllis Kruger recalls the moment doctors told her she had three months left to live after being diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer with a virulence of 80 per cent little over a year ago.
“I have chosen to live by homeopathic and holistic principles and immediately refused to undergo chemotherapy,” explained Mrs Kruger.
The doctor who diagnosed Mrs Kruger refused to perform the double mastectomy that would later save her life. A second surgeon agreed to perform the procedure, further advising her she would be ineligible for breast reconstruction.
“I gave up my breasts to save my life. I am as flat-chested as I was before I was a teenager,” she laughs.
Mrs Kruger admits it took some time getting used to the idea of not having breasts. “I’ve never been the perfect woman, but I’m important to my family and that’s what really matters. Fortunately, my husband loves and accepts me for who I am, with or without my breasts.”
Although the fear of cancer does not define Phyllis, it is always in the back of her mind. When in doubt, she immediately turns to her husband, “We have lengthy debates ending in me making an appointment to have my cancer markers checked. The negative results remind me never to doubt God and His plans for our lives.”
Describing her doubts as the “bogeymen in her brain”, Mrs Kruger finds strength in love and support of her family and friends.
“I studied life coaching, stress management and iridology prior to being diagnosed with cancer, but it was always something I had put on the back burner. After taking my husband’s advice, I ‘retired’ in a sense and became a full-time life coach.”
She aims to inspire and help people structure a new life for themselves. “Everyone bears a cross and I can only hope to help lighten the load,” Mrs Kruger concluded.
It has been a year of hardship and adjustment for her and her family; however her death sentence seems to have been a blessing in disguise. Mrs Kruger firmly believes cancer has steered her life in the most remarkably rewarding direction and is thankful to be able to share her story with others.
