Karen Dowling on Celebrating Precious Life and Lifting Others Up

In this interview, Karen Dowling opens up about her experience through two cancer diagnoses, reminding us all just how precious life truly is. She shares her ups and downs with raw honesty, highlighting the importance of community and connection for anyone facing tough times

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Karen Dowling, I’m 37 and from Limerick in Ireland.

What was your diagnosis?

In 2010 I was diagnosed with Cervical cancer, and in 2022 I was diagnosed with triple negative Breast cancer, I also found out in 2023 that I carry the BRCA1 genetic mutation.

When did you first learn about your diagnosis?

From 2008-2010, I was having irregular menstrual cycles, abdominal and lower back pain and I had been for a number of tests before finding out in Oct 2010.

In Oct 2022 I found a lump in my breast while doing a check and I got diagnosed in December 2022.

What motivated you to become a part of EU-CAYAS-NET, and what does it mean to you?

I was eager to meet other young people who had been through diagnoses themselves to know I wasn’t alone in some of the after effects that I am going through. Since my first diagnosis in 2010 I wanted to help make changes to either prevent cancer through promotion, to be an advocate for other people affected by cancer or else to make a part of the cancer journey easier and a smoother process for others. I am now an adolescent psychotherapist too and so I want to help change some of the services available with mental health in regards to cancer diagnoses as this can be often ignored or thought of as a luxury treatment.

What helped you during the treatment process?

My 3 dogs; always happy to see me, not caring how sick I looked or how little hair I had. Always at my heels and up for a cuddle. Always forgiving when they couldn’t be walked and always grateful for whatever energy I had for them. Chick flick/ Rom com movies (same few favourites repeated); they were always on in the background when I was in treatment or unwell and provided a distraction when it was badly needed.

How has your life shifted since your diagnosis?

My life has changed hugely, through both diagnoses. After my first diagnosis when I was 23, I wanted to be in a helping profession, it changed my course of life. I went out and partied a lot, I was worried that I wasn’t going to be around to enjoy life. This lasted a few years and I settled down, still enjoying life but I pursued my new career after travelling and enjoying myself a bit too much 😉

Then when I got diagnosed in 2022, it was a lot harder. There was a lot of treatment for cancer and with the BRCA1 diagnoses there were a lot of surgeries afterwards. I now have lots of risk for different types of cancer in the future and so my lifestyle has changed. I am in surgical menopause, I have regular screenings for 4-5 different types of cancer. Just a lot of anxiety. However, I have been enjoying my life to the MAX in a much healthier way. Spending time with the people that mean the most to me, my dogs, travelling and my career. I have a completely different outlook on life. Stress is kept at an all time low. I like to be around people who give me energy and me right back at them.

If you could go back to the day you were diagnosed, what would you say to yourself then?

You will be OK. One day at a time. Time is precious so enjoy the small wins too 🙂

What is one thing you wish more people understood about being a young cancer survivor?

I wish that people understood that for most people the illness doesn’t end once there is no evidence of disease (N.E.D). That there can be effects that last months, years or even a lifetime in all areas of health; physical and emotional. I wish they realised that life does not go “back to normal” after a cancer diagnosis, no matter how hard you try.

How do you like to spend your free time?

Watching or playing sports. Most recently I’ve been playing tennis when my body allows. I spend most of my free time with my husband and dogs. I love our family. Going for walks and being out in nature is my favourite, especially by the sea. I love hanging out with my childhood best friend, reminiscing and enjoying our lives! Going to concerts and raves too.

Do you have a life motto?

Your time is precious!

What’s been the hardest lesson for you to learn?

Life is hard and not always fair.

What’s a book, movie, or song you’d recommend to everyone?

I would recommend listening to EDM (Electronic dance music). It feels good, upbeat, energetic and recent research has shown that EDM as a genre can help improve mental health. I certainly think it’s emotion provoking music.

What’s one thing everyone should know about you?

I am a proud feminist!! Personally,  I have decided to fully embrace my changed body. I’m a double flattie 🙂 It has been a journey but I feel authentic and ME! I hate societal norms and I realised how harmful some of them can be over the last few years.