Survivor Story: Barbara Kawalsky

I expected life to present me with a linear path. I grew up in South Africa, got married and had three beautiful children. Life was good and satisfying — all was going according to plan. Twenty years ago my family and I immigrated to Dallas, Texas. The move was challenging and difficult. The linear path was about to get way off track. 

Eighteen months after we moved, my husband passed away suddenly at age 37 from a heart attack. My children were 9, 7 and 4. It was a constant struggle and a challenge to the extreme. Nevertheless, I felt fortunate that my parents had moved here to assist me. Additionally, I had two sisters as my support system, and my community rallied around me. 

A scant few years later, in 1997 when I was 37, I received an unimaginable diagnosis —breast cancer! There had never been any cancer in my family, and I was in a state of shock. To follow that up, I had a mastectomy and four chemotherapy treatments. At that time, my main thought was to remove the cancer from my body, so I opted not to have reconstructive surgery. 

A year later, while walking to the pool with my kids in their bathing suits, I had an epiphany. I was too self-conscious about my lack of a breast to wear a bathing suit, and I did not want to live that way! Two weeks later, I had reconstructive surgery. Life was taking a strong turn for the better! 

In 2000, I was lucky enough to meet a wonderful man from South Africa, and we got married in 2003. For three years my oncologist wanted me to have the BRCA genetic testing, but I was too afraid. What if it revealed information that I did not want to hear? 

Finally in 2006, I decided if my insurance would pay for it, I would do it. My insurance company paid for it, and my fears were realized. I tested positive for BRCA2. I sprang into action. In November of 2006, I had an oophorectomy and hysterectomy. There were NO signs of any cancer. I thought I was in the clear. 

Unfortunately, the twists and turns of my life were not over. In May 2008, I was diagnosed with stage 3C peritoneal cancer (treated the same as ovarian cancer). I was very angry. I thought I had done everything I could to prevent this from happening. I had a huge battle ahead of me. I had surgery, which was followed by 10 months of chemo. 

Two months after I finished chemo, I did a prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction on the other breast. I wanted to make sure I did not have to deal with cancer anymore. 

Today, nine years later, I am pleased to tell you that I am, thank God, cancer free. I am making mindful choices about how I want to live my life, and I am doing things I want to do. 

Professionally, I had worked for 20 years as a preschool teacher. I decided it was time for a change! Now, I volunteer for different organizations and work part time for Weight Watchers. My life is filled with blessings. All my children have graduated from college, and all have jobs.  I have three beautiful granddaughters who are the light of my life. 

I am fitter than I have ever been. I walk an hour every day, and I swim about three times a week. I am embracing the next chapter of my life. I feel grateful to be in a position to make a difference in people’s lives by being an inspiration to them. I now live a life filled with gratitude.