In this episode, host Amy Stone welcomes Deb Krier to The Art of Imperfect Adulting to discuss Deb's decade-long journey through multiple cancer diagnoses—including stage four triple positive breast cancer and thyroid cancer. Deb opens up about the unexpected twists in her health, the emotional roller coaster of diagnosis and treatment, and how her experience inspired her to empower others facing similar battles.

About the Guest:

Deb is a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in communications, marketing, and public relations but also a cancer advocate whose personal journey through Stage 4 triple-positive breast cancer and thyroid cancer has been truly transformative. In 2022, she founded tryingnottodie.LIVE is a commendable initiative empowering those navigating the complexities of cancer.

Her unwavering commitment to turning struggles into strengths, fostering hope in the cancer community, and promoting resilience aligns seamlessly with the values of your podcast as the founder of tryingnottodie.LIVE and the host of "The Business Power Hour" podcast.

Main Topics Covered:

• Deb’s background and passions, including showing beagles and her love for the University of Colorado
• Receiving a life-altering cancer diagnosis following a routine mammogram
• Coping mechanisms, the emotional process, and building a support system during serious illness
• Navigating treatment choices and medical emergencies, including a catastrophic complication during chemotherapy
• The importance of living wills, medical advocacy, and preparing for unexpected health crises
• Deb’s creation of the “Trying Not to Die Live” community and her mission to empower cancer patients and their supporters
• Encouragement for those feeling isolated or overwhelmed by diagnosis and treatment

Quote from the Episode:

“One of the biggest things I hear is, you know, people and no matter what their support system is, they still say, I feel so alone, and I don't know what to do.” – Deb Krier

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] Introduction and welcome
• [00:01:06] Deb’s hobbies beyond work and family
• [00:02:41] Transition to cancer journey and diagnosis
• [00:04:08] Deb’s health today and her outlook
• [00:07:08] Discovery and escalation of cancer diagnosis
• [00:11:13] Timeline from first screening to aggressive treatment
• [00:12:20] Emotional response to diagnosis and shifting to treatment mode
• [00:14:49] Role of support systems and moving forward
• [00:17:06] Decisions around treatment and the treatment process
• [00:19:11] Hospitalization and medical emergencies
• [00:22:44] Family support and living wills
• [00:27:04] Turning her experience into a mission to empower others
• [00:30:36] Advice for building support systems and avoiding Dr. Google
• [00:32:19] Navigating medical conversations and advocating for yourself
• [00:34:55] How to connect with Deb and her community resources
• [00:36:14] Fun final questions with Deb

Links:

• Connect with Deb and find resources: www.tryingnotodie.live
• Join her private support community via the Facebook group link on her website.

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