I’m Martie McNabb, and today I had the immense pleasure of sitting down with Deb Krier for an episode of Things That Matter. As many of you know, I am fascinated by the stories attached to the Things that matter in our lives and the legacy they create. Deb’s story is a remarkable mixture of resilience, humor, and inspiration.
Deb brought something incredibly unique to our show-and-tell: a lavender-colored knitted pillow. At first glance, it might seem like a cute little cushion, but it represents something much deeper. It’s one of her “knitted knockers,” a prosthetic boob she affectionately named Lucy or Ethel. Deb was diagnosed with breast cancer and chose to undergo a double mastectomy without reconstructive surgery. Rather than wallowing in what she lost, she embraced her new reality with humor and grace, even naming her prosthetics.
We delved into the reactions she encountered after her diagnosis. Surprisingly, some long-time friends disappeared, unable to confront her new reality, while others she barely knew stepped up as her biggest supporters. Her best friend needed time to process the news but came around and flew out to help her on multiple occasions.
Deb’s infectious sense of humor became evident when she shared more about her journey. She has another pair of prosthetics named Thelma and Louise, the “fancier” ones covered by insurance. Her lighthearted approach not only helps her cope but also puts others at ease. For instance, in her medical records, her “other” name is Anastasia Beaverhausen, a moniker that lifted spirits even in the infusion room, where the staff started treating her like royalty.
Deb’s initiative, “Trying Not to Die Live,” embodies her mission to help others in their cancer journey live life to its fullest. She encourages people to embrace their inner warrior, build a supportive tribe, and cherish every moment, whether they have five hours or fifty years left.
Deb’s story reminded me of the power of humor and resilience in the face of life’s most challenging moments. Her knitted knockers, the stories they carry, and her positive outlook on life inspired me tremendously. Her journey is a testament to living life fully and joyfully, no matter the circumstances.
As we wrapped up our conversation, I couldn’t help but think about the things that matter in my own life and the stories attached to them. Deb’s journey reaffirmed my belief in the importance of sharing these stories with our loved ones, creating a legacy of not just things, but the memories and emotions they encapsulate.
Thank you, Deb, for sharing your story and reminding us all to laugh, live, and cherish every precious moment we have.
Deb is not only 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, Deb brings profound insights into holistic health, wellness, and spirituality.
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