When many people hear the word cancer, they immediately think of hospitals, treatments, and uncertainty. What they often don’t see is the person behind the diagnosis—the mother, employee, friend, and community member who continues showing up every day despite the challenges.

For Veronica Carpenter, cancer has been a part of her life since 2014. What began as a routine doctor’s appointment turned into a life-changing diagnosis that would alter her future forever. Since then, she has battled ovarian cancer multiple times, endured surgeries, faced the emotional toll of recurrence, and learned what it means to keep moving forward even when life becomes difficult.

Yet Veronica refuses to allow cancer to define who she is.

She works two full-time jobs in retail management. She enjoys cooking, grilling, traveling, attending comedy shows, shopping for shoes and accessories, spending time with family, and cheering on her favorite sports teams. To most people, she looks like someone living a normal life. What they don’t see is the daily pain, the treatments, the medications, and the mental battles that come with fighting cancer for more than a decade.

Her story is not just about surviving cancer. It’s about choosing to live despite it.

In this exclusive Q&A with DrewSchifino.com, Veronica shares her journey, the emotions that come with hearing the word “cancer,” the challenges of recurrence, and why she wants others to know that life does not stop after a diagnosis.

Take us back to 2014. What was going through your mind when you first heard the words, “You have cancer”?

What would happen to my children if I died?

You mentioned being more concerned about your family and not being able to have more children than the diagnosis itself. How difficult was that emotional adjustment?

I have always wanted to be a mom and a wife. I thought of my family first. I felt like it meant the end for me on so many levels. I always wanted more children, so it was heartbreaking. It changed my body. I was always thin, but I put on over 50 pounds after the surgery due to the medication. I felt ugly for the first time in my life because of the surgery and the scars. It took a toll on my mental health and my marriage. I never felt safe, heard, or supported anymore. My children never knew that I was sick. I wanted them to be protected as much as possible.

What was the recovery process like after your first surgery?

It was six weeks, then even longer because I developed a blood clot in my lungs from not moving enough due to bed rest and the pain.

When the cancer returned during COVID, did it feel different emotionally than the first diagnosis?

Yes. It was harder to hide it from my children because they were older. It was so scary because, at the time, you couldn’t have anyone with you in the hospital. I was more afraid than ever before.

What goes through your mind every time you hear that the cancer has returned?

At this point, I almost wait for the call. I know that staying positive is key, but it’s hard mentally to get yourself through rounds of treatment and surgeries. The sickness, losing your hair over and over, the ugly scars, and the weight gain from the medication all take a toll.

You are currently battling cancer for a fourth time. What keeps you mentally strong during the difficult days?

To be honest, I am not always strong. If I am feeling low, I stay in the house and keep to myself because I don’t like to vent to others. I am usually the go-to person for everyone else. On my good days, my children, work, family, friends, and hobbies keep me fighting. There have been times when I wanted to give up before, and that’s why I know I have to keep pushing.

You work two full-time jobs in retail management while undergoing treatment. How have you been able to maintain that level of determination?

I am divorced and have two children. I don’t have a choice. I make too much money to qualify for assistance, and my treatments have eaten up my rainy-day funds. If I don’t push myself to work, I wouldn’t be able to keep my home and take care of my responsibilities.

Many people would never know you’re battling cancer just by looking at you. What do you wish people understood about living with an invisible illness?

I wish people understood that I’m not acting funny or distant. I am literally fighting for my life. I’m in pain, and it’s hard to be there for others while dealing with stress and physical pain. I would love for people to be kinder and more open-minded. Just because you don’t see me down and out don’t mean I’m not fighting for my life.

You mentioned that the colder months can be especially difficult because of treatment-related pain. How do you cope during those periods?

I try my best to cook and go out to keep my mind off of it. I have found that I get depressed when I know the weather is going to bring more pain and depression. I think support groups and therapy are key to making life worth living.

What role have your family, friends, and support system played throughout your journey?

Support comes in many different forms. I think it’s very important to find a support group, even if you already have help from family and friends. I have friends who have simply shown up at the hospital when I needed them most.

You are involved in testing sessions and exploring additional options like sea moss gel. How important is it to stay open-minded while also working with medical professionals?

I think it’s important to explore both styles of treatment. I personally feel better when I take my vitamins and sea moss gel alongside my medical care.

What advice would you give to women who may be ignoring symptoms or postponing doctor appointments?

I know it’s scary, but the first step is getting checked.

What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about cancer patients?

I feel like people think that if you’re not in bed 24/7, then you must not really be sick.

Through everything you’ve endured, what has cancer taught you about life?

You learn to trust yourself a lot because things will change. People will say they’ve got your back, but some of them will go missing when you need them most.

What message would you like to leave for anyone currently battling cancer or supporting someone who is?

Cancer is what you have. Cancer is not who you are.

When people read this article, what do you hope they remember most about Veronica Carpenter?

I want to open people’s eyes to the fact that cancer does change everything, including you. But in the end, only you can control how you choose to deal with it.