By Morgan Mizell

NATCHEZ — The loss of a child is something no parent wants to face, but Karen Green said she would not have been able to face her daughter’s passing without her faith in God.

“I remember my mother being diagnosed with Cancer when I was pregnant with my second daughter, Katiece.” Green said. “She was so strong and worked at Wholesome Bakery until she was unable to work anymore.”

At the age of 44, Green’s mother, Katie Jones, lost her battle with breast cancer.

“It was a difficult time for me because my mom was my best friend, my protector,” Green said. “I could not ask her any more questions about what to do with my kids, or tell her any exciting news. It was a wake-up call for me.”

Years later, Green was again faced with a situation which would test her faith. Kendra, her eldest daughter was diagnosed with a form of muscular cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma.

“Kendra came home from school complaining with her shoulder hurting, and I could see it was swollen,” Green said. “I thought her book-bag was too heavy, but it did not go away.”

Doctor visits revealed a mass in her neck and shoulder area, which was removed.

“She was never afraid of the tests they did or the treatment they were giving her,” Green said. “She had more strength than I or her father, and I have always thanked God for her strength.”

The next three years of Green’s life were full of back-and-forth travel to the children’s hospital in Jackson, Mississippi for Kendra’s treatments.

Kendra’s Make-A-Wish, during her treatments was to go to a New Kids On The Block concert, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

“She was so excited to see the guys in concert,” Green said. “She even met them and got her picture taken with them.”

Kendra was in remission for several years. She had three children: Kaitlin White, Kaleigh Jones and Keldon Jones. She was working at First Presbyterian Playschool when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I was taking her to work and she told me that I may need to take her to the emergency room later because she noticed one breast was harder than the other,” Green said. “I went to work, but thought I had better not wait considering her history.”

Green’s fears were confirmed when Kendra was diagnosed with breast cancer. The next years were riddled with doctor visits, treatments and the move of Kendra and her children to her father’s in Houston, Texas.

“Her leaving was difficult for me,” Green said. “I was able to go out and see her from time to time, but it was hard.”

Kendra’s cancer moved from her breast to her lungs and finally her bones. She continued to try and do all she could for her children, even as her health got worse.

As her condition deteriorated, she returned to Natchez, but she went back to Houston, and M.D. Anderson after her lungs began filling with fluid and she seemed to not be getting any better.

“She was a fighter, and even though we knew she was in pain she wouldn’t show it,” Green said. “She always had a smile.”

Her family was with her, and said their farewell’s before she passed away on 9-11-13 at the age of 33.

 

“She did not want anyone to be sad, and she planned her services before she left us,” Green said. “Her friends, and her classmates were so good to us. Her home-going services, at our church, Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, were so beautiful.”

Before her daughter passed, Green and her other two daughters were advised to be tested for the cancer gene. Green and her youngest, Kayla, both tested positive.

“I actually misunderstood my results, but I remember Kendra asking me what it said and I told her I did not have the gene,” Green said. “Two years later, in 2014, I found my results again and realized my error. I was shocked because no one told me.”

It was suggested that Green have a full hysterectomy and double mastectomy.

“It was so scary, and I prayed a lot about what to do,” Green said. “I went to specialists in Jackson who performed my surgery,” Green said. “It was so much happening at one time, and I decided to wait on the mastectomy.”

Earlier this year, Green experienced some different health concerns. A visit to her doctor revealed polyps and a tumor in her colon. She had surgery, again and is awaiting the release from her doctor to resume normal activities.

“I was surprised to learn I had colon cancer,” Green said. “I am thankful for the specialist at Ochsner, and I am looking forward to being released on June 30.”

Green is excited about her up-coming birthday on June 29. She will be 55.

“I have so much to celebrate and be thankful for,” Green said. “My friends and family mean so much to me. My middle daughter and grandkids are here with me and they are so good to me. Kendra’s oldest daughter, Kaitlin lives with her father in Baton Rouge, but we see her often.”

Green said she would advise everyone, especially those with a family history of cancer to be tested. She believes early detection is the best defense.

“You have to think positive and keep your faith,” Green said. “Never wait until tomorrow to tell someone you love them.”