COLUMBUS, Ohio — Kim Watkins was told she wasn't going to live, but after battling breast cancer and a rare reaction to her chemotherapy treatment, her life has never been the same.

What You Need To Know

  • Kim Watkins was diagnosed with breast cancer in November of 2021

  • While undergoing chemotherapy, Watkins experienced a rare allergic reaction that doctors say can be fatal

  • She has been cancer-free for almost a year now

  • Watkins shares a message of hope to others battling breast cancer

In November of 2021, Watkins was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"I was going to die. I thought literally I was going to die,” she said.

But, while undergoing chemotherapy, things escalated.

"My arm was swelling,” said Watkins. “I immediately got neuropathy in my fingers, in my toes. I told a nurse, and they said, ‘We’re just going to move on with the next treatment.' The next treatment didn't go any better. I spiked a fever of 106."

Watkins was experiencing an allergic reaction to the treatment.

"Now they say this is one in a million. This normally does not happen,” said Watkins.

Watkins was in ICU for several months on a ventilator and almost died, but what saved her doctors say was a miracle.

"I can't explain it in medical terms as to how she got better going, from being on the ventilator to then recovering completely,” said Dr. Deepa Halaharvi.

Halaharvi was Watkins’ breast cancer doctor, and she said early detection is always key in someone's recovery.

"The good thing about screening mammography is it does catch cancer when it's much smaller, which then results in lesser treatments,” said Halaharvi. “It just results in great prognosis for women and men."

In Watkins' case, she's been cancer-free for almost a year.

Now, she's living each day as it comes as a mother and grandmother.

“All my girls are grown,” said Watkins. “I have five girls and wonderful grandchildren. So, as you can see in my house, all the grandchildren's toys. I'm living my life for my children and my grandchildren."

Her hope is to continue being an inspiration for others battling breast cancer: "There is always hope and you fight hard. Don't give up. Don't ever give up."

This November will mark a year since Watkins has been breast cancer-free.

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