CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cancer takes a toll on the body, but it can also take a toll on the mind. One Charlotte woman is sharing how she mentally dealt with brain cancer.

Andi Kennington lives in Charlotte with her husband and two children. She says her daughters, Hadley and Meridy, are her world. She thought she would always be able to play with them and see them grow up.

“Mother’s Day came right after my diagnosis and that was really tough to go through that,” Kennington said. “I put on my wedding dress because I was told three to six months.”

Two years ago, at the age of 37, Kennington was diagnosed with glioblastoma. It’s an aggressive form of brain cancer. The American Cancer Society reports 22% of people her age with this cancer live beyond the five-year mark.

“I just wanted them to have a mom growing up and that was pretty much the hardest thing,” Kennington said.

Kennington said she struggled emotionally. At first, she felt very alone and was angry that a potentially deadly cancer was taking over her body in her 30s. She explained how she coped mentally.

Find support

Her co-workers at the YMCA were her support system, sharing messages of inspiration and listening when she needed comfort. They each individually wrote positive messages on pieces of wood. When she realized she wasn’t alone, it was easier for her to cope.

“I have always been an open book, so I think that has helped me through this process,” Kennington said. “I am one to overshare.”

Feel, but don’t dwell

Her next piece of advice is to allow yourself to feel emotions. It’s OK. But don’t let the emotions consume you.

“It’s okay to be in that dark place, but don’t stay very long,” Kennington said. “Grieve, but then you got to move forward and keep your spirits up.”

Day by day

Kennington's husband says to take it day by day. He explained some days will be great and some will be unbearable.

“Believe me, I went through phases where I try to take it all in and it is just too much,” Clay Kennington said.  

Keep busy

Andi Kennington also suggests keeping your mind busy. She continued working at the YMCA during treatment. She said it doesn’t have to be work, but make sure it’s some activity that takes your mind off cancer.

A few months ago Kennington received good news. She beat the odds. Her chemotherapy and radiation worked. It shrunk her tumor so much that it is now not measurable. 

“I feel that is just my purpose to keep helping others and teach my kids what is important in life,” Kennington said. “That is what I hope others hear and see.”

The American Brain Tumor Association reports in some cases the brain tumor itself can cause neuropsychiatric symptoms such as mood swings or behavioral changes. Talk a doctor or a therapist for further treatment.