Meet Cebette Murphy, a woman who has been living with Thymic Carcinoma, a rare form of cancer, for the past two years. Despite the daily challenges she faces, Cebette maintains a positive attitude and lives life to the fullest. This photo story captures a day in the life of Cebette and offers a glimpse into her world. From her morning routine with her furry companion to her doctor's appointments and daily tasks, you will see how Cebette navigates through her life with grace, determination, and courage.

Cebette Murphy, diagnosed with stage 4B Thymic Carcinoma two years ago, finds solace in her tranquil Highlands home in Louisville, Kentucky. "I enjoy the simple things," she reflects. Every morning, Murphy relishes a nourishing bowl of oatmeal accompanied by her faithful companion, Marley, in the cozy confines of her living room.

Murphy's daily routine revolves around managing her Thymic Carcinoma, a rare form of cancer. She spends a significant part of her day contacting her doctors to confirm appointments and keeping track of her medications. To stay organized, Murphy maintains both a physical and digital calendar, listing out all her tasks and appointments for the day.

Following a recent hospitalization due to a fall on the stairs, Cebette Murphy was advised to see her local physician, Megan Ward. However, Ward was unable to provide an explanation for what caused Murphy's fall the previous week, leaving Murphy feeling as she often does after doctor's appointments: "Frustrated," she says.

Thymic Carcinoma is an uncommon type of cancer that originates from the cells lining the exterior surface of the thymus gland. Typically, this cancer forms tumors in the front part of the chest between the lungs. Cebette Murphy has been diagnosed with two painful tumors that have grown across her chest, and chemotherapy remains the only treatment option available.

Murphy has been grappling with the decision of whether or not to undergo chemotherapy as a treatment for her Thymic Carcinoma ever since her diagnosis two years ago. "Chemo is basically poison," she has said. Despite her initial reluctance, Murphy made the difficult decision to try the treatment six months ago. As a result of chemotherapy, Murphy has lost her hair and now wears custom-made wigs.

After being diagnosed with Thymic Carcinoma, Murphy learned that the average survival rate for this type of cancer is only five years. This realization has brought the idea of death closer to her than ever before. As a result, she has begun the process of making the final edits to her will. Murphy is currently unsure whether to leave most of her money to her son John Murphy or her ex-husband Bob Murphy.

Murphy had her own jewelry-making business before her Thymic Carcinoma diagnosis, but balancing cancer and the business was difficult, leading her to give it up. Now, her focus is on her health, and as she deals with her rare cancer, she has become an expert on her own condition. "Because my cancer is so rare, I'm like my own researcher. Sometimes, I know more about my cancer than my doctors do," Murphy says.

Following her recent hospitalization, Murphy has been experiencing instability while walking. Luckily, she has a supportive network of friends and family who are willing to lend a hand. From running errands to gardening, they are always there to assist her. One of her closest friends, Denise, came to visit her and brought a cane to help Murphy with her mobility while she recovers.

As a result of her cancer diagnosis, Murphy had to make significant changes to her diet and switch to an organic, sugar-free lifestyle, which meant she could no longer consume alcohol. However, on a special occasion, when she was invited to her brother's 60th birthday celebration, Murphy decided to indulge and treat herself to a craft beer, alongside her closest friends and supporters.

Murphy's cancer took a more aggressive turn at the onset of 2023, significantly wearing her strength and leaving her frequently fatigued. Despite efforts to seek assistance from her medical team and enduring periods of hospital stays,

Cebette Murphy, unfortunately, passed away from Thymic Carcinoma in May 2023.