In August 2017, my entire life changed. I was 35 years old when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. There was no family history of cancer of any kind. Not only did I have triple negative breast cancer, I tested positive for the BRCA1 genetic mutation. I am 50-85 percent more likely to have a cancer recurrence than other women who do not have a genetic mutation.
I did six months of aggressive chemotherapy. I lost all my hair. I had a bilateral mastectomy and lost both of my nipples and the feeling in my breasts. I did 33 sessions of targeted radiation therapy. My body was burned. I had a prophylactic hysterectomy in April 2019, and recently had DIEP reconstruction in October 2019.
These treatments and surgeries will prolong my life, but as a result, I developed osteoporosis, arthromyalgia, and menopause – all in my 30’s.
It changed everything for me.
My body was no longer the same. Things hurt and ache, and I have PTSD from having cancer treatments and surgeries and body changes. I can’t work as I once did. I haven’t been able to work since August 2017.
Through these experiences and learning my body again, I realized my body has new limitations. I became anxious. My anxiety surrounding my new body, its limits, the pain, and the fears were too much to bear. I needed a way to cope that didn’t involve more medication.
With the help of my sister, Charity, and my good friend Mazz Hanna, I learned more about metaphysical healing with crystals. I meditate with them, but I also wanted them close to my body at all times. So I began making crystal bracelets!
Using crystals for healing has helped with my stress levels, gives me calm when I feel fears taking over, and dispels some of the anger I had because of my diagnosis. I showed them to friends and family, and they encouraged me to start making them for others. I decided to take a risk, and recently started my own business selling healing crystal bracelets to others.
It isn’t easy to begin again, because after treatment, that’s what it feels like; like starting over. But I found something that not only eases my emotional pain and anxiety, but that of others as well. And for that, I am thankful.
