“Tell the story of the mountain you climbed. Your words could become a page in someone else’s survival guide.” — Morgan Harper Nichols
Everyone said it was the “best time” to be sick because he was too young to remember but I would watch him play until he got sad and would then ask me to play and I would have to remind him that Mama was sick.
The most important lesson I’ve learned in being a breast cancer survivor is that I can do things on my terms and define what survivorship looks like for me.
When you finish treatment, no one really speaks about survivorship. There is no road map or guide.
I am self-conscious of certain things, no matter how strong I may appear.
Starting with myself, if I realign my thoughts about the things that I cannot control, it will reduce the negative impact this disease can have on myself and those who love me.
Survivorship is less about accepting a “new norm” and more about destroying fear of the “abnormal” condition of disease.
I was practicing self-care. Treating my body well and doing the things that were supposed to be good for me. I never expected to find out that I had breast cancer.
At the age of 43, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was an emotional mess but the one constant thing that helped me survive was running.
If you are someone who is struggling or has struggled through the pain of breast cancer, then now more than ever, you need to practice self-love and self-care in order to fully heal for yourselves and for those who love you.
Should I tell my date I had breast cancer? Would this scare them off? When should you talk about serious topics such as illness during the early stages of dating?
Your voice, your story, and your support can make a difference. Join For the Breast of Us in our mission to empower, support, and advocate for women of color across the globe. Together, we can create a future where every woman has the resources and support she needs to overcome breast cancer.
On the Web:
www.breastofus.com
www.breastofusfoundation.org
Email:
hello@breastofus.com
Welcome to our community—where hope thrives, strength is found, and sisters in the fight become family.
