I sat in her office completely caught off guard by the fact that she had scheduled an oophorectomy without any discussion. In fact, when I started treatment, no one ever mentioned any fertility options to me.
Is it possible that I spent my entire battle with breast cancer fighting for everyone else? The words you forgot about me rang out like a gong in my head. Is it possible that I was so busy making sure everyone else was ok that I forgot about…me?
Doctors not LISTENING to what I want was genuinely frustrating — and being a doctor myself didn’t make me immune to the frustrations with our healthcare system.
I share my story because I want others going through to feel seen. There is so much power in sharing your story; it not only helps you heal, but it empowers others to do the same.
We all have scars whether physical, mental, or emotional. These scars can make us or break us. It is our responsibility to find the beauty of life and survival in our scars to help us transform and grow.
All of the losses I already endured throughout my life prepared me for what I had to face.
This whole experience has taught me so much. It has taught me to be grateful for everything.
My first breast surgeon gave me the news that I had cancer and the choice to keep my “healthy” breast. They didn’t explain my condition or their plan of action the way that I expected. In fact, the eight minutes I sat with them was not enough time to explain very much at all about anything.
Recognizing that I never used to set healthy boundaries – What does that look like to engage in that process in an act of self-preservation, self-care and compassion towards self? How do I unlearn this old programming where I thought to put me first was a sign of selfishness? Forreal, to put me first has been a struggle!
IBC is real and it doesn’t always appear like a typical breast cancer diagnosis. Pain, swelling, discoloration, change in appearance are all a part of IBC. If any doctor tells you that breast cancer doesn’t hurt, that’s a lie.
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.
