Cristina's Corner
Shonte’s Infertility Journey
This vlog describes my five year (failed) infertility journey prior to diagnosis of MBC at age 31.
August 26, 2021
2 Comments
This vlog describes my five year (failed) infertility journey prior to diagnosis of MBC at age 31.
My goal in life is to leave a legacy for my children to be proud of
The first time I read Harry Potter, I felt like I was immersed in a world that was so surreal, yet so relatable. Amongst the fantasy there were simple humans, with complex emotions that they were trying to work through.
Amongst all the good times, the #baddies also came to handle business. We spent a full day learning and strategizing so that we can all contribute to expanding the reach of For the Breast of Us. It was a great time bouncing ideas off one another, learning of each other’s strengths and areas of interest, and committing to work together to ensure that other women get to experience For the Breast of Us. We entered as strangers, but we left as sisters.
After just one day with these women, it felt as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I was stripped of the armor I seemed to wear daily. The armor of the strong mother and daughter, the wife who was rediscovering her sexuality, the strong black woman at work .. even the model Breast Cancer thriver. Amongst that group of amazing women, I got to shed these layers, bare my soul, and eventually bare parts of my body that others often take to represent the extent of our journeys.
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.
These are MY terms of being at peace living with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC). Being diagnosed with Stage IV MBC at the age of 31 was not my form of peace, but I live and exist in purpose.
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 need to knock and kick down every door possible to let politicians know that this is unacceptable. Money does not need to be spent on making people aware of cancer – we do not need sunglasses and pop sockets and hats and pins.
We need research that produces real results!
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.
