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.
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.
This body got me through cancer, and I am proud of it. By being vocal and sharing my story and images I hope that surgery without reconstruction becomes less of an outlier, and more of a viable choice for young women.
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.
I feel reborn in a sense. Life can change in a matter of minutes. I learned to live my best life!
Life is truly a minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour, day-by-day process. Time is valuable. Don’t waste it!
I didn’t know how to cope with having breast cancer.
Sometimes I just want to complain about it all without someone saying you’re strong you’ll get through it, but sometimes smiling makes it easier for everyone else around you.
I’ve learned through all of this I’m a lot stronger and resilient than I ever thought I could be.
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.
