Breast Cancer survivor, Marquita Goodluck shares how diagnosis and treatment changed her approach to life.
This whole experience has taught me so much. It has taught me to be grateful for everything.
In working with women of color it can be very difficult to find resources that cater to our unique needs. For a lot of us, the mindset is if you are struggling with something, we are taught to rely on our faith. But that can be extremely difficult when you are faced with the unthinkable.
Going into chemotherapy, I knew there was going to be a plethora of side effects I would need to brace myself for. But there was one side effect, one challenge, I hadn’t seen coming. And as something I hadn’t seen coming, I couldn’t thus prepare for it.
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.
No, I am not the woman I was before, but the woman I am today shines the way God always intended for me to shine. And I am not sad at all that part of me had to die, so a greater me could emerge.
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 approached breast cancer like any other to-do; something “I” can handle.
I want the world to know that I am living with this, but it isn’t my entire identity.
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.
