Life After “The Big C”
For those of you that don’t know me or my story, my cancer journey started in September of 2018 when I was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer. One lumpectomy, 12-weeks of chemo, 16 rounds of radiation, one year of Herceptin, and two hormone blockers later, I’m here. I’m alive. I made it.
In the days after my diagnosis, I would wake up and have a glorious few seconds before the dread of knowing I had cancer would wash over me. From that moment until the end of the day everything was about cancer. Researching, daily conversations, scheduling appointments--everything orbited around the "Big C." I was wrapped up in a frenzy and completely consumed by fear. This time in my life is discussed in detail in the chapter titled "The Many Revelations of 'The Big C'" in the "Waves of Pink I" and "Wave after Wave of Pink" in the Pink Sistas book series. (All available through the Pink Sistas website. Seriously. Order them. You won’t be disappointed!)
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the many support systems I’m lucky to have in my life.
Particularly with Pink Sistas. No one understands cancer more than fellow survivors. When I got connected to Pink Sistas for a retreat weekend during the summer of 2019, my journey with cancer began to shift. Going into that weekend I felt physically weak and drained. But with each activity and shared story I began to reflect and recognize how much emotional strength I had gained since the day of my diagnose. I left that weekend feeling strong and empowered.
Since then, every summer I have gotten the privilege to attend day retreats and have met amazing survivors, including one extraordinary woman, Diane. When we met there was an instant shared connection through our survivorship. And I can’t wait to continue in sharing adventures alongside Diane during the Pink Sistas 10 th Anniversary in Maui, Hawaii later this year!
Now, you might be wondering what is life like after the Big C. What I can tell you is that I no longer wake up with feelings of dread; my daily conversations don’t revolve around cancer; and I am no longer consumed by fear nor the fear(s) that come with this disease. Every day I’m filled with joy and gratitude, I cherish time with loved ones, and I find beauty and peace in every moment. That makes me feel alive.
Stay fearless friends.