If cancer has taught me anything, it is that life is too damn short to cower to my fears.
I am proud to be an Asian American breast cancer survivor because of all the people that came before me. It is through their struggles and their strengths and their stories that I am who I am today. I can only hope to do them just as proud.
Breast cancer patients need to be their own advocates when it comes to their health care. But how do you do this when you’re feeling scared and overwhelmed?
Everyone said it was the “best time” to be sick because he was too young to remember but I would watch him play until he got sad and would then ask me to play and I would have to remind him that Mama was sick.
The most important lesson I’ve learned in being a breast cancer survivor is that I can do things on my terms and define what survivorship looks like for me.
When you finish treatment, no one really speaks about survivorship. There is no road map or guide.
I am self-conscious of certain things, no matter how strong I may appear.
Starting with myself, if I realign my thoughts about the things that I cannot control, it will reduce the negative impact this disease can have on myself and those who love me.
Survivorship is less about accepting a “new norm” and more about destroying fear of the “abnormal” condition of disease.
I was practicing self-care. Treating my body well and doing the things that were supposed to be good for me. I never expected to find out that I had breast cancer.
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.
