New Normal
The Art of Survivorship
I am self-conscious of certain things, no matter how strong I may appear.
April 13, 2022
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I am self-conscious of certain things, no matter how strong I may appear.
I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and then found out I had a gene that made me susceptible to breast cancer as well. I could wait and see or I could prevent a worst-case scenario.
Women of color are constantly being ignored and underrepresented in all industries and business is no different. This September, For The Breast of Us, focused on #BaddiesinBusiness.
I put out an APB for my Sexy, unsure if it could actually be brought back but I was willing to do the work to get it back.
As my physical wounds heal, I find myself counting my scars, and tracing them with my fingers. But, rather than seeing mutilation, I see new life lines and possibilities in those scars.
I used to not want to take pictures from the chest down because of how I felt I looked. Now that I am two years out, it has gotten a lot better.
One of the most pivotal things that has made recovering from surgeries and circumventing the side effects of chemotherapy is to MOVE. Being active has made the difference in my overall wellness since my diagnosis.
Shopping for swimsuits can be an ordeal for even the most body confident person. Imagine what it is like for a person that has lost their breasts.
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.
Recognizing that I never used to set healthy boundaries – What does that look like to engage in that process in an act of self-preservation, self-care and compassion towards self? How do I unlearn this old programming where I thought to put me first was a sign of selfishness? Forreal, to put me first has been a struggle!
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.
