I sat in her office completely caught off guard by the fact that she had scheduled an oophorectomy without any discussion. In fact, when I started treatment, no one ever mentioned any fertility options to me.
Cancer, better known as the Big C, is a negative word altogether, however, I always try to find the positive in every negative situation.
I know that beauty is skin deep, but my spirit took a hard hit and we are only beginning to rediscover the feminine goddess within.
Breast Cancer survivor, Marquita Goodluck shares how diagnosis and treatment changed her approach to life.
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.
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.
To tell or not to tell, is the million dollar question as it relates to when you believe it’s the perfect time to share your breast cancer diagnosis with family or friends. Even more importantly, when do you share with your children?
I wasn’t quite sure of what that really meant because somehow I always thought love was supposed to come from somewhere or somebody else. But during my treatments, I came to realize I could love myself more. I could love the me that was hairless, weak and scared just as much as I could love the me who is fierce, strong and driven.
Many times I expected people to know what kind of support I needed. But I realize now, I didn’t know what kind of support I needed. As soon as I was diagnosed, people would offer to help, but I never knew exactly what to tell them. I lost myself. I never truly knew the extent of help I would need.
Trust your child can handle it. They are more resilient than you think. Also, when you see them shutting down, get them help to deal with their feelings. Lastly, you are doing your best with your kids. Adding cancer into the mix is just another opportunity to get it right.
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.
