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.
I was diagnosed at the age of 28. At the time of my diagnosis, my husband and I had only been dating a little over a year. There is nothing that could have prepared us for a cancer diagnosis. We went from figuring out what the future had in store to being forced to deal with the realities of our “right now.”
Your journey is tailormade for you; every twist and turn was strategically placed to build endurance, stretch your faith and move you closer to your goal.
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.
They are outspoken, intelligent, independent, unapologetically themselves, and strong… but what does “strong” mean anyway?
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.
Is it possible that I spent my entire battle with breast cancer fighting for everyone else? The words you forgot about me rang out like a gong in my head. Is it possible that I was so busy making sure everyone else was ok that I forgot about…me?
Like all great stories, my body has taught me many lessons. Lessons of love, of gratitude, of grace and patience.
I share my story because I want others going through to feel seen. There is so much power in sharing your story; it not only helps you heal, but it empowers others to do the same.
My womanhood had nothing to do with the hair on my head. The removal of my breasts did not subtract from the sum of my womanhood. In fact, breast cancer taught me just how much of a woman I really am.
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.
