The first word that comes to mind when I think of my post-cancer body is “journey.”
Journey is the word used to define the complete treatment plan that a breast cancer patient must take, but what I didn’t realize is that each part of the breast cancer experience has its own journey.
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.
This body got me through cancer, and I am proud of it. By being vocal and sharing my story and images I hope that surgery without reconstruction becomes less of an outlier, and more of a viable choice for young women.
Signing in at oncology clinics while the older patients question if I’m in the right place. Going to support groups as the “breast cancer baby” because everyone else is two or three times my age. Being constantly told that I am “too young” to have breast cancer and yet, here I am – the odd girl out.
No, I am not the woman I was before, but the woman I am today shines the way God always intended for me to shine. And I am not sad at all that part of me had to die, so a greater me could emerge.
Life is truly a minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour, day-by-day process. Time is valuable. Don’t waste it!
Sometimes I just want to complain about it all without someone saying you’re strong you’ll get through it, but sometimes smiling makes it easier for everyone else around you.
I’ve learned through all of this I’m a lot stronger and resilient than I ever thought I could be.
So, when I saw a tweet by @gypsynomy (C.J. Jackson) about @thebreastofus and her delay in reconstruction, I was moved to reach out to offer “breasts” to any followers who would benefit from soft prosthetics.
I still look in the mirror and get down on myself because of how much my physical appearance was altered. But I have accepted that It’s all a process and we are what we make of it.
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.
