September marks the fifth year anniversary of my double mastectomy and the confirmation that I was cancer-free. As a breast cancer survivor, I feel like I’ve lived a million lives since then, and still mark time with things happening before or after the surgery.
However, I have learned so many things on this journey. To celebrate five years cancer-free, here are the top five lessons I’ve learned from breast cancer.
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1. It Won’t Always Be This Bad
The days surrounding my cancer diagnosis are still a bit of a blur. My kids were nine and six. I had been married for one year. All I knew was life was unfair, and I didn’t want to leave my people.
The devastation I felt in my heart and head was unfathomable. I didn’t know how to move forward. But I did. I had no other choice.
And one day, I woke up and didn’t feel devastated anymore. I felt hopeful. Time will heal you, inside and out.
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2. Not All Fundraising Is the Same
I’ve learned over the years that National Breast Cancer Foundation is my charity of choice. After researching all the different charities, I agreed with its mission and plan the most.
I recommend doing your own research before you donate or ask others to donate.
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3. You Are Always Someone’s Hero
I shared all the days of my recovery, good and bad. I still share the ups and downs, five years later.
I learned no matter what I shared, I was helping someone else. It doesn’t even matter what journey they are on. Everyone needs someone to cheer for and look up to, and that person could very well be you.
4. Doctor Anxiety Is a Real Thing
Even now, making any kind of doctor appointment makes me want to run and hide, but I make them because I know how important they are. Yes, five years later I still get a stomachache just thinking about the visit. I constantly worry about what they may find, etc.
I just have to remember that we don’t worry unless we absolutely have something to worry about!
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5. The Journey Is Emotional And Physical
I think the number one thing I tell people facing breast cancer is that your emotional healing may take longer than your physical healing. Some days you might not even feel any actual physical pain from your procedures, surgeries, and treatments.
But I guarantee you will think about or feel some of the emotional pain associated with it. Some days are easier than others.
