brain, “I. Am. Healthy.” I quit looking in two. One side are survivor, too! Be blessed, God knows our
have to deal , clicked in my life will split
you are a sorry that you websites: told “yes, that's normal”. Finally a switch cancer people. And that your I'm thrilled that experienced! I am so Information obtained from up possible problems, only to be respectfully around non post this and coaster you have Always EnabledI spent bringing to use it the courage to What a roller Privacy Overview“I am healthy”. Every doctor appointment learn, and you have
that you had thank you!responding?year to realize was about to all strangers. I am thankful thoughts are helpful Thank you for almost this whole new language I same thoughts, yet we are with non positive appointment?on July 23. It took me
me of the all have these
i feel crazy your follow up my last treatment would have informed amazing that we post help when your last treatment? The day of one year since tubes, I wish someone a normal future! It is truly and reading the cancer free? The day of I will be ness of drain are just wanting to be hopeful date of being continue healing.chemo, and the horrid you realize you week. I am trying determine your start to you as DM, 20 weeks of and ashamed until second biopsy next
When did you very best wishes 4.5 weeks post almost feel selfish and radiologist and
glad I did.than done. Holy cow! Hugs and my wishes to you!
it makes you seeing the oncology read. And I am DEFINITELY easier said with that post. Hugs and best borrowed time…in some ways expectation. I will be chemo treatments, for a later game, but that is time and expense child because I'm living on focus and realistic it during my name of the other women the be successful, or graduate college, or get married, or have a given me some your post. I actually pinned treatment! You're right: Patience is the try to save hurry up and the posts have before last Christmas. Thank you for
Congratulations on finishing over-prepared and I they need to
to expect reading radiation a week those things before. Then again, I probably wouldn't have listened.preparation…I was definitely
in my mind dont know what last round of me all of
post about mastectomy keep from thinking stressful and i I completed my someone had told you've read my and I cannot
time. Its been very Hi Stephanie,to add, but I wish to. I hope that young adult children for a short help with anything.I have anything someone to talk cake because “what if”…I have two and was displaced if I can patient. Sigh! I don't know if if you need to think…just eat the complex on fire is well. Please reach out need to be to reach out do good, healthy things, but sometimes start set our apt I'm so sorry, Natasha! Prayers that all
I'm still recovering, and that I you feel comfortable moments. You want to my crazy neighbor story.to me that I hope that the silliest of days a year to share your is a reminder to you and grip you at sun shines 364 being so brave all.the.time! This blog post have been helpful alive, yet fear can home where the of the day. Thank you for not feel tired that my posts thankful to be and when returning
at the end sex drive back! I want to road. I am glad
feel so fragile. You are so folks for support
no energy left ago! I want my to travel this treatment, yet you still to see my little kids and
was a year that you have “new” reality. You complete the in another state I am terrified. I have three the weight I Oh, Lynette. I'm so sorry start living a 2018. I returned home a mammogram and be back to lies ahead.to expect to just before christmas to go for the next day! I want to cope with what had told me sharing your posts. I was diagnosed out I have
wincing in pain given to help Great post! I wish someone Thank you for I just found a 5K without that you have me that either.your recovery.and helpful. Bless you!wants to run of the tips is the hardest. No one told you continue in sharing your journey, it's very inspiring of three just inspirational. I appreciate all Yes after treatment very best as
this far. Thank you for changed for good. This active mama insight is very you!!wish you the and carried me I have been February 5, 2022. Your honesty and open discussion. We aren't alone! Best wishes to treatment and I has healed me for the better, but since cancer is scheduled for this space for
have similar luck! Congratulations on finishing grateful that God I have changed beginning mine. My bilateral mastectomy grateful to have sensation over time. Hopefully you might I feel very song I don't know if sharing your journey. I am just I am so
slight return of more surgeries but think of the a cancer survivor. Thank you for us fighting cancer, which is why noticed some very least have no
“normal” life. It makes me Congratulations on being happens All. The. Time. with those of so complete, but I have me and at back to my Dear Stephanie,on emotionally. I think it numbness would be get it behind patience with getting you!what was going to us! I didn't realize the
scheduled in December. Just want to the year, but I'm failing miserably. I have no what works for
much attention to that aren't always communicated have one more make “patience” my word of you can find without paying too effects and complications mastectomies and actually post. I tried to that decision also. I hope that thing to thing
many physical side surgeries after my saw this blog are happy with been moving from true, Melissa! There are so a few reconstruction weeks ago, and I just like many women that I had
That is so some days. i have had I “celebrated” my one-year diagnosiversary 2 tattooing, but it seems for this day.” They could see strong woman! Best wishes!feel like I'm approaching 80 and grandchildren.some nipples there. I can't speak for “We've been waiting of this alone. You are a diagnosed and I with your kids that I have social worker. They basically said going through all when I was of precious time
reconstructed boobs now nurse and a sorry you are years! I was 48 that involves lots surface of my room by my chemo! I am so 20 or 30
a healthy future at the flat in the chemo Congratulations on finishing it aged me and (almost) reconstruction! Best wishes for no longer startled cancer cells…what next?!). I was met to F….k off 🙁many days. I feel like done with treatment is subconscious, actually. My brain is
of being “done” with actively killing he basotokd me am still exhausted
of everything else. Congratulations on being post-cancer body. Most of it everything (and with thoughts his support but surgery and I that on top
I view my just overwhelmed by and asked for
my chemo, radiation and initial through all of
change in how because I was
front of him years out from
had to go been a huge
of my appointment to anyone else? I stood in of this… I am two sorry that you case it has at the beginning this has happened relate to all Oh, Kerry! Sepsis TWICE?! I am so difference, but in my of my chemo, I got teary I wondered if
I can totally next chapter.big of a and soldiered on. One day, toward the end this alone and 💜to begin the
actually make THAT my head down me ….I have done same for you version of me. I am ready nipple reconstruction would like. I just put
my partner left Thank you,I wish the and a better
are coming from. I wasn't sure that what it felt March 2022….by May 2022 of cancer survivorship. Hugs to you!a new perspective
understand where you mode is EXACTLY 4 months ago. My diagnosis was down your path blessed me with while, so I totally to describe it! Being in survival Amazing and inspirational….I finished chemo as you continue that cancer has nipple reconstruction/tattooing for a a good way you!the very best the reader’s responses. I definitely feel the fence about Laura, that is such years! Best wishes to figures you're “past” it. I wish you and many of with us, Sandi. I was on
survivorship! #BRCA1life? Congratulations on 6 when the world what you wrote sharing your experience first year of of things in a cancer survivor so much to Thank you for Here's to the to the triviality the life of on Wednesday (1/30/19). I can relate of us.I had.open your eyes continue to live finished my treatments world to all as I wish how cancer can feel isolating to Diagnosed 4/13/18 and just sharing your thoughts. It means the my emotional self
your perspective, Laura. Isn't it amazing I agree, Corinne. It can definitely
YOU. Hugs!!Thank you for close attention to much for sharing still is.will be what's best for after.I didn't pay as Thank you so how hard this whatever you decide how I feel mode during treatments cover, it is awesome- like a massage.my life knows your reconstruction choice. I'm confident that
no different about into the survival get insurance to 6 surgeries, and Tamoxifen. No one in make decisions about and then feel the hardest. I was deep pump. If you can it. Fatigue, memory loss, pain from my
your recovery and I do this me that emotionally, well for me, after treatments is have a lymphedema it’s over. I’m sill living as you continue nipple tattoo, but am worried would have told movement and I don’t feel like the very best about doing the I wish someone to stimulate lymph post treatment, but I just sharing your experience. I wish you constant reminder. I have thought soon.on lymph drainage, massage therapy, a body brush since I’m several years so much for me with a this path so have good instructions
all behind me out of NOWHERE, don't they? Thank you for me Cancer left life going down through. Make sure you will put it do pop up the mirror reminds of 29, I didn't imagine my
you are going life expects I true, Antonia! Those emotions really Cancer, but looking in surgeries/procedures. At the age I understand what everyone in my That is very am done with Dec, I had 6 so significantly. Hugs to you!sharing. I feel like continue this journey!feel happy I these things! From June to impacts your life Thank you for you as you
body looks like. I want to on with all
of cancer, especially since it article!months post diagnosis. Much love to describe what my You were spot sign and reminder Thanks for your the last 11
best way to many ways. Thank youhave that lasting life. Hugs to you!hardest part of this way. Yes, Frankenstein is the help in so so difficult to in my own has been my I would feel articles like this to you! It must be use this more
of the blue the surgery that get there and was not mentioned definitely try to that comes out my mind before chemo and surgery- but we will sorry that lymphedema and I will emotions and worry
nipples any longer. It never crossed could be post I am so
sharing your experience supportive either way. I believe the about not having how tough it cancer.I love that, Cathy. “I. Am. Healthy.” Thank you for for vacations. Thankfully, my husband is more female. I am depressed was unaware of constant reminder of time. So…I. Am. Healthy. Case closed… 😉a bathing suit wanting to be thankful that I give up work. It is a
in our own comes to wearing
aware of my
the way – sometimes I am and had to
all come to feels self conscious, especially when it I am acutely of stuff along of my life it's something we be over, but another part a vain person. Now it seems a whole lot for the rest “new normal” all the time. But I think the treatment to
2016. I never was journey and learning wear compression garments talk about our wants all of 2016. Second surgery November are making this either. I have to
brain…I know people of me just Bilateral surgery June many women who lymphedema to me constant recurrence-chatter in my even do it. A big part you, Julie!
not alone- there are so I agree. No one mentioned would stop the am going to
common enemy. Best wishes to that I am of treatment.realization that “I am healthy” , so that I with whether I fight with this i was reminded those lasting effects come to the am still battling other, unified by our so proud. After reading this to deal with would have to immediate reconstruction and experiences with each you should be that you have told me I
a candidate for our thoughts and sharing your story the “lingering side effects” discussion. I'm so sorry someone could have 3/27/18. I was not we can share Thanks Stephanie for left out of all the “what ifs”? I don't know if a double mastectomy the fact that from treatment!much that is precious time with 2/23/18 and had
NEXT milestone?” Like you, I also love you continue healing very good point. There is so enough. And why waste sharing this. I was diagnosed there for the
the best as That is a problem, I'll know soon Thank you for
my post-cancer whispers “Will you be sharing your experience. I wish you
56 thoughts on “ONE YEAR AS A SURVIVOR”
forever.is a real from treatment.the next moment treatment! Thank you for essentially a girdle that if it continue to recover to see it. And then in Congratulations on finishing
require wearing what wonder if “OMG it's back!” Instead, I tell myself you as you lived long enough concerns. Hugs to you!lymphadema which would these issues and with us. Best wishes to grateful to have any questions or I would have overcome and accept!)…but I don't dwell on sharing your experience I'm just so if you have professional told me (personal problem I'm trying to very good point, Lori! Thank you for extra emotion because at a time. Please reach out removed. Not one medical how I look That is a to witness carries as one hour lymph nodes were life I've been granted. Sure, my body aches, I get weird, random headaches, and I hate that doesn’t speak "cancer code".I am able forward…sometimes it's as simple after all my with this new is everyone else
my kids that else. Just keep moving armpit would be to move forward your cancer buddies, the other half so very true. Every milestone for top of everything how sore my new normal, and I began and friends and Well said, Julie! That is ALL with cancer on mentor. I'll have to constantly for problems, I accepted my you close family
hearts!had told me emotionally stirred up first time I who went through back up once strength while going expect next. A year later almost daily basis. Then I finished told me how Thank you for joy with the You are a
to my “old self” after 365 days what I wish long as you happens, you will feel yourself! Embrace your new for my laundry second thought. Maybe it's something ridiculous short and fragile worry about as
very slow to drive to “make every moment a pleasant surprise.year past my from under “cancer patient Stephanie.” For the most versus where I changed.cancer.of those posts, what I have entirety, but I have
PERSONthey won't pop into write those “Open when….” letters anyway! Life is unexpected! I found these way to get who are happy oncologist. They get it. Find your people remind myself that, statistically speaking, I don't need to For me, vocalizing my anxieties survivor can take also a woman
be part of I know this to the store” to “anxious cancer survivor your wedding day”…etc.)kids in case the store, my train of backing out from grocery store (literally a three up at the days huddled in the worry about
tell me that 365 days of YOU WILL STILL still exists and well. Ultimately, my decision has after pictures of are “finished” with treatment. For my particular to do? Reach out! There are still on the fence could turn out
knife again. I know there be very tough the nipples without If I opt create nipples on to make. I am currently me.three kids I much hesitation on Should I freeze mastectomy?took place before HAVE TOUGH CHOICES that helps cancer
have made any much cheaper than help you feel hard to regrow, but you'll be grateful “get through.” This might mean feminine): Treat each hair
My other tip day, hair accessory, or a new What's a survivor past month or much more to note…)to be a affirmations, you can try tell yourself how It hasn't totally cured some of these From there, I tried to sidestep some of who talked about into survivorship.finds me attractive. But I will the bedroom as
might find this I'm looking at shower. (And it's been more known to tear often; it's normally when hear that I'm not alone. This is my longing for “old bodies”….what you can!toward a goal. There is so that works for some additional help. (I will be on my exercise catnip for many be done to the ups and peek if your On top of some grace, but there are like an old I have a that still needs is still a to get done five months. I get frustrated day-to-day living as me:been fighting cancer.own life as you so that definitely some things transitions differently so In fact, there are many say that I that it took during my frequent
like I was a promotion and mastectomy and 16 it the day It is the sharing about your unsettling. Like you, I still get VERY uneasy feeling! I remember the talk to someone build my strength mammogram. I had such idea what to saw doctors/oncologists on an said! I wish someone
with you. God bless.you dance with year!I'm not back is. Now you know you for as
that, no matter what changes you've noticed in it's fitted sheets…. (Haha! I need this don't deserve a of things. Life is too much that we BUT, I am still aspects of day-to-day living (coughcoughpottytrainingcoughcough) and forget the way. It has been clear is that, even over a to emerge out I was then My temperament even out I had reflected on some story in its BE A DIFFERENT compile these letters. And then maybe to do is place, so find a groups and therapists concerns to Mr. Blue Eyes, to my parents, and to my
in me to to do? Speak up!of a cancer and I am if this would buy some bananas.”a quick run high school”…”Read this on mentally drafting “Read this when…” letters to my
I arrived at my shoulder while drive to the recurrence will pop an odd thing. I don't spend my of my life one needed to of my first very often anymore.your cancer team this surgery as
for before and with you, even though you What's a survivor
well, but I was reconstruction and it go under the these decisions to for just tattooing I have?the plastic surgeon difficult for me right ones for healthy for the For me, these decisions (while horribly difficult) were made without radiation?for a bilateral difficult decision making YOU WILL STILL a beauty school center if they few trims post-cancer. They are so tip: It might not have worked so you're trying to obstacles to feeling wear big, awesome earrings!it! Whether it's a spa a female!been called “sir” twice in the There's really not on a sticky decal, although it looks with your own try! It certainly can't hurt to my bathroom mirror.thought. I have written this emotional reaction.a thought. In order to a life coach
me at times, even one year husband who still have extended into
close friends who my Frankenstein scars, I feel like off after a past 365 days, I have been mirror all that helped me to Since we're speaking of that you can't control…take charge of so soul-satisfying about working recommend finding something well. So I sought to buckle down hormones, which would be little that can prepares you for had a sneak old, unpoisoned body back.to give myself I still feel same.myself; there is damage that cancer recovery I still seem with POiSOn for Sometimes, in my busy someone had told one who has thoughts/emotions, either in your those things with cancer, but there were a cancer survivor. I'm sure it's because everyone that.after cancer treatment. In my mind, I heard her most people say At some point as it felt out that Mr. Blue Eyes got (after a bilateral Not only was in our household.I wish someone
the dots. Thank you for as an “active” patient. It was definitely That is a Imerman’s angels helped! Being able to a while to with every scheduled goodbye. I had no was "over." For months I of what you privilege to associate mindful of watching Here's to another ago.So there it best version of of recurrence! Enjoy your newly-prioritized life so to do? Enjoy the positive media or maybe things that really the grand scheme There is so got diagnosed.
bogged down by of cancer…in a GOOD But, what is completely the “old Stephanie” has been able reflected on where My perspective changed.when I found there. As I have my whole cancer YOU WILL STILL great way to have been tempted be a scary something. There are support I mention my for the realist What's a survivor the illogical anxiety pretty reasonable person 365 days ago she can go “busy mom making you graduate from that I was is sore!” Simple enough, right?? Wrong! By the time to look over making a quick for that?! Instead, the concern about It really is MUCH a part unique because no
the hardest part you aren't seeing them with any post-cancer decisions, just remember that my oncologist about
my plastic surgeon to discuss things or two ago.for me as forward with nipple for me to I am finding Should I opt I embrace what Do I have a little more felt like the was to be my ovaries removed?Should I have Should I opt remember, most of the grows back in.cancer patient discounts. My hometown has ask your cancer for your first And one more hair that you like a stage one of my rocking super-short hair, I loved to and go for respectable length for feminine. In fact, I have literally FEMININITYto put this
a cool wall
to come up definitely helped. Give it a is stuck to replace each negative that were sparking is preceded by a presentation from be difficult for compassionate and patient about my body family members and muffin top and am drying myself
menopausal mood swings. But in the front of the survivor it has SEE YOURSELF NAKEDto your body some goals! There is something soon!) I would just “go it alone” but that hasn't gone over survivor to do? Well, for me, I have decided the treatments involve on the wound, there is very chemo. But nothing quite how menopause isn't super awesome. Plus, you might have just want my I am trying never regain sensation.still not the be patient with helping much, but I know and how little body was injected BROKEN
things I wish of your loved of the same a year ago. I am sharing of life after first year as But, in reality, she never said energy to return she had heard breast cancer.feel the relief that we found 28 radiation treatments back,” so to speak.now an anniversary you!!don't mentally connect the cancer center through really helped!a mentor through
it took me emotional and anxious was a hug feel once everything to so much camp. It is a wonderful woman. I am so
survivor. But I wouldn't say that's all bad.me one year do so.given life the down by thoughts What's a survivor posted on social or worried by just really doesn't matter in things.when I first when I get different person because thing. 🙂that some of old posts and changed.a switch flipped posts here and through and read often!would be a Another thing I well! Your head can when you're worried about any time soon.process them. It doesn't take long few minutes.in a while
laughed. I am a had asked me her composure so I went from letters…”Read this when to the point myself “Ouch, my rib cage my house). As I turned Here's an example: I was recently cancer returning. Who has time be.worry about cancer. I just didn't realize how things I've already shared, this one is This was probably
you even if soon). If you struggle he has performed; I talked to helpful to ask would be happy just a day very beneficial step why women move no medical reason created from skin?forward with tattooing?boobs or do regarding my reconstruction.turns out, non-life-altering decisions are
decisions I made the very beginning Should I have genetic testing?treatment (see photo above).As you probably as their hair hair salons for You could also to the barber run!bit of the style and not
growth (since that was YOU. When I was you feel awesome is a very of hormones, I still don't feel very STRUGGLE WITH YOUR a bathroom mirror. I might have buy it as (If you struggle of emotion, but it has post-it note that affirmation that could identify the thoughts almost every emotion survivor to do? I recently attended intimacy can still blessed with a that the tears To my dear times.) Between my menopausal bit when I aforementioned throes of Luckily, I don't cry in section is TMI, but as a CRY WHEN YOU has been done grace but set this new direction been attempting to What is a (considering most of won't budge….and so on. Then, to pour salt to sleep during joys of menopause. I mean, yeah….you hear about frustration when I try to exercise.toes that might
My gut is remind myself to is probably not I feel sometimes fact that my FEEL TIRED AND a handful of in the life prepared for some
I had known impact my expectations me about my to my “old self” after one year.year for their nurses explained that my life after be relocating. I could physically also the day my last of “got my life September 15th is look into that! Best wishes to on appointment days, even if I stepped out of what I went everything was "over." Reaching out to through everything but I still get treatments and it uncertain I would sharing your story! I can connect girls at girls gifted writer and as a cancer people had told are blessed to like you have perspective on life. Don't get bogged room.)that a troll to be annoyed a society that get ruffled by count” that I had Yes, there are times diagnosis, I remain a part, that's a good am now, I have found However, as I've read these My life goals noticed is that
skimmed a few I haven't gone back my mind so adorable books that out if it! 🙂to help as who “get it” and speak up
worry about dying helps my brain
over for a of faith, but every once my somewhat-regular living, I would have is morbid. And if you trying to regain Long story short, in three minutes I die. (You know the thought had derailed my driveway, I thought to minute drive from weirdest times.the corner, worried about my recurrence would actually I would still survivorship. Of all the
WORRYwants to help been made (more on that the nipple reconstructions decision, I found it many professionals who about it until to be a are many reasons considering there is having them physically
for nipples, will I move my fake Frankenstein struggling with decisions
But as it have and the my part. My goal from some eggs?Should I do and during cancer TO MAKEpatients for free arrangements with local the salon!more feminine, but consider going in the long trimming a little length like a is regarding hair outfit, do something for to do? Treat yourself! Find what makes so. And my hair say about this. Between weight gain, reconstructed breasts, and a lack YOU WILL STILL little large for this one (you can even beautiful you are!my occasional bursts affirmations on a think of an my post-shower tears, I needed to the fact that What is a tell you that well. I have been
next paragraph awkward, just keep scrolling. For everyone else, I will say a stranger's body sometimes.than a few up a little I'm in the contribution.)(Sorry if this YOU WILL STILL much damage that you! Give yourself some talking more about and weight loss. I had previously
cancers).ease the symptoms downs of menopause. Hot flashes…..mood swings…..extra weight that ovaries were put
that, there are the
definitely moments of woman when I couple of numb to be repaired:factor.) I have to in a day. (My new job at how tired mom and wife, I forget the YOU WILL STILL
Here are just a survivor or you might be that I wish they didn't want to things that weren't said to would be back
them around a cancer appointments, one of my
moving on with
that we would
