In the summer of 2012 my life changed - I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer at age 25.
I didn’t quite know what to feel, I just wanted get all the details and next steps for surgery. I did not want to feel sorry for myself, but just be alone. I was embarrassed to have breast cancer. I felt like everyone looked at me like a sick person, and I stopped being me.
After surgery I treated cancer like a bandage I had ripped off. I thought that by approaching it like a business transaction, I could stay strong and cope with my feelings. I later learned that I needed to take time to myself to evaluate what I was going through and reassess my life. I started a new job that respects and stands by family and health and moved into a new home.
Sometimes I feel like my 20's have been stolen from me. Dating as a cancer survivor who still goes through treatment is difficult. I love to flirt, to go on dates, to meet new people. But I always worry when I have to share what I went through, and what I still go through, and if someone will still want me after learning about my diagnosis.
I share my story because I want to be a means of education and an outlet for other women. Sometimes I feel like I've come so far and gone through enough side effects from medication to last me a lifetime (hot-flashes, loss of sex-drive, fatigue, depression). It's a reminder that my body is fighting for its life to stay healthy. I share what medication does to me because I know there are other women out there who go through similar things and I want you to know you are not alone and I can take a bit of humility for the greater good.
I think whether newly diagnosed, cured, or going through treatments, we are all survivors. Our stories are shared with others to bring hope to those who struggle every day.
Columbus, OH
