What it’s like to survive breast cancer at 29
On January 11, 2017, I was diagnosed with stage 3a breast cancer at age 29. Life as I knew it would never be the same.
I had to change everything from my eating habits to the people who surrounded me. It was bad enough that toxicity reached its way into my body, and I would not be responsible for adding more. I started doing yoga and was open to try anything that would bring positive energy and serenity into my life. That’s the reason why my Instagram handle is @GoodVibesBeatCancer — because I believe it!
How I coped with cancer
For most of 2017, I didn’t leave the house because I was too weak or didn’t have the energy to socialize. But, when I did, I was very picky about who my inner circle would be, because above all else, good vibes were the only energy getting me through my bald and weak days.
I’m a former college athlete, so being labeled as “sick” or feeling “weak” was very hard for me to come to terms with. I had a hard time asking for help at first. Then once I realized my survival relied on asking for help… eventually I gave in. It made me feel vulnerable at times, but once I received help, I was relieved.
I also needed friends that could have hard conversations with me, I was not going to talk all roses’ and sunshine all the time and the conversations that I needed to have with friends (so I did not feel alone) were very raw and real.
Finding out that I was going to lose not only my breast, but my nipples and sensation, was one of the tougher things to overcome. I am still grieving to this day. I experienced all stages of grief before, during, and after I lost my breast due to cancer. I was obsessed with my natural breasts — they looked good and felt good too; I miss that. But I have taken the time to grieve, forgive my body, and embrace my implants, with a lot of tears and self-care routines.
Self care during cancer
I went on a mission to reconnect my body with my mind because I had disconnected them to survive. I could not fight the cancer and process what I was going through all at the same time. I had to pick myself up and start putting myself back together.
And through my research, I came across a somatic therapist — a holistic therapy that studies the relationship between the mind and body regarding your psychological past. It’s sometimes suggested to anyone that has had body trauma and, for me, the trauma was the cancer treatment. It was exactly what I needed at the time.
What life is like for me now
I am two-and-a-half years into remission and slowly getting used to my “new normal.” As it turns out, I did a complete transformation without even realizing it during treatment. Figuring out what my new prioritization of values are, reconnecting with my fiancé after ten months of little to no intimacy, finding the energy to make friends that can be comfortable talking about cancer with me, and getting comfortable in my skin after losing my breasts has been difficult.
It did not take long to realize the way that I was living pre-cancer — on the go, always socializing, inviting stress into my life, lacking self-care or awareness — was not sustainable after cancer.
I had to transform and identify what was important to me. It turns out that my health, work-life balance, low-stress, self-care, and authenticity in all shapes is what I value now. I am inspired with my new perspective of the world and my values that continue to evolve.
“I had to transform and identify what was important to me. It turns out that my health, work-life balance, low-stress, self-care, and authenticity in all shapes is what I value now.”
What I know now that I did not know before cancer
Mind over matter: living with minimal stress is possible. It allows for a clearer mind and an open-heart.
Embrace the storm: once the storm is over you won’t remember how you made it through, but one thing is certain — you won’t come out of the storm the same person, but that is what it is all about. “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
Be your own advocate: be curious, ask questions, and ask for help just like you would if you were running your own business. Be your own CEO of your health.
Take one day at a time: it is easy to get caught up in the “what if’s” and especially now in the wake of coronavirus. Take time to self-care, journal when needed, and be grateful.
Accept that progress is progress, no matter the shape or form: it is so easy to compare ourselves to each other. Do not do that. Create your own destiny and imagine what’s possible for YOU.
Check your breast: I was 29 years old with no cancer in my family. Cancer does not discriminate.
And when in doubt, lean into a higher power.
@GoodVibesBeatCancer is a 32-year-old breast cancer survivor that volunteers with The Pink Agenda--Atlanta chapter to raise money for a cure. She is the eldest of three sisters (with parents that made all the sacrifices for her health) and a fiance — who will be a husband in January 2021. She loves to travel, but also, stay home and cook!