Cancer Survivors: Lessons Learned and Advice for Warriors

1. Remember, none of this is your fault; cancer can happen to anyone.
2. Get a good therapist and talk to them regularly.
3. Reach out to the cancer community. It is true what they say: worst club, best members. I have found deep meaningful friendships within the cancer community and so much of my healing is contributed to them
4. Plan joy days in between treatment where cancer cannot be a topic of conversation."

–Kayla (TNBC Survivor) 

I was diagnosed with stage 2 TNBC at the age of 33. To celebrate National Cancer Survivors day, I wanted to share a lesson I have learned in the early stages of survivorship. Life is beautiful and it is a gift not to be wasted. Love your people hard and embrace every adventure. Make the memories, book the trip and enjoy your life!

Some advice I would like to pass on for anyone who is newly diagnosed👇🏻

1. Advocate for yourself, bring a second set of ears to your appointments and trust your intuition when it comes to treatment options, doctors, etc.
2. Stay off of Google; instead, ask others who have been down this journey before. We are here for you!
3. Accept the help of your friends and loved ones. Listen to your body and rest when you need to rest.
4. Do not think of all of the steps; instead, take it one day at a time, one treatment at a time.
5. Most importantly, breathe; it’s going to be okay 🫶🏻

–Paige (Breast Cancer Survivor)

“Survivorship is weird & wonderful. Some days, I feel stronger than ever, I share my story, and I educate those around me. Other days, I feel weak & want to clam up, pretending it never happened. Both of those feelings are normal, valid & can coexist. We just can't get stuck at the peak or trough of the wave. We have to keep riding it.

When I was first diagnosed, I was stuck at the breaking point, getting beaten & thrown around by the wave. At first, I was trying to keep my head above water alone. Then, my support team taught me how to swim past that point & how to float. I still fell off the float, struggled to get back on, and got caught under the waves again, but this time, I had the skills & support to pull me up. I learned to ask for help, to not be ashamed of struggling, and to keep pushing forward until I got to the point I could handle things again.”