For Jillian, living with Stage IV TNBC has been both devastating and transformative. It has reshaped not only her physical world but her inner identity, pushing her to find strength she didn’t know she had. Today, Jillian calls herself a thriver and warrior—a title she has earned through resilience, acceptance, and rediscovery.
Continue reading to learn Jillian’s story.
Seeing Myself Again
It took me three years to truly look in the mirror and recognize myself again. When I finally did, what I saw wasn’t just a reflection—it was proof of survival. I saw my scars, my bald head, and the evidence of all I had endured. But instead of feeling loss, I felt pride. I realized I had done the hardest thing in my life and had come out stronger, almost as though I had been forged in steel.
That moment sparked a turning point for me. I began dressing in style again, embracing the confidence that had once felt so far away, and started living fully—not as my old self, but as someone new and more powerful.
A New Identity
Cancer, especially metastatic triple negative breast cancer, changes everything. I will never be the same physically or mentally, but instead of mourning who I once was, I’ve chosen to blend my old identity with my new reality.
It hasn’t been an easy process, but through that mix I’ve created a version of myself that feels whole. By weaving together the person I was with the person I’m becoming, I’ve found my new self—resilient, authentic, and grounded in strength.
Discovering Strength
One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken away is that I can do hard things—and doing them has made me a better person. Life feels more precious, and I see every day as a gift. Even though my diagnosis is Stage IV triple negative breast cancer, I don’t view it as a death sentence. Instead, I see it as proof of my strength and resilience.
Finding New Normals
Being in “active” treatment indefinitely meant I had to grieve the life I once imagined. But over time, I found new normals that brought me joy. I embraced my bald head and scars, learned to accessorize in bold new ways—statement earrings became my signature—and rediscovered activities that made me feel alive, like ballet.
Adapting to this new life didn’t mean letting go of my spirit; it meant finding ways to celebrate it in new forms.
Advice for Others
For me, the path to healing isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and mental, too. I encourage others to give themselves permission to grieve in whatever way feels right, whether through therapy, support groups, meditation, or leaning on friends and peers with similar diagnoses.
Once grief has space, I believe in trying both old and new activities to see what sparks joy in this new chapter of life. Just as importantly, I’ve learned the power of protecting my energy. Letting go of negativity and focusing on my worth has been one of my greatest lessons. Life is too valuable to spend on anything less.
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