Catrina Marcell is a survivor of Triple Negative Breast Cancer, diagnosed in June 2021, and carries the BRCA1 positive gene mutation. Dedicated to empowering women, she shares her journey along with valuable tips and resources to help them advocate for themselves. Catrina became cancer-free on January 31, 2022, and refers to herself as "Fighter with Faith," drawing strength from her spirituality and community. Despite facing post-cancer challenges like joint pain and fatigue, she remains committed to uplifting others on their journeys.
Continue learning to read more about Catrina's journey with breast cancer.
The Moment Everything Changed
When I first heard the words “You have breast cancer,” my world came to a halt. Fear, uncertainty, and disbelief washed over me. I felt like I was in a fog, and all the plans I had for the future suddenly felt distant. To process the news, I gave myself permission to feel everything—to cry, scream, and question it all. But as overwhelming as it was, I leaned into my faith, my family, and my support system. Over time, I began to understand that while I couldn’t control the diagnosis, I could control how I responded to it.
A Turning Point During Treatment
One pivotal moment came during my third chemotherapy session. My body felt weaker than ever, and I questioned if I had the strength to keep going. But in that moment, I realized that my strength didn’t come from how I felt physically—it came from my will to live, to fight, and to support others through this journey. That realization shifted my outlook. I began focusing on small victories and the power of hope. It was a turning point where I reclaimed my sense of power in the midst of uncertainty.
Coping with Chemotherapy’s Challenges
Chemotherapy was one of the toughest parts of my journey. It wasn’t just the nausea or fatigue—it was the emotional toll of constantly worrying about side effects and being reminded of the battle I was in. But I learned to cope by embracing resilience and relying on my faith. Self-care became an essential part of my routine, from drinking lots of water to taking walks whenever possible and staying connected with loved ones. Finding my voice and sharing my emotions helped me process the rollercoaster I was on. There were hard days, but I learned that it was okay to not be okay.
A Message to Fellow Warriors
To anyone going through their breast cancer journey right now, I want you to know that you are so much stronger than you think. The road ahead may seem long and uncertain, but take it one day at a time and give yourself grace. There will be tough days, but there will also be days filled with love, support, and moments of victory. Keep believing in yourself, and know that you are not alone in this fight. You’ve got an entire community of warriors cheering you on.
Follow Catrina on Instagram to learn more about her journey.
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