For Stephanie — a mom, wife, and teacher — breast cancer became a turning point that redefined how she views life, love, and herself. Before her diagnosis, she was always caring for others. Through her journey, she discovered the power of slowing down, finding emotional balance, and embracing beauty in every form.
Her Instagram, @itstefunny, became a safe space to connect, share, and heal — turning vulnerability into strength.
Continue reading to learn how Stephanie found healing, connection, and self-love beyond the mirror.
Learning to Care for Myself First
Before my diagnosis, I didn’t always take time to check in with how I was really feeling — I was so focused on being a mom, a wife, and a teacher, always caring for others. This experience forced me to slow down and truly care for myself too. Sometimes when you smile all the time, people assume everything is okay, but inside it can take a real toll.
Now, I make it a priority to protect my mental and emotional health. Journaling, praying, listening to music, and sharing how I feel have become part of my healing routine. My Instagram @itstefunny has actually become a form of therapy for me — when I talk to my phone, it may look like I’m alone, but once I hit “post” and see messages of love and encouragement, I feel so supported. My Instagram has turned into my safe space to connect and heal.
Finding Strength in Family and Faith
The hardest part has been spending time apart from my family. I have a young son who just wants his mom, and during chemo, too much close contact wasn’t safe — especially in the summer heat, when treatment can make everything harder. I used to joke that cancer hates kisses, but try explaining that to a one-year-old!
We found ways to balance it by turning those moments into opportunities — planning little date nights with my husband or taking my son out for fun activities when I was feeling up to it. Instead of focusing on what we couldn’t do, we created new memories and shared our time through experiences that brought us closer.
Showing Up Differently in My Relationships
Treatment taught me what it means to truly value time and energy. Some days, I had none at all — and others, I felt like myself again. Once I learned how to manage that balance, I realized how powerful it is to appreciate the freedom and strength we do have.
Now, I treat every day like a “good day.” I try not to waste time — I do something fun, I’m present, and I’m grateful just to be able to get up and live the day. I took my family on vacation, I show up for them the way they’ve shown up for me, and I make a point to reach out to the people I love. My relationships feel deeper and more intentional because I don’t take a single moment for granted.
Finding Meaning in Everyday Moments
As a teacher, I feel incredibly lucky to still show up for my students every day. Being in the classroom reminds me that life goes on — and that I’m not letting cancer take over my story. I want my students, and especially my son, to see that.
When my son looks back on this time, I don’t want him to think, “Mom was sick.” I want him to remember that “Mom was strong.” Every ordinary morning, every day I show up — those moments mean so much more now.
Redefining Beauty Beyond the Mirror
What makes me feel beautiful today is something I was once most afraid of — my bald head. Don’t get me wrong, I can’t wait for my hair to grow back, but losing it made me realize how much I used to hide behind it. My hair was like a shield, and I wasn’t sure how my son would react or if he’d still see me the same.
But he didn’t skip a beat. He looked at me with the same love, and that changed everything. Now, my bald head is a symbol of strength. It reminds me of how far I’ve come, how much I’ve overcome, and that when my hair does grow back, it’ll represent a new beginning.
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