Survivorship

Changing The Conversation From Survivorship To Thrivership

I was so excited on my last day of chemo. I made a big glittery sign, brought cupcakes for the staff, and posted about how I beat cancer on social media. I planned an “apres-cancer” trip to Europe to celebrate and, other than waiting for my hair to grow back and my nipples to be tattooed on, I pretty much thought I was DONE with cancer.

A Long Cold Trek to Loving Yourself

To have someone who understood what I was going through and could guide me along the way would have been whipped cream and a cherry on top, but for most of my experience, it was like climbing up snowy mountains, sliding across an icy pond, and then through a winter storm.

Aliens

As I slowly transition out of the shower, I glimpse myself in the mirror. I don’t recognize my body. I see bright-colored stretch marks, dark and angry bruises, cuts that won’t heal, and scars I can’t place. Unsolicited weight gain, sagging skin, and multiple chins.

The Tug of War of Cancer

I am a long-term childhood cancer survivor. At the age of 11 months, I was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Now I am 55 years young and counting. I would like to share how cancer has impacted my stages of life from childhood to adolescence, adulthood, middle age, and hope of continued blessings during my senior life.

Navigating the Uncharted Terrain of Cancer

In the intricate tapestry of life, sometimes we find ourselves in unforeseen chapters that redefine who we are. My journey with cancer began with my mother’s diagnosis in her late 30s, a pivotal moment that shaped my own destiny. As her youngest child, I discovered I had inherited the aggressive gene that had nearly taken her away from me.

How Church Supported Me During My Diagnosis

I have always been involved in the Christian Community—I went to Christian school my whole life and I’ve been attending my church for over five years now. I didn’t tell many people at Church about my diagnosis until things got really bad.

You’re On Your Own, Kid

Taylor Swift really got it right when she said, “You’re on your own, kid, you always have been.”

Nobody prepares you for what it feels like to be a cancer survivor.

The Rocky Road of a Cancer Survivor

I never know what to say when people tell me how strong I am for beating cancer. For one, I do not feel at all strong. Nor do I feel like I’ve “beaten cancer.” From my perspective, all I’ve done since being diagnosed in 2019 is not die.

Coping in the Present

As a young adult, you have your entire life ahead of you until a cancer diagnosis forces you to consider the harsh reality of your mortality. Like most AYA cancer patients, my first diagnosis was shocking, and my entire world stopped.

“It’s Not You, It’s Your Cancer”

Did you know that some people will stop being your friend simply because you got sick? I didn’t know this was a “thing” until I myself was diagnosed with cancer. If you are reading this as someone outside the cancer community, you’re probably shocked or think I’m mistaken. I’m not.