Earlier this year life gave me a lemon. A big juicy lemon in fact. And ever since, I've been busy making lemonade! Whilst what I am about to tell you may be a shock (it shocked me) I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, there is no mistake in life and through adversity comes the lessons, the growth and ultimately is where you'll find your biggest blessings.
On February 5th 2021 I was diagnosed with cancer. To be precise, I was diagnosed with triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma, a more rare and aggressive form of breast cancer.
I initially found a lump in my right breast which was thought to be a fibroadenoma (a non cancerous lump), however, a biopsy revealed otherwise. Fortunately, at the time of diagnosis the cancer was classified as stage 1 but the rate at which the cells were dividing was at the highest rate (0-3). I was a 3. This also meant the cancer cells appear very abnormal (as appose to lower grades).
Because of the nature of the cancer and my age (only 32 at the time of diagnosis) I was told I would need three months of chemotherapy, surgery (potentially a mastectomy) and radiation. It was also highly recommended that I have my eggs frozen due to potential fertility problems after the treatment. I was told, as we all know, I would loose all my hair and the nausea and other side effects would all be treated with a plethora of drugs.
BUT thankfully I happen to know a little something...
If I didn't have the knowledge that I have today, my diagnosis would have tipped my entire world upside down. I may have cancer but it sure as hell doesn't have me. Knowledge truly is power, and I am eternally grateful to know that I have an alternative choice. I have chosen a path with a difference and that is what I am here to share.
"Life handed him a lemon,
As Life sometimes will do.
His friends looked on in pity,
Assuming he was through.
They came upon him later,
Reclining in the shade
In calm contentment, drinking
A glass of lemonade."
I am not afraid of my cancer diagnosis. Don't get me wrong. I have definitely shed tears, had days of utter confusion, bathroom floor moments, had sleepless nights and some "holy shit, I have cancer" moments. However, for the most part I can honestly say I have felt immense gratitude, love, confidence, hope and peace. I am comforted knowing that there will be/is a silver lining to my experience.
I hold a strong belief that given the right tools the body has the ability to heal itself. Refusing chemotherapy was a natural and easy choice for me to make. I see cancer as an opportunity to heal my body, not only on a physical level but also in mind and spirit.
I have chosen to make my cancer an empowering experience and I look forward to sharing my journey of hope and health.
