Hearing the words ‘you have cancer’, is the equivalent of having the wind knocked out of you. I felt dirty and ashamed. I was embarrassed. I wanted to hide from the world.
If I could say something to that girl, I would say document your story. People need to see. People need to know. This word does not define you, it’s only something that has happened to you.
Some don’t understand why I stayed to fight when I could have easily walked away once it was through. I do what I do because I don’t want another women to be surprised by this life altering disease that has NO screening test. And if they are, I don’t want them to feel alone. I want women to be advocates for themselves! Listen to your body! Ask questions.
Because it’s personal and it hit below the belt.