This is Chapter 6 in the Cancer Memoir. Catch up with previous chapters here.
This October is my first experience walking into Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a breast cancer thriver. And honestly, I don’t know how I feel about this month. I am still in the trenches of my battle, my fight, my journey. As I type this, my watch is buzzing, reminding me to take one of my new cancer drugs.
I have discovered so many nonprofits who are raising their hands to lead in this fight to support all those going through breast cancer. These nonprofits are the boots on the ground, bringing awareness and needed resources to the breast cancer community. I love seeing all the companies supporting the breast cancer cause, raising awareness, and providing financial support to many of these nonprofits. Together, they are not only devoted to educating and researching to bring new therapies and targeted treatments. Their work also brings hope to all facing breast cancer and their loved ones supporting them through this journey.
With all these good things, I sometimes feel overwhelmed and lost in a sea of pink. Do others feel this way, too? Is it because my journey is still so new and fresh, and I am still in the middle of my fight?
This overwhelming feeling brought me back to when I was 23 and newly married. Jeremy was checking into his new unit, and I found myself at my first military spouse event. I was sitting with a large group of seasoned Marine Corps spouses getting thrown into the deep end of military life (the sea of USMC green). It took me a while to be thankful for this moment with these Marine Corps spouses. I was initially angry and thought to myself, “I did not sign up for this. I married Jeremy, not the Marine Corps.” But years later, I realized that these women were trying to prepare me for a journey, a life I knew nothing about. These kind souls were trying to prepare me for a path they had already walked and did not want me to struggle as many had.
When I feel overwhelmed by the sea of pink and trying to navigate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I remind myself that all these incredible humans are trying to prepare a path, just like the Marine Corps spouses, for the people who come after them.
So, if you are like me and this is your first time walking into Breast Cancer Awareness Month as someone who is newly diagnosed or still in the middle of their cancer journey, I see you. If you are a seasoned breast cancer thriver or supporter, I appreciate you and all you do.
So today, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I want to shine a light on breast cancer thrivers, caregivers, loved ones, and supporters (this includes YOU reading this). If you are a breast cancer thriver, loved one, or caregiver of someone walking a breast cancer journey, let us know below. If you are a supporter, leave a note of encouragement!
Until next time, my friends, SHINE ON!