What four women with breast cancer want you to know if you've just been diagnosed too.
You can only imagine what it might feel like to be told you have breast cancer, until it happens to you and everything turns upside down and you lose all sense of stability and direction. You will grasp at everything that feels safe and familiar and still feel like you're free falling on your own, all while trying to make some of the biggest decisions of your life.
You'll also receive loads of well intended advice, some of it may even be helpful, however most of it will just be overwhelming and miss the mark leaving you feeling even more alone, as if no one really gets what you're going through. Which is the reason why we wanted to ask other women facing breast cancer what their advice would be, we wanted to hear it straight from the women who truly get it.
Here's what they had to say,
“Reach out for support, medical, spiritual, and emotional. You don't have to go through this by yourself. Also, take one chapter/day/minute/breath at a time. Finally, have more FAITH than fear. And... get educated about your case ( knowledge gives you power), but keep your mind open.
All of the above works for me…” Agata
“My advice, let yourself be vulnerable. Remember people want to help, but don’t know the words to say or things to do. Being put on a pedestal and told you’re brave will be difficult at times, especially when you just want to cry. Once you’re ready, you’ll know. And always, always listen to your gut. If something isn’t right, speak up!”
Mandy
“A cancer diagnosis can be very overwhelming. Take things one step at a time, one day at a time. Just worry about what you need to do tomorrow. Also.. try to find some joy each day, no matter what you are going through. Cancer takes so much from us, your breast, your time, your money, your hair.... do everything you can to get yourself better, grieve for what you have lost and try to move on doing something joyful with the people you love. Do not let cancer take anymore from you than it already has!”
Vicki
“You are going to feel very overwhelmed and scared (and so will your friends and family if you have them close by) so take advantage of every resource you can - there are groups that will help clean your house, take you to appointments, help you get a wig, provide emotional support, etc, etc. You do not need to go through this alone - the sisterhood is strong!!!”
Angela
The sisterhood IS strong, although none of us would have chosen it, the women we've bonded with because of breast cancer have become a true life line and none of us can image life without each other.
If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer, there is a community of incredible women who would love for you to reach out and walk this path with you. Sign up here for more information > Warrioress Support Community
If you'd like to support our survivorship community please join us for our upcoming event Voices of Hope once you register you'll receive information about joining our new online message board to connect you with other supporters, survivors and caregivers. We can't wait to see you there!
