Melanin & Pink Ribbons

In the breast cancer community, we talk about Survivorship and that being the ultimate goal. Obviously, it is because we want to survive this dreaded disease, or we want our loved ones to leave behind being an active patient and ring the proverbial bell. But let’s take a short dive into survivorship.

Cancer net.com defines survivorship as “navigating their life experiences and challenges resulting from a cancer diagnosis.”  Breast cancer.org defines it as the time that “starts after breast cancer treatment end and includes your long-term health and wellness in a number of areas.”  Both definitions sum up what I have experienced to be true, after active treatment and you are cancer free a new aspect of your journey begins, and you move throughout the remainder of your life forever changed but not defined by breast cancer.

Breast cancer has physical effects which we expect but the psychological impact can catch us survivors off guard. The medical follow up varies person to person however there is one constant, we all want to be survivors. Along this journey into survivorship, we learn to maintain and address our health both manually and physically in a new way. Many times, our life priorities shift, we see life through new and different eyes. Our spirituality is strengthened, and our support system enhanced.

Whatever survivorship looks like for you embrace it! You have overcome and been blessed enough to be an example for others. Personally, I am a witness to the fact it takes time to heal on the physical and mental levels. You must move at your own pace in your own race of life.  The key is to keep moving and when your able help another along the way.