We are honored to share the essays written by women in our community who have been through breast cancer. Thanks to all for participating!
By Tory L.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April of 2010, at 39, with 4- and 6-year-old daughters. I had recently quit my job and was spending time at home with my family when my world was turned upside down. While insurance and paying for whatever treatment I had coming were issues, I actually feel very fortunate that I was in between jobs at the time. I know that I’m strong and stubborn and determined, but I think I would have had a much different experience if I had had to juggle work with the endless doctor’s appointments and surgeries and everything else that went along with having cancer. It was being with my husband and kids and feeling their love and support that made all the difference. My then 6-year-old daughter, upon seeing one side of my chest flat after a mastectomy shrugged her shoulders and said, “the important thing is that you’re alive”. Seeing my daughters’ faces and reading the cards they made me and seeing how beautiful and brave and loving they are made it unthinkable to do anything besides soldier through and take care of myself so that I can be around for as much of their lives as possible.
Back to newsletter~
