After receiving my final infusion this week, I feel I can officially declare "I'm a breast cancer survivor"! My year long cancer journey has taught me many things, but most importantly it has reinforced the importance of positive thinking. When I first heard the words you have cancer, I knew I couldn't control my physical condition, but I could control my mental state. Half the battle of fighting cancer is maintaining a healthy spirit and positive mindset. Despite facing many challenges in my life, I have always been a positive person and cancer wasn't going to take that away from me.
Fighting cancer is tough, I'm not trying to camouflage that. I endured surgery, lymphedema treatment, chemotherapy, radiation and year long infusions. But throughout my treatments I never complained, I recognized that I was lucky to have treatment options. Each experience, no matter how challenging, meant I was gaining more time to be a wife, mother and friend. There are many people who do not have treatment options.
A few weeks ago I was asked to be the survivor speaker for Carroll Hospital Center's Pink Fling event. During my speech, I shared my "Breast Cancer Top Ten", a list of positive outcomes to having breast cancer. I'm hoping by sharing my list it may help others facing a cancer diagnosis (not just breast cancer) see a positive side to the journey that lies ahead.
Top 10 Positive Outcomes of Going through Breast Cancer Treatment
10. Get ready quickly in the morning
Thanks to hair loss from chemo you save so much time: no need to shave your legs, shampoo, condition or style your hair. Just wash your body and go! Another bonus- you save money on haircare products and salon appointments.9. Forces you to slow down and take time for yourself
Like most moms, it was not in my nature to sit down and rest. Infusions force you to slow down, relax and take time to catch up on tv shows, books and movies.8. Develop a new appreciation for food
Many chemo patients experience a change or loss of taste. Between each infusion I had exactly two days when my taste would return, and on those days I ate slower and savored each delicious bite! Another benefit: once you begin to taste again, you eat healthier and take time to examine what you are putting in your body.7. Increases your creativity
When you lose your hair, eyebrows and eyelashes, you became really good at creating illusions. Pinterest is a really good place to discover make up tricks and unique hair coverings for cancer patients. I also had fun with tying scarves in different ways to cover my port during the summer months.6. Opportunity to experiment with a different look
Have fun with wigs and hats and don't be afraid to try something new. Rather than sticking with my blonde hair, I opted to go with a brunette wig (my natural hair color). Your skin color and texture will change, treat yourself to new make up and take advantage of the Look Good Feel Better program for free beauty items and advice.
