Never alone

Social media and the power of technology are an amazing thing.

A couple of months ago, I began using the Breast Cancer Healthline app, an app designed for people living with breast cancer and to find community to carry each other through this storm. When I was first diagnosed, I felt scared and isolated but now I’ve been able to connect with women from all over the world who are going through this crazy journey called breast cancer with me. To feel comfort knowing I’m not alone in this space.

There are unique things that those living with cancer struggle with and sometimes I find it hard speaking my truth openly with others. I want to be brave. I want to be strong. I want to sound grateful. But there are some days where it’s hard to live up to that image (be that poster child of positivity) and explain how something as simple as having an off day can set off a full-blown meltdown. That every ache and pain now feels cynical. That every time I look in the mirror, I see the scars staring back at me and am reminded of what my body had to go through.

But I know I’m not alone. When I hosted a live chat on the Breast Cancer Healthline app the other week, I was blown away with the amount of support from this community. I had no idea if I’d be the only one there talking about what it was like to go back to work after cancer, how to navigate my way through life under a different lens, but there were so many people like me who were struggling with the same things. Brain fog, insomnia, fatigue, and in some cases, closing doors behind us and opening new ones ahead.

I’ve joined in on chats on nutrition, lifestyle, family planning and body image just to name a few. So many of the things we all struggle with on the daily but find it hard talking to our friends or family about for fear of being judged or misunderstood. To be in a community that gets it has been incredibly comforting through all this.

The thing is with the Breast Cancer Healthline app is that it doesn’t matter where you’re at in your journey. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in the thick of it through treatment and surgeries, or on the other side learning how to navigate life after cancer or living with metastatic breast cancer. To find people who get it and understand how complicated the simple things in life can be like getting out of bed, showering, or being able to exercise feels comforting.

I’ve learned so much from this experience and helping others through their own. And I’m so grateful for having more places to connect us so that no one ever has to feel alone. This community, this friendship, a new breast friend for life, no matter whether you’re in the thick of it or beyond.

Next week I’ll be hosting a live chat on Intimacy and Breast Cancer, something I’ve struggled with in my relationship after countless surgeries and the side effects of hormone therapy treatments. And I know I’m not alone in this either. Hope you can all join me this coming Thursday December 20th at 6pm PST on the Breast Cancer Healthline app! Download the free app here https://go.onelink.me/faaH/8719a89d