I've been given a new lens through which I view life.
I don't think anyone ever anticipates seeing their life flash before them, especially not at 35. I mean, I'm still young. *Ahem* I mean, youthful.
Since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer last year (2021), my perspective has shifted in a way that I wasn't prepared for.
When I received the call and confirmation that the mass was deemed malignant, I thought of all the facts I'd learned in school regarding any type of cancer.
I then began to research my heart out. I went back to old notes from college and dental school. I had a list of questions. I was making sure I'd be prepared for my first appointment that followed the diagnosis call.
Speaking of that first appointment, it was there that I realized that there's only so much research you can do.
I also began to accept the truth that my experience will differ completely than that of someone else's.
And that was the day my new life began.
Over the past 9 months I have been like a brand new mom watching her precious child grow from day to day. Except I haven't been watching a child grow, instead it's been me watching my growth up close, yet from afar.
At times the changes are fascinating, while at other times they're frightening. Why? Because just as you become acclimated to a new normal, the tide shifts.
For starters, soon after I recovered from my surgery (double mastectomy + reconstruction), I began chemotherapy. The chemo did a number on me
physically of course
mentally, which no one speaks about
and emotionally xs 1000
This experience has been one where my physique can't change on purpose [until I finish all of my treatments, radiation included]. #newlife
I've also never seen myself without hair until now. I haven't struggled much in this area because I've never been attached to my hair...but once it grows back that's a different story. #newlife
The hardest physical manifestation thus far has been the constant breaking of my brittle, black, painful nails/fingertips. #newlife
One of my simple joys before this diagnosis was having my mani/pedicures every 2-3 weeks. But for almost a year now I've not been able to indulge for a number of reasons:
I have to avoid any potential for voluntary infections
Surgeon says no nail polish, whatsoever
My nails have simply all fallen off, its a process but that's the short version
Now I'm in a very long waiting period, where I'm getting to watch my nails (on both my hands and my feet), along with my hair grow from nothing. #newlife
If you made it this far in the post, kudos to you!
I want to encourage you to keep your eyes fixed on the truth, and the prize. Use my life and my perspective as motivation!
If you're not yet a member of the BBYB community, what are you waiting for??? It's super easy to sign up, just use this link: https://www.beingandbecomingyourbest.com/community
I'm looking forward to seeing you in the community!
Until next week,
Dr. A
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