A Letter From a Cancer Survivor to Someone Living with Cancer:

If you’re reading this because you have cancer, I want to start off by saying that I’m sorry that you are going through this. It’s okay to be upset, cry, or feel angry. Your feelings are valid. You will hear a lot of outside opinions from people that don’t have cancer about how you should or should not feel, but in the end, remember to stay true to yourself. I went through chemo and ended up losing all my hair and this was a tough pill for me to swallow. I can’t tell you how many people said, “It’s just hair.” and said that I shouldn’t be upset over it. Well, I was very upset about it and, honestly, still get upset when I think back to it all falling out, but take it from me; it’s okay to be upset. 

Sometimes people are just down outright rude, but you’ll have just as many people in your corner and those are the people and sentiments you should listen to. It’s essential to focus on the people who will build you up. During the initial cancer diagnosis, it’s easy to self-isolate, but the people who rally for you will lift you up and this is the community that will help you through this crazy journey called “cancer.” It is not always easy to ask for help, but in the wise words of Albus Dumbledore: “Help only comes to those who ask for it.”

I attest my survivorship to prayer, my faith, and God, and whatever you believe, keep it close to your heart and you can get through anything. 

Navigating treatments can be confusing. Ask your community to help you when you do your own research. Be your own advocate and never be intimidated to ask a lot of questions about your healthcare journey! After going through cancer, survivorship has a tendency to make you feel a little guilty. I personally felt guilt for living, not because I didn’t want to, but because it is just as easy as it is to ask yourself “Why me? Why did I get cancer?” It’s just as easy to ask yourself “Why did I get to survive?” It doesn't stem from a feeling of ungratefulness, but more so from human nature. It’s hard to accept that you finally get to be happy again. You deserve to survive and thrive.

If there’s one thing you learned let it be that you’re stronger than you think.