Amy’s Story (Breast Cancer)

I was twenty nine when I was diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer. I was in complete shock. Cancer does not run in my family and I thought I was super healthy. I ate good food, did yoga, meditated, and so forth. It didn’t matter. Cancer does not discriminate.

Since then I have had a bi-lateral mastectomy, chemo and radiation. It has been a crazy journey but I have met some awesome women along the way – most young like me!

Here is a letter I wrote to the cancer cells:

Dear Mr. Cancer Cells,

I am writing to tell you to suck an egg, go play in traffic, and eff yourself. I do not care which order you do these things as long as they are done. As you know, you and I have a love/hate relationship. You thought you could come in and invade my boob and then my body. Well, you did a great job trying, I will give you that. But I spotted you before it got too serious. You have taught me a lot so far which means I can’t completely hate you. I will tell you what you have done to make me hate you and how I turned it into love.

~You took my summer of swimming, partying, and dating foolish boys away but because of that I learned that dating foolish boys is never a good idea, partying is overrated, and I can swim anytime I want.
~You caused my boobies to be whacked off but now I have bigger boobies that won’t ever sag.
~You made me surrender to the medical field with all their drugs, surgeries, and sanitary rooms but I found a ND who helps me with nutrition, acupuncture, supplements, and she helps me find a nice balance between eastern and western medicine.
~You made it so I can’t work but instead I have had the chance to experience how generous and loving the community I live can be.
~You took my life and put it in the middle of a huge storm but I am learning to dance in the rain and love the thunder.
~You have made me lose my hair but now I get to flaunt my perfectly shaped dome.
~You have tried to make me feel insecure but instead I feel empowered and confident.
~You tried to put the fear of God into me but I know that fear is a non-reality and that God is pure love.
~You have made me scream, cry, and feel like I am going crazy but I have a huge support system with shoulders to cry on and ears that will listen.
~You tried to make my world spin until I felt sick but I figured out that slowing everything down is great idea. That I am better off to take life minute by minute. I can’t control the future and now is all I have.

So, I guess you should know that you have not destroyed my life. You have made my life better. So, I can’t completely hate you for what you have done. Instead I should say thank you for waking me up, thank you for teaching me what is important, thank you for helping me detach from the drama. Don’t get me wrong – I still want you to go eff yourself and to know that you are never welcome to invade my body again.

Sincerely,

Yet another strong woman who plans to kick your ass.

Amy
Maine
Submitted 10-16-11

The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.