u/ImaginationOk505

Hi all,

I’ve had a hard time thinking of what to post, or if I should even post at all. My mental health has been all over the place recently. It might have something to do with my MBCancerversary–who knows!

It’s been one year since I was diagnosed with MBC de novo at 29. While I’m thankful I’ve responded well to treatment, I still find myself in a well of grief. It’s been a hard year. Recently, my mind has been invaded by memories of my childhood that I had never thought about before. I don’t really know what that means.

On the lighter side, I’m so grateful for this community. The initial diagnosis felt like the waters were rising, and the MBC diagnosis was the full flood. You were all a life raft. Thank you.

Ending with hope. I hope to have my life back, even if it looks a little different. I hope we’re all doing well and that we’re close to medical breakthroughs. I hope the fucktard in charge (USA) is defeated and we can get back on track with cancer research and trials. I hope your day is lighter and not filled with dread. I hope your side effects are manageable and unnoticeable today. I hope you still have the ability to welcome hope and peace in your life. 

I gave up on Tuesday Tunes, oh well. I will share a song, though: “May Ninth” by Khruangbin. Even though today is May 8th, I love the song because it reminds me this day will pass and there will be a tomorrow to look forward to. 

Love you, all. Fuck Cancer.

—

Helpful resources that I’ve found:

https://metavivor.org/

• METAvivor: “We focus exclusively on stage IV metastatic breast cancer to improve the lives of people living with MBC by funding research, advancing federal policies through advocacy, and facilitating a community of peer-to-peer support.”

I joined their Support Group and made some wonderful new friends who could understand life with MBC. We meet as often as we can and have welcomed two new friends: https://metavivor.org/get-support/find-a-support-group/

• “Our Peer-to-Peer support groups are designed specifically for people living with metastatic breast cancer. They are safe and supportive spaces to connect with others who truly understand your experiences. They are a place where you can exchange advice, encouragement, challenges, and resources, as well as simply enjoying the company of others.”

https://www.projectlifembc.com/

• “Project Life was created by people living with MBC to bridge that gap. As an online home for metastatic breast cancer patients and their loved ones, Project Life is designed to support all facets of wellness: from financial and social, to spiritual, physical and emotional. Its virtual “wellness house” is a space where members can find mentors and meet other MBC thrivers, join survivorship conversations and classes, and explore skills and knowledge that empower them to make every day the best that it can be.”

I’ve really appreciated the Legal Clinics with Abigail Johnston, JD. Even though we discovered that I couldn’t qualify for US Disability, Abigail was thorough and so helpful. Apologies for our friends overseas, but her services might be for US-based patients. 

For any Arizona-based friends: https://www.checkforalump.org/

• “Check for a Lump is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides the full continuum of care for breast cancer including free breast health education, mammograms and diagnostic testing along with wig assistance, community support services, and resources in Arizona.”

I wish I had known about their free mammogram services…but that’s in the past. I was thankful, though, to learn about this program in-time to receive a free wig before my hair fell out. This program also surprised me with a care package delivered to my home. A kind basket, made with love by volunteers, filled with essentials: homemade heating pads, cleaning products for sensitive skin, and a head scarf.