My BC Journey By Connickle S. Moore
Would you share a little about your breast cancer journey and what helped you through your experience?
My breast cancer journey was an excellent journey. I was able to meet so many different women that were going through the same journey as I was. We built friendships, relationships, and even sisterhood through bonding. We all had the same journey, but a different testimony and story. What helped me through my BC journey a lot was my support system. When I lost my hair, my mom shaved her head bald in support of me. I had the best support system ever. My faith in god, my confidence, and the way I looked at life differently made a major impact on my healing process. My go to scripture is Phillipians 4:13 and my go to quote: Faith over Fear.
What was something you learned about yourself during treatment and recovery?
I had to really laugh at this one. I learned that when losing all my hair, I had a nicely shaped head. I thought my head would be very huge, but it wasn’t. I was journaling a lot more than usual, so I was like I could turn this into a book. I started researching more about BC and also acquired a liking to the color “Pink’. I also learned that when you are going through something, it is not all about you but whom you can be a listening ear to or a motivation to.
When I posted about my journey on Facebook, I did not think that I would get as many emails or inboxes of women who stated that I gave them the courage to talk about their journey. I was so amazed that I literally became an advocate for BC overnight and didn’t even know it. I am so grateful that God allowed me to go through this journey to help other women through theirs. Breast cancer may be your story, but it does have to be the end of your story.
What do you wish more people understood about breast cancer and the experience of being a survivor?
Breast Cancer is not the end of the world. So much technology is out there that can help. I have talked with a lot of women who are so terrified of getting mammograms due to pain. I would say to them “You want to go through 5 seconds of pain or a lifetime of agony?” It makes them think about life differently as well. Every situation and recovery is different, you have to see what is the best fit for you. Being a survivor does has its benefits. You learn a lot through others who are on the journey with you.
What message would you like to share with someone who has recently been diagnosed or is supporting a loved one?
To anyone that has been diagnosed with breast cancer, your diagnosis does not define you. Your journey does not dimmish your strength. You are stronger than you know, braver than you feel, and love more than you can imagine. You will experience days of fear and uncertainty, but never lose hope. Take each day one step at a time and because you are not in this battle alone.
To the one that is the caregiver, standing beside your loved one going through breast cancer, your unconditional love, patience, prayers, and support makes a world of a difference. Sometimes the best gift you can give is being present, listening, and reminding them that they are not alone. Be encouraging and positive light to those loved ones.
