breast cancer

BREAST REGARDS MICHELLE

lifestyle

6 Insecurities of a 4-Year Cancer Survivor

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Date:
April 15, 2024

Author:
Michelle Kang

filed in:
Survivorship

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To Whom It May Concern:

Today, I want to share 6 insecurities that I continue to face on the other side of cancer as a 4-year survivor.

1. Physical Appearance
When I look down at my large scars and changed body after cancer, I don’t always feel empowered and proud of what I’ve overcome. Sometimes, my physical appearance triggers trauma.

2. Social Interactions
I used to be social in my twenties, and now I’m the complete opposite. I have no interest in being in large group settings and find social interactions extremely exhausting. I prefer doing my own thing and have a hard time feeling connected.

3. Career Growth
My career is something I worked hard for, but I put my career growth on hold to focus on my health. I’m sad I’m not where I thought I’d be, and I feel lost in terms of my next steps.

4. Family Planning
Being a mother has always been a dream of mine, but the thought of starting a family scares me because I fear leaving my children behind.

5. The Future
The fear of cancer recurrence can be paralyzing, making it difficult for me to envision my future with confidence and commit to long-term plans.

6. My Health
I am constantly worrying about my health and often feel like a hypochondriac. Things like migraines, extreme fatigue, and muscle soreness after a workout make me question if the cancer has returned.

What about you?

Breast regards,

Michelle