Survivorship

Being a cancer survivor is who I am.

But some days I really don’t feel like being defined by it.

Even when it means taking conference calls from the car on the way to the doctor’s office and not announcing that’s where I’m heading. Having a routine check-up throw me for a complete emotional loop in the middle of the day but then quickly rushing out of the office because I have another call that starts in 15 minutes. Or getting it together before picking up the kids from wherever they are.

The hands-on cancer treatment is something everyone rallies for and supports us in but the psychological battle that continues afterwards is something very few see and have to bear along with us.

I don’t know what I would do without the love and partnership of my husband and family. God designed them perfectly for me.

I am thankful for flexibility and understanding of my entire family, sisters, tribe, community—all of the above—around me and wish every person who’s dealt with cancer had the same level of support but it can be a lot some days.