BLACK WOMAN'S CANCER DIARY

After a year of grueling chemotherapy, I'm finally starting the long road to recovery. It hasn't been easy - cancer changed everything, from my body to my relationships.I was diagnosed with cancer last year. It was a shock to me and my loved ones, but we knew we had to fight it together.  Chemotherapy was grueling. I lost my hair, my sense of taste, and parts of my memory. It was an uphill battle, but I persevered.

My body bears the marks of chemo - scars and bruises that remind me of the battle I fought and that I'm winning.Cancer is just as real as the physical scars. It's hard to come to terms with almost losing your life.My hair is growing back, but I don't look or feel the same as I did before cancer. It's been challenging to rebuild my self-image.Chemo had many side effects - some have gone away, but others, like neuropathy, chemo brain and fatigue, still persist to this day.Cancer changed my relationships with friends and family. It's hard to talk to people who haven't been through what I have. Before cancer, I enjoyed fitness. But now, my body can't do the same things it used to do. I try everyday , I know someday my poses will come back but, it still sucks that something I loved so much physically hurts me to practice.the memories and trauma are still there. It's a daily battle to stay mentally healthy and positive.My body will never be the same, but I'm learning to embrace the changes and find new ways to love myself.  

It's hard to move forward with fears of recurrence and relapse, but I'm doing my best to face them head-on.Most importantly, I'm learning to be grateful for each day and the people in my life. Cancer has taught me to appreciate life more fully.I'm committed to practicing self-love and self-care, and embracing the new person I've become.