MY LIFE Matters: TNBC Patient Voices Issue 2022 - 10

ANGEL Advocate MY LIFE
because I had to manage all these doctor
appointments and work a full-time
job at the same time. It felt like a huge
weight that I was carrying. Then after
my liver normalized, I found out that
my thyroid was close to being burnt
out and I would have to take pills every
day during treatment to get it back
down. This was devastating because I
was managing my liver. I had also just
lost my mom the month before, so I was
managing grief and then I received this
news. It was a lot of stress, but I had to
carry on with my life as usual-at times,
it just feels so unfair that we have to go
through so much all at once.
This was very tough on my body and
there were times I just wanted to give
up, but I am thankful that I am now
closer to the finish line. The additional
treatment has given me more coverage,
which is a huge deal with this type of
diagnosis. I am also happy to know that
immunotherapy is being added to more
women's treatment plans who have a
TNBC diagnosis.
The advocacy community has really
I added on another year of treatment
once I finished radiation, and that was
tough. The treatment took a toll on me
both physically and mentally. You are
so exhausted after surgery, chemo, and
radiation that you just want to be done.
It was tough having to go to work every
day when I was not in treatment and expected
to be back to normal. There were
days that I was in pain and days when
I was exhausted and mentally drained.
The work that I did required thinking,
and most times, I just wanted to rest and
not think about anything. I also had to
try my best to cook, clean, and work out,
which was a lot to do every day. Everyone
expects you to be normal, but the truth is
you're just not. You are tired physically,
mentally, and emotionally. There were
several days when I cried wanting this
moment of my life to be over and fast
forward to the good part.
My journey was not without significant
challenges, one being the side
effects that I wasn't expect ing. My
liver enzymes spiked four times the
normal amount and I had to do labs
twice a week to manage it. It took a toll
I have learned that this journey
can be tough, but we must take
time to pursue the things that bring
us joy and help the greater good.
We must give ourselves grace, as
well as put ourselves first.
10
MY LIFE MATTERS
TNBC PATIENT VOICES ISSUE 2022
helped me in so many ways. I have met
so many survivors and thrivers like me
along the way that it has really ignited
my passion to want to help. I truly
believe that my voice helps others and
provides a platform for other women to
be more open about their diagnosis. It
has also pushed a lot of my friends to
get mammograms who might not have
advocated for their health or known the
risks before hearing my story.
This is what it is all for, helping the
next person to get through a very tough
journey!
All advocates can help by pushing for
more education for clinical trials so that
we can learn more about what works
for this type of cancer. Advocacy can
push for change so that more women
can get additional resources including
financial, clinical trials, transportation,
etc. There is a huge space for helping
with wel l-being. The aftermath of
treatment is an area where we need help.
I have learned that this journey can be
tough, but we must take time to pursue
the things that bring us joy and help the
greater good. We must give ourselves
grace, as well as put ourselves first. l
MY LIFE Matters: TNBC Patient Voices Issue 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of MY LIFE Matters: TNBC Patient Voices Issue 2022
