Cancer Friends

When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I knew I could not go through this alone. That same day, I reached out to Breast Cancer Resource Center for help. Unfortunately, I did not get a hold of them until I walked my ass into their headquarter doors almost four weeks later. But I digress. Breast Cancer Resource Center has introduced me to some of my most treasured “cancer friends” through two support groups.

My non-cancer friend support group is strong; however, they just don’t understand all of the intricacies of cancer and I pray they never do. What I needed was a group of people who I could talk to candidly about how much cancer sucks, different treatment options, side effects, fears, joys, and funny things that only cancer patients would think are funny. Like me finally losing the ten pounds I have been trying to lose and yelling “YAY CANCER.” My non-cancer friends refused to celebrate this triumph with me, my cancer friends agreed, that is one positive from cancer with so many negatives.

As I continued down this path, I did not always want to include my circle of friends in some of my fears, or things I was going through because I didn’t want them to worry. I knew I was going to be okay, but I wanted to talk about it with someone, and not my therapist. I wanted someone who could relate. Someone who could tell me it was normal. I have that in droves now.

My cancer friends are at treatment with me, they are doing virtual walks with me, we are talking about chemo fog and almost burning our houses down, how shitty we are going to eat because cancer doesn’t care how clean you eat, and we are supporting one another in a way that no one else can. These are my new group of people that I wish I never met, but I am so grateful for. Without them, I am not sure I would have been able to be strong throughout treatment.

All of our journeys have been so different, but I have learned so much from these people and would urge everyone going through something, to find people in similar situations. You feel less like an alien and more like a club member.

Thank you, cancer friends, for being so amazing.