Weekly Round-Up
Welcome, dear readers, to this week’s gathering of voices.
We start with Lisa who reflects on how Audre Lorde’s The Cancer Journals shaped her breast cancer journey, especially after she decided against reconstruction following bilateral mastectomies. Lorde’s words helped her understand her anger at a culture that objectifies women’s bodies and often reduces breast cancer to a simple pink success story.
This theme of questioning the stories we tell about breast cancer continues in Nancy’s post on advocacy. She shares what it’s like to keep going when progress is slow and the push to “fight harder” feels overwhelming. She compares breast cancer advocacy to political advocacy and wonders if being louder or angrier really helps. Instead, she focuses on something that lasts: showing up with purpose, compassion, consistency, and being willing to listen as well as speak.
Abigail writes about the many “firsts” she still experiences while living with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, and the mix of joy, fear, gratitude, and grief that comes with them. Moments that once felt ordinary now seem more precious when the future is uncertain.
Barbara sees the tree outside her window as a companion during her breast cancer journey and recovery. As she watches it change with the seasons, she finds new ways to think about resilience, renewal, and how time passes after treatment. Her post gently reminds us that healing does not always follow a straight path, and that nature can help us find words for change, endurance, and starting over.
Jennifer explains what “clear margins” mean after breast cancer surgery and why pathology results can influence what happens next.
Connie looks back on a tough week and shares what she learned about self-care, setting boundaries, and allowing herself to take a break.
Martha shares how exercise helped her feel more in control after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, and she is careful to explain what it did and did not do for her. Exercise can be a helpful support, but it should never be used to blame people for their illness or what happens to them.
And we end this week with Beth, who continues her painting journey with a reflection on what it means to create with greater freedom and less self-judgement. As she experiments with new techniques and loosens perfectionism’s grip, she begins to experience more of the simple pleasure of making art. There is something lovely in ending here — with the idea of trusting ourselves enough to create, explore, and make room for joy.
May the days ahead bring moments of steadiness, self-trust, and space for whatever helps you feel most like yourself.
Much love always,
Marie xxx
