Sharing Raw Stories is a way for us to connect, acknowledge the beauty, strength and perseverance involved in every journey. We hope these stories enlighten, inspire and encourage you as you walk your own path and help you to know that you are never alone. What is your Raw Story?
I am Cat and I am a breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed in 2018 with Stage 2B Invasive Ductal Carcinoma and In Situ breast cancer. My journey to get to where I am now has been one of self-discovery, immense fear but also great love. Facing my own mortality, and what cancer does to a body, I’ve broken down more times than I’ve held my head high. But when I do find that space, that feeling like I’m comfortable with this new me, I’ve been able to heal. After three surgeries, 4 rounds of chemo and incredible bodily loss, I’ve done things I thought I would never do. I’ve shown other women how to embrace their post cancer bodies; I’ve survived through moments I did not know were survivable. I’ve conquered unimaginable grief to get to where I am today. Although breast cancer was and is one of the most insurmountable obstacles I’ve faced yet in my life, I know that if I put my scars out there, my real, raw story, I’m helping another woman face those obstacles. We are never alone in our fight against what may take us.
