My name: Brittlee Bowman
Where I live: New York, New York
How far out of active treatment?: 5 weeks
My story:
I was diagnosed with stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma on November 26th, 2018. I had a double mastectomy on December 21. I ended up not needing chemo but my margins weren’t clear so I had to go for 3 weeks of radiation. I had reconstruction with implants 3 weeks before radiation.
Q&A
What does the word 'survivor' or 'survivorship' mean to you?
I feel like I don’t even know yet.... I avoid using the words.
If you had to describe what survivorship feels like in 3 words, what would they be?
Unsure. Disbelief. Gratitude.
What's one thing you wished people outside of the cancer community understood about survivorship?
I don’t know yet...I’m so new. But I think we can all be more sensitive to others experiences.
What are some things that have helped you during this time?
I don’t know yet...I’m so new. But I think we can all be more sensitive to others experiences.
Biggest survivorship pet peeve?
“But you look great!” Is often tough to respond to... we all know looks are not everything but especially after cancer.
What, if anything do you think should be done more in the cancer community in terms of survivorship?
Hospitals should know about the support groups for young people...
What's your favorite swear word?
Dang. Not a swear but a word.
What's your theme song?
Recently.... Slow Burn, Kacey Musgraves
Consider this a free space to say anything you want about this topic. Word vomit, away. No judgement. I want the realest of the real here.
I wish no one had to deal with this crap.