The image shows a smiling young woman with blonde hair surrounded by a bouquet of colorful flowers, predominantly in shades of pink, yellow and white. In front of her is a sign that reads "Mindy's THOUGHTS ON Recurrence LEARNLOOKLOCATE.COM".

Embracing Life After Cancer: A Survivor’s Journey to Finding Joy and Peace

Meet Mindy, a brave emotional contributor at Learn Look Locate who openly shares her breast cancer journey to inspire and support others. Diagnosed with triple positive stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma at just 29, Mindy transformed her battle into a powerful source of strength for those facing similar challenges. Through her heartfelt contributions, she illuminates the path to resilience, healing, and the pursuit of joy after cancer. Join us as we delve into Mindy’s story, woven with threads of perseverance and the unbreakable bonds forged between survivors worldwide.

The Fear of Recurrence

While recurrence does not equate to death, I lived in that fear space—that abyss of sheer terror—for years, convinced every ache or pain was my cancer, back again to greet me with open arms and open claws.

Though my own exit stage left on this earth would have certainly been the outcome had I not initiated and sought care in the timeframe that I did, my own death didn’t happen. And neither has a recurrence.

Understanding the Complexities of the Body

While I seek medical attention to ensure these occurrences can be explained via other means, I recognize that the body is a complex vessel, and benign, incidental findings will happen.

So while I’m here today cancer-free as we know it, I’m going to enjoy that.

Embracing the Present Moment

The truth we all know here in this community is that can change at any moment. Our cherished brothers and sisters in the metastatic community want us to celebrate the healing our bodies and medical teams have worked so hard to achieve, as many have shared with me. They would not want us to dampen our triumphs because we support one another in all seasons.

Time is precious and moments are fleeting. For the period that this renewed health is mine, I’m going to run with it. I’m going to put the life in living and I’m going to deny cancer another opportunity to try to take my joy.

Celebrating the Triumphs of Survivorship

You see, those of us in the remission, NED, or cancer-free states of being have so much to be grateful for. The path to this space might have been grueling, but here we are—doing some of the things, doing all of the things.

And to what benefit does it serve us to spend this cherished time putting ourselves through additional traumatic events that haven’t happened?

Honoring the Journey and Finding Peace

While recurrence is a real and scary thing, honor yourself for the beast you’re overcoming. Pause with me. Feel this moment, and this one, and this one, and this. Enjoy this place you’ve put in all the grit and tears to reach.

Survivorship is tough; we don’t have to allow it to be any tougher.

A Space of Comfort and Understanding with Learn Look Locate

In her cherished space, Mindy dreams of creating a soft landing for those affected by breast cancer. Through Learn Look Locate, she extends her reach, embodying the power of shared experiences and the beauty of connection. Check out letters from Mindy as she shares about her journey in detail. Mindy’s journey is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the healing power of community.