Finding Strength in Adversity: Meegan’s Inspiring Breast Cancer Journey
The Unsettling Silence Before the Storm
My Breast Cancer Story: I had breast ultrasound imaging in the past for suspicious mammogram imaging. The request for another ultrasound didn’t sound any alarms. All past ultrasound findings were cysts. I almost did not make the appointment due to time and budget constraints. This appointment that I did end up going to changed my trajectory forever.
The Unwanted Revelation
The Radiologist during the procedure said, “well it looks like cancer.” Naturally, I thought of all the myths, I’m young, I’m healthy, it doesn’t run in my family.
Navigating The COVID Pandemic and Cancer Diagnosis
March 2020 biopsy results confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma HER 2 positive, Stage 1. Also, March 2020 the COVID pandemic was starting to reel its monstrous head. My family dropped me off at 5ish in the morning at the hospital. I walked the dimly lit halls alone to surgery.
The Challenging Road to Recovery
Time for the oncotype score appointment. Mine was in the grey area, but I chose to have 4 rounds of Taxotere and Cytoxan in order to be on the “safe side.” Three years later, 8/16/23, I had my implant removed and flat closure.
The Path to Self-Discovery
Had I not done chemotherapy, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I was at a women’s retreat in Afton, VA with 8 other beautiful women a few weeks back. I wrote the poem below as a testament to how the breast cancer healing journey has shaped me….I know I am fortunate.
A Poetic Reflection
Moms
A baby before birthing
A toddler before your needs
A child full of delight, play and singing
A stunted teen filled with childhood trauma
Chaos, separations, emotional neglect, unseen, feelings of unease, confusion, hypervigilance, responsibility, uncertainty… a separation from self
A young adult ready to set off on their own
dreams of passions, achievement, protection, rescue, love, affection, goals, lots of goals
An adult unable to complete what one starts, shame, confusion, escapism
Not stopping, full steam ahead
Circumventing authenticity, very unknowingly
A mom, giving birth, the greatest moment ever, the indescribable joy and truest love, divinity
A miracle to hold onto forever
Desperately trying to do it better than moms before, wielding perfection
This trips us up
Thankfully, a force greater than ourselves spontaneously sparks a flame
A healing journey begins, scary, painful, confusion, lost…somehow piece by piece becoming a little more whole again
Swearing to stay on this path as long as you shall live
A blessed gift that allows you to see yourself and your loved ones, truly, for the first time
A perfect mom and external goals fall to the wayside
A deeper bond forms with yourself, family, friends, miracles abound in the mundane
Transformation is here to stay, faith is your new fear
Lastly, a realization that the moms before, are just like you, and before them, and before them,
Human, scared, hurt, lost and needing to be seen for the beauty they truly are
-Meegan Rogers
Empowerment Through Shared Experiences at Learn Look Locate
At Learn Look Locate, stories like Meegan’s deeply touch our core, showcasing the raw emotions and transformative journeys that breast cancer survivors undertake. Meegan’s heartfelt narrative, from the initial shock of diagnosis to her path of self-realization and empowerment, is a testament to the indomitable spirit of survivors everywhere. It serves as a potent reminder that in the face of adversity, we can rediscover ourselves and find strength we never knew we had. Through curating and amplifying voices like Meegan’s, we aim to create a haven of hope, unity, and understanding. Learn Look Locate is more than just a platform; it’s a community bound by shared experiences, offering invaluable insights on early detection, innovative treatments, and the latest in breast cancer research. By highlighting the poignant tales of resilient individuals, we weave a narrative of hope, strength, and inspiration. We invite you to delve deeper into these transformative tales, liaise with our seasoned advisors, and become a part of our vibrant community that champions every battle and every victory in the breast cancer journey.