A Journey of Resilience: My Breast Cancer Story

As I sit down to reflect on my journey with breast cancer, I am struck by the realization that it has been ten years since I received my diagnosis—December 1, 2014. Ten years. It’s a little crazy to think about, but in this moment of reflection, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude. Honestly, I didn’t think I would make it to this point, and that is a harsh reality that few talk about. Hearing the words "you have breast cancer" feels like a death sentence, and it is an experience that changes you forever.

The end of 2014 was particularly intense. Earlier that year, my mother had been diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer, and as her condition worsened, I found myself navigating a storm of emotions. During a routine pap smear, my doctor performed a breast exam and discovered a small lump in my left breast. He was not overly concerned; I was only 33, fit, and had no family history of breast cancer. But with my mother’s health declining, I couldn’t afford to leave anything to chance. So, I had an ultrasound instead of a mammogram due to my age, and just three weeks after losing my mother, I received news that shattered my world.

In that moment, I faced the unimaginable: choosing my emotional well-being over my grief. I realized I could not carry both burdens simultaneously, and this marked my first lesson in self-care and self-love.

At the time, my daughters were just 6 and 9 years old. Their bravery throughout my treatment astounded me. I was thrown into the whirlwind of cancer treatment: 16 rounds of chemotherapy, 6 weeks of radiation, breast-conserving surgery, two years in menopause and five years of hormone therapy. My type of breast cancer was hormone receptor-positive, which made the menopause journey part of my healing process.

Cancer treatment is grueling. It’s not just a physical battle; it’s an emotional rollercoaster that tests your mind and spirit. I quickly learned that my mindset could be my greatest ally or my fiercest enemy. I was fortunate to have an incredible support system, including a dear friend who had traveled this path two years before me. Her words resonated: “Cands, you are allowed to have ONE pity party a month, but then you have to pick yourself up and start again.”

Throughout this journey, I discovered the immense power of the human mind. We possess the strength to overcome unimaginable challenges, even when it feels impossible. Grit and resilience became my guiding lights, and I learned to recognize their beauty in my journey.

I emerged from this experience transformed. I am no longer the same Candice I was 15 years ago. I honour her for getting me to this point, but I admire the woman I am today—a phoenix who rose from the ashes of her trials, stronger, more resilient, and kinder than ever before.

Through my experiences, I now guide other women to discover their strength, transform their pain, and transcend their challenges. Gratitude has become a powerful tool in my life. When I look back, I am grateful for the lessons learned amid hardship.

To every woman facing adversity, remember: you have the power within you to rise above your circumstances. You are stronger than you think, and your journey can inspire others. Embrace the grit and resilience that lies within, and allow yourself the grace to heal, grow, and shine.