What just happened?

Here you are, writing this as a breast cancer survivor, and perhaps it’s time to pause. Pause for a moment to reflect on the terrifying, yet transformative journey, you've taken.

A beautiful trauma, one filled with memories you’ll never forget - and others you’ll need to carry with you.

You’ll never forget the day the torturous journey began, 

Nor the three words that shook you to your core, though you sat silent in the mess of it all, yet somehow you knew from that moment on, there would forever be a before and after ‘that day’ 

You remember the days you hid in the bathroom, crying silently, overwhelmed by fear, exhaustion, and despair

But in those moments, remember this:
You showed up - for them, and for yourself.

Through tears, you smiled. With every ounce of strength, you didn’t know you had; you kept going. You didn’t realize just how strong you were.

But now, you do.So be proud of yourself.

You witnessed the beauty of humanity, in both the strangers and the loved ones who stood by you.

The lessons you’ve learned, the challenges you’ve faced; have shaped you.

Carry with you the strength, courage, and gratitude you’ve earned.

You’ll never forget the pain, but you’ll always remember the beauty.

Embrace the beautiful trauma.

Anastasia Cameron
September 2026