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I exercised and ate healthy, yet still received a cancer diagnosis, leaving me wondering, “why me?”

Now that I’m six years out of my breast cancer treatment, people assume that I’m better and lack empathy. However, my anxiety is still high.

When cancer entered our life, fear was a constant. However, we tried to live as joyously as possible between check-ups.

After going through 14 rounds of chemotherapy to treat triple-negative breast cancer, I made a list of nine items I’m happy I had with me in the chemo chair.

I wish I didn’t need to see an oncologist at all, but am thankful that the one I had was amazing.

With a little luck and a lot of coordination, I managed to create an excellent and comprehensive cancer care team in the least populated state in the country.

I experienced two separate breast cancer diagnoses, and the aromatase inhibitors I was prescribed drastically decreased my quality of life. Then, I found a way out.

When comparing my experiences with those who came before me, I’m happy to realize that cancer treatments have gotten better and there are more Black leaders in the medical community.

I was misdiagnosed twice before receiving my kidney cancer diagnosis, and along the way, I learned the importance of expert doctors and clinical trials.

I went through two grueling bouts of cancer when I was a young adult, which drastically shaped my life.

As both a physician and a cancer survivor, here are three things I’ve learned about life after active treatment — a stage I found myself woefully unprepared for.

I was lucky to find “my person,” when dealing with cancer: someone who was experiencing similar situations as I was, even if she was thousands of miles away.

When I was first diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, I initially thought, “why me?” Now I wonder, “why not me?”

I knew my family was close, but it wasn’t until my mom was diagnosed that I realized how bonded we truly were.

After breaking 20 years of sobriety, I received even worse news: my leukemia had relapsed, and I’d need a bone marrow transplant. Thankfully, my family and treatment team lifted me up during this difficult time.

Receiving a brain cancer diagnosis was scary, but it taught me to be more forgiving to others and proud of what I have accomplished.

After being diagnosed with lymphoma, I scheduled consultations with three oncologists, but only one provided me with the hope I needed.

I was never sick before cancer, so my diagnosis made me learn how to be ill and accept the kindness of others.

My trip to the White House to advocate for myself and other patients with cancer was an empowering and memorable experience.

I’ve had leukemia for 13 years, and don’t owe anyone an explanation why my hair is short, or my face looks puffy.

In this poem, I chronicle "Suzy Q's" experience with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Ten years after my brain cancer diagnosis, I feel hopeful and content with my life.

I went from being an avid runner to running from information about my lung cancer. But now I embrace my diagnosis and am an active participant in my care.

I didn’t let my cancer diagnoses get in the way of living life.

I turned my cancer-related depression and frustration with the health care system into something positive for others with the disease.

Looking back on my breast cancer experience, I contemplate what it means to thrive.

My healthy body was hijacked by an enemy (ovarian cancer) launching my continuous fight against the disease.

After undergoing treatment for triple-negative breast cancer, I’m living my life with cautious optimism, and will always seek out joy.