What I’ve Learned/What I’m Learning

Many people spoke about the challenges they faced once treatment ended and so this has been something I have been a little fearful of since ending treatment.

When you’re going through treatment it is so challenging both mentally and physically.

There are truly no days off and every day is consumed with appointments, treatment or recovery. It is a mental and physical rollercoaster.

When treatment ends, it is a new beast we are fighting. Our body has not caught up with us since starting treatment and we are seemingly pushed “back to reality” while physically we still feel like we are in active treatment.

Tamoxifen has been such a struggle for me and I’m honestly trying to figure out what to do next. I’ve been on a 3 week break and need to determine what meds I can try or if I can reduce my dosage to help mitigate symptoms.

I’m navigating life, dating, what my work entails, my energy levels, on top of trying to figure out this new version of me.

Here are some things I have learned/am learning along the way. I hope some of these resonate with you.

1. Just because the title changes, doesn’t mean you do. In treatment vs remission honestly feels very similar except now I have more expectations of me to produce and live. This one is hard.

2. I care less about people’s opinions. There will always be some level of care but for the most part, I am living my life according to how I want to live because life is too damn short.

3. I have changed A LOT. My interests have changed, my energy has changed, my circle has gotten smaller and i’m honestly trying to figure out this new me. Some days I feel more serious than I would like but I realize that cancer makes life a little serious and I’m trying to find the pockets of laughter each day.

4. People stop checking in. When people realize you are “ok” the calls and texts get fewer and farther between. Maybe i’m a sensitive sally but this is something that has been getting to me lately. I know everyone is preoccupied with their own life but don’t they know I’m not fully okay?!

5. My patience for minor inconveniences is much higher. Which, phew! Hallelujah. Cancer sent me some patience when it comes to my life issues but my patience for other people’s problems have slightly diminished haha anyone else?

6. I take a lot more days off and rest. I promised myself once the retreat was over, I would give myself more rest. I think treatment is finally catching up to me and i’m noticing how tired I truly am. I’ve been learning to give myself grace and trying to eliminate the guilt with taking off days.

7. I love quiet time. Slow mornings, laying on my bed staring at my ceiling, taking a phone-less walk around the neighborhood, walking on the beach….a slower life means so much more now.

8. Money will always be there. Prior to cancer I was working non-stop 12 hour days, most days. I had so much guilt taking vacations, time off or saying no. When I was diagnosed and forced to stop working as much, I realized I am still safe and money is always there when I need it. Once we change our scarcity mindset around money and trust that it is energy (comes and goes), you will always have enough.

9. Working smarter not harder. I am a hustler, through and through. But what i’ve realized is that working more and doing more does not make you more successful. Finding the paths and short cuts that work while still giving 100% will be a success every time.

10. Sometimes I still need help. Asking for help and being in receive mode was one of my biggest lessons from cancer. Sometimes I still need to ask for help and that is okay. It has made me and hopefully you, much softer.

xx, Amanda

💪🏽WELLNESS TIP OF THE WEEK💪🏽

🎵 SONG OF THE WEEK🎵

🗓UPCOMING EVENTS🗓

🌟WED JULY 24 - 5 PM PST: Slow Yoga Flow w/ Baily Kai

Stay tuned for more details on this yoga flow!

🌟WED JULY 31 - 5:30 PM PST: Cancer Baddies Call

*We have moved our calls to once every 3 weeks moving forward. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to connect!

What other events/offerings would you like to have? Want to nominate a Cancer Baddie for CB of the Month? Send me an email!