What they don’t tell you about survivorship…

The topic of survivorship has been coming up a lot. Cancer Baddies was founded in 2023 and a lot of you have been growing with the community. Many of you whom I met shortly after diagnosis are now quickly moving into life after treatment.

We spend the entirety of treatment waiting to cross the golden, “finish line” of treatment and dream of the day when we hit survivorship. You may have heard a few whispers or two of the struggles of survivorship but if you’re like myself, you probably thought, “It can’t be any worse than this.”

Doctors hype you up about your final treatment day, as if that day will be the start to a brand new lease on life. I’m sure it’s circled many times on your calendar and engrained into your memory. Every person you excitedly repeat the date to feels like a slow-ticking countdown to freedom.

And then the day finally comes for you to ring the bell. You complete your last treatment, say goodbye to your team and walk out of the hospital.

Confetti doesn’t fall from the sky, the cancer fatigue you’ve been battling for years doesn’t magically disappear, and the hairs on your head don’t instantly grow back.

No, you’re just another person in the hospital parking lot who can’t remember where you parked your car.

And then reality hits — the magic you were so certain you would feel on this day quickly subsides and now you’re left to pick up the pieces of what TF just happened to you over the last few years.

Questions flood your mind like:

“Who am I? What do I want to do with my life? Do I have enough money to support myself? I’m so tired, how am I supposed to show up for work/family/friends/myself? Why is no one checking up on me anymore???”

If you’re feeling this, trust that you are not alone.

This is why I created Cancer Baddies - to provide a safe space to be seen and heard. To know that you are amongst millions of other people who are struggling with the same side effects, thoughts and confusion.

Last night during our monthly call we had a few new faces. One of the girls who had recently hit survivorship was on for the first time. Towards the end of the call she burst into tears and said that this was exactly what she needed. To be seen for the first time since her diagnosis and to know she wasn’t alone. I had to leave the call but everyone else stayed on for another 30 minutes just chatting and hanging out.

This is true support.

Cancer Baddies is more than just a support group. It is a community. Friendships that have quickly evolved within the group with people who don’t even live in the same city (or country!). This is your safe space to land.

Our membership-platform was created for more meaningful connections and quicker access to resources and events. I hope you decide to say yes to the support that is right at your fingertips. Stay tuned for more events and retreats 💚

See you soon.

xo, Amanda

Asking Cancer Baddies: What is 1 thing you really needed after diagnosis?

A question we get all too often, “How can I help?” Some of our Cancer Baddies spoke and here’s what they said:

See the full post HERE!

Acupuncture to Treat Side Effects of Treatment

There have been a lot of mixed reviews on acupuncture during and after treatment to help with side effects of treatment. Some people rave about how much it has helped and others aren’t too quite sure it worked. Ultimately, I think it comes down to having a quality practitioner and someone who is well qualified.

For those of you who are based in Los Angeles, here are a few recommendations from the community:

Anna Brantman - Cedars Sinai

Balance Within - Encino, CA

Oncology Massage in LA (+ discount!)

Our friends at Larchmont Sanctuary Spa, are offering a special discount of 10% off all services at their spa. They offer fully customizable oncology massages to meet the needs of their clients. For both the oncology massages and facials they use oncology approved products and all of their therapists and estheticians are certified oncology therapists by the exemplary Greet the Day: https://greettheday.org

Read more about their oncology offerings HERE.

Use code: CANCERBADDIES for 10% off any service.

*Make sure to mention the code when booking with our concierge and if booking online put the code in the booking notes.

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