My 50th Birthday Gift, Breast Cancer?

By Nancee Johnson, Guest Blogger & Fractional CMO

For my 50th birthday, I got breast cancer! Well, not exactly, but it sure felt like it.

Right after I turned 50, I finally went in for a long-overdue mammogram. The pandemic and other life events had delayed my last scan by nearly four years.

Given that I have dense breast tissue, I expected some follow-up. I’ve been called back before, as had my grandmother and several aunts. So, when the doctor called to say, “We need to see you again,” I wasn’t too concerned.

But a week later, I heard the words no one ever wants to hear: “Your results are positive for breast cancer.”

I spent that entire day crying. Working from home and with my husband retired, we see a lot of each other, so he knew something was wrong. But I couldn’t find the words to tell him. I was stunned.

I knew I had to pull myself together and come to terms with my new reality before I could share it with him. I didn’t want to overwhelm him with my own fear and confusion. Even though I felt powerless, I wanted to reassure him that it was going to be okay—or at least as okay as I could make it.

The first thing I did was to imagine every terrible scenario possible—my body ravaged by chemotherapy, radiation, and cancer drugs, and of course, my imminent death.

Then I reminded myself that I didn’t have all the information yet. I also knew that cancer treatment had come a long way, with many alternatives available. I decided not to get too wrapped up in the details just yet.

Next, I reached out to a friend who had been through breast cancer a couple of times. She was fantastic, reassuring me that even if I had to go through radiation, chemo, or take cancer drugs, I was going to be okay. She reminded me that there are ways to support your health through the process, and her words helped ground me.

Being a marketer and project manager at heart, I needed a plan. So, I turned to my trusty intern, ChatGPT, to write me a checklist. It may not have been the approach a therapist would suggest, but it did give me a sense of control, even if it was just an illusion.

Before I told my husband, I created as much of a plan as I could with the limited information I had at that time. By the time I finally shared the news with him, I had stopped crying and started focusing on what we were going to do. I’m so glad I did because it was overwhelming for him, too. We don’t always have to be the strong ones in our relationships, but being there for him helped him be there for me.

The Journey: Lessons in Mental and Emotional Resilience

Cancer is as much a mental and emotional battle as it is a physical one. Here’s what I learned along the way:

1. Take One Step at a Time

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information and decisions that come with a cancer diagnosis. I focused on one step at a time—understanding my diagnosis first, then considering my treatment options. Breaking it down into manageable pieces, even creating a mini-project plan for myself, helped me maintain a sense of control and calm.

2. Educate Yourself, But Don’t Overwhelm Yourself

Knowledge is power, but too much information can be paralyzing. I stuck to reliable sources like my healthcare team and reputable cancer organizations. I also wrote down any questions as they came to me, so I could discuss them with my doctor during our next visit. This approach allowed me to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed.

3. Build a Support System

I leaned heavily on my family, friends, and a network of professionals. Having a support system made all the difference. It’s important to surround yourself with people who can offer both emotional support and practical advice.

4. Communicate Openly with Your Healthcare Team

Being your own advocate is crucial. I made sure to voice my preferences and concerns, even when they leaned more toward naturopathic practices. My healthcare team respected my choices, and together, we crafted a treatment plan that felt right for me. Open communication is key to feeling empowered in your care.

5. Share Your Story

Talking about my experience opened up a world of support. I was amazed at how many others had similar stories. Their courage and resilience inspired me and made me stronger. Sharing your story can be a powerful way to connect and find strength.

6. Prioritize Your Mental Health

Cancer affects not just your body but your mind as well. I found great comfort in my support group and in regular counseling. Meditation also became a crucial part of my routine, helping me hold onto a positive outlook while still feeling the real emotions of this journey.

Taking care of your mental health during a cancer journey is just as important as the physical treatments. Remember, you are not alone, and there is always hope.

7. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

My diagnosis was a wake-up call. I committed to healthier eating and made regular exercise a priority. My doctors believe this shift played a significant role in my resilience during treatment. Exercise, even just a 20-minute walk daily, helped me stay strong both physically and mentally.

8. Be Kind to Yourself

It’s okay to have bad days. You don’t need to be strong all the time. Allow yourself to rest, to feel, and to heal. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a loved one going through a similar experience.

9. Consider a Second Opinion

If you’re unsure about your diagnosis or treatment plan, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. I did, and it not only confirmed my initial diagnosis but also provided additional insights that helped me make more informed decisions.

The Gift of Life

Cancer changed my perspective on life. It brought clarity about what truly matters and helped me realize what I wanted for my future. While I wouldn’t wish cancer on anyone, I’m grateful for the lessons it taught me.

In the end, I was extremely fortunate as this was caught early, it was a small amount, and it was slow-growing. I am so glad that I decided to get that mammogram when I did. It’s almost as if I was given the gift of the rest of my life for my 50th birthday.

The Passages team is so grateful to our colleague and friend, Nancee Johnson, for sharing her story with us! If you are struggling with your own health issues and could benefit from our support, please reach out to us! You are never alone!