Written by Shandell Wright, survivor, Adenocarcinoma Cervical Cancer
This story was republished with permission from Elephants and Tea, a magazine focused on the adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer community.
After a year of fighting like hell to get back to the old me, I realized that is something that will never happen again. The old me is gone, and like a phoenix from the ashes, I have to rise again and embrace the new me. I have had to learn that I need to take time for myself and not worry about everyone else. I have had to learn to slow down and know my body and what it needs. I have never been one to put myself first. I am always worrying about others and how to help them and make their lives easier, never worrying about myself. Until now. I have had to learn that I need to come first; if I want to be able to help others then I need to make myself a priority. If you were to ask me a year ago before cancer, I would have never thought to worry about myself. So, my new perspective is to be a little selfish and do what is best for me. And that it’s OK to say no and not spread myself so thin to make everyone around me happy. I am learning new things about myself and making this life what I want it to be because we only get one shot at life, and we have to make the most out of it. I will not let cancer take that from me.
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Last modified: November 19, 2024
