A cancer diagnosis can bring many fears and uncertainties to the forefront, but it can also bring friendships with people we would never have met had we not gotten cancer at all.
BY Dana Stewart
PUBLISHED October 26, 2018
Dana Stewart was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 at the age of 32. She is the co-founder of a cancer survivorship organization called The Dragonfly Angel Society. She volunteers as an advocate and mentor, focusing on young adults surviving cancer. She enjoys writing about life as a cancer survivor, as well as connecting survivors to the resources, inspirations and stories that have helped her continue to live her best life, available at www.dragonflyangelsociety.com.
This past week weekend, I went to a celebration for young adult breast cancer survivors in my area. The party was thrown by an organization that brought us all together for support. The majority of us had been diagnosed with breast cancer prior to our 40th birthdays, one of the many similarities we all shared. Usually, we meet a newcomer into the group by sitting in a circle once a month discussing our cancer diagnosis, treatment decisions and fears of living with cancer. When we would come together, we would feel safe in that circle discussing things with somewhat strangers that we would not dare bring up with the closest people we knew. If you take a step back, it's a bit odd. As humans, we tend not to talk about personal things to complete strangers we just meet, but in the cancer world, it seems natural.
When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer at 32 years old, I wanted to talk about it. However, I only wanted to talk about it with others who had been through it or were going through it. Since none of my friends were experiencing cancer, I figured I was going to have to be willing to open up to complete strangers if I was going to talk about my cancer experience in the open. I was never much of a talker or outspoken before cancer. I wasn't shy, but I just let others talk, so basically, I wouldn't have to spill the beans on me, if you will. So, it surprised even myself when I was so eager to talk about my cancer experience with strangers. For whatever reason, it just made sense.
When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer at 32 years old, I wanted to talk about it. However, I only wanted to talk about it with others who had been through it or were going through it. Since none of my friends were experiencing cancer, I figured I was going to have to be willing to open up to complete strangers if I was going to talk about my cancer experience in the open. I was never much of a talker or outspoken before cancer. I wasn't shy, but I just let others talk, so basically, I wouldn't have to spill the beans on me, if you will. So, it surprised even myself when I was so eager to talk about my cancer experience with strangers. For whatever reason, it just made sense.
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