WHAT LIVIN' BEYOND MEANS FOR THE SURVIVOR

You may have rung the bell and be completely done with your treatment or you may be decreasing your chances of a recurrence with hormone therapy over an extended period. Regardless, it is beautiful when a survivor heals, exudes resilience and redefines what Livin' Beyond is in her own terms.

Congratulations Beautiful!

Alas...the day we couldn't wait for, has finally arrived! You may have rung the bell or your active treatment has ceased and you are now receiving hormone therapy. Regardless, you have moved on to the next phase. So, what's in store for you now? Have you returned back to work? Are you trying to have kids? Are you managing any worrisome side-effects? Whatever it is...wherever you are in your journey, I want you to be able to come here and get the information and resources you need to start Livin' Beyond.

There's No Getting Out of This Gang

Unfortunately, once you've received a breast cancer diagnosis, after remission there is always a chance of a recurrence, hence the reason survivor anniversaries are so special (and make sure you're celebrating every one!). So... since we're stuck in this gang together, let's make the best of it girl! Regardless of prognosis... we have so much life to live. Make every moment count. We may feel as if we're in the clear for now, but should we receive another diagnosis, by God, please let it be while we are livin' our best lives. I know that sounds crazy but wouldn't it suck if life is just passing you by, you're not getting any kind of self-fulfillment, you're not feeling your best physically, and then you get a diagnosis? Don't get me wrong, a diagnosis is never flattering news, but I'd rather be enjoying life and get that phone call. I'd still be shocked, but would find some kind of comfort knowing I've been livin' along the way.

Why Did You Survive?

When I found out I had been involuntarily initiated into this deadly pink gang I thought off top "God gave me this for a reason...". However, it was over a year after this when I discovered what that reason was. After radiation (the last part of my active treatment), I was sitting on the couch everyday...watching TV... napping...watching TV...napping...a self-destructive cycle to my well-being. I couldn't get out of my slump. I was extremely fatigued and tired all the time... I was starting to burst out of my clothes from the weight gain... my legs were swollen from all the Aleve I was taking for the pain my hormone therapy was causing.... I was desperately yearning to return to work for financial purposes...I filled out applications with a lack of interest, so those jobs showed no interest in me. To sum things up, I was a mess! I didn't know how to get my life back on track with the way I was feeling. I knew I was a survivor, but what was my purpose? After 5 months, Lent season was fast approaching, and I saw it as an opportunity. No, I'm not Catholic, but I borrowed their religious practices to save myself! I gave up a few things, but most importantly, I dedicated this time to dig deeper inside myself. I believe survivorship comes with a purpose and we really have to get in touch with our inner-selves and spirituality to discover what that is. I finally figured out that my purpose in life is to bring the young, African-American breast cancer community together. There is a lack of information (such as images of black women who've had mastectomies, radiation, etc.) that is tailored to the unique challenges we, young African-American women, face and I want to do everything in my power to change that. So, why did you survive? Dig deep, but don't rush for an answer. When you discover your purpose (if you haven't already) you will definitely know. Is your purpose to also join this community? Is it a chance to rebuild a strained relationship? Is it because YOU were given the challenge to defy survival odds? Is it because your testimony is so powerful, you have to share it to encourage someone who needs uplifting? Is your purpose to write that book or start that business that's been lingering in your mind for sometime? Maybe you knew your purpose as soon as you got your diagnosis...maybe you're still seeking it.... years may pass before your purpose is revealed, but until then keep seeking that answer and keep livin'!

How I'm Livin' Beyond

I've drastically changed my lifestyle. I crept into it, but I eventually crossed over. Ya'll I had some baaaad habits. Habits that excited the cancer that WAS in my body. My diet consisted of lots of fried things, gravies, sugary drinks + sugary coffee, alcohol, fast food because I'm always on the go, and very little green. Today, I'm still enjoying those things, but every blue moon and in moderation. I've incorporated lots of fruits and vegetables into my everyday diet, I'm cautious with sugars, and I'm loyal to the supplements that bring out the best in me. I also get in about 20-30 minutes of cardio 3-5 days per week. I have been feeling sooo good since I've switched things up. I can't even fall asleep during the day because my energy levels are so high. This allows me to be my best and fulfill my purpose. Just as I encouraged you to find your purpose, I also encourage you to join me in switching to a healthier lifestyle. Choosing a healthier lifestyle increases your odds of survival and improves your mental and physical health. Please join me on this quest as I try to influence other young African-American breast cancer fighters and survivors to start Livin' Beyond.

Tell Me How You're Livin' Beyond

I wanna know! Please take my survey and tell me as much as you can about your diagnosis and progress. At the end of the survey, please share your story or any additional information you'd like to mention. All of the relative data from the survey will be forwarded to Centers for Disease and Control so they can identify areas where we need help the most. Just know that by taking this survey, you are contributing to the positive change in statistics for young African-American breast cancer fighters & survivors.

Click here to take survey