Reflections from a Long-Term Survivor
From Chicken Soup for the Soul: Hope & Healing for Your Breast Cancer Journey
By Lillie D. Shockney

I am not quite sure when I actually began referring to myself as a “survivor” of breast cancer. I believe it was at the moment of diagnosis. I remember being optimistic that whatever was ahead of me was something I could conquer. Having hit my 20-year mark this year has provided me with the opportunity to reflect on my journey with this disease and how it altered my life.

I’ve actually been diagnosed twice — the first time in my thirties and then in the opposite breast at the age of 40. Though I’ve had to forfeit some body parts to this disease (both my breasts, much of my hair and all of my reproductive system), it did not take away my soul, my spirit or my sense of humor.

Today when I say that I’m a 20-year breast cancer survivor, it usually is in an exam room with a newly diagnosed patient. You see, after my second round with this disease I decided that God was giving me a message and I transferred from my former nursing position and became the director of the Breast Center team at Johns Hopkins. I regularly meet with newly diagnosed women who appear shell shocked and frightened. I can see their fear begin to dissipate when they hear that 20 years ago I sat in the same exam room (or a nearby one) and am doing well now. I assure them I will be at their side, and that in the future I hope that they, too, will be able to “pay it forward” and reach out to a newly diagnosed woman who is relieved to see a long-term survivor. (Keep reading)