"My Team Good, We Don't Really Need a Mascot."

For the first 2 weeks post mastectomy, I felt it pretty necessary to not leave my apartment. This was partially due to being sore and having less energy, but also in part to feeling as though I have never really prioritized myself. I would always put everything else before listening to my body. And now here we are with Breast Cancer, so clearly I need to prioritize myself. 

As I started to climb out of the vortex of my couch and the countless pillows, I really started to get bored and a little stir crazy. I forgot what fresh air smelled like. (And by fresh, I mean the hodge podge of scents that NYC air brings) I needed to start getting out and getting my heart rate up a bit. With the exception of doctor's appointments, I wasn't leaving the house. 

I received a text from my friend Lauren. Lauren is a 2 time cancer survivor, and just a badass in every sense of the word. (Check her out here.) Lauren was checking in on me, when she told me about an event with Hello Wellness and Paige More, founder of The Breasties. Paige had a preventative double mastectomy after learning she carried the BRCA 1 genetic mutation. She started sharing her story on Instagram, and then realized she wasn't alone; and so The Breasties was born. Paige was hosting a casual dinner and conversation with other women around her challenges and how she has moved forward to get and live the life she wanted. 

I immediately decided this was my moment to put on actual makeup and pants that didn't have an elastic waistband, and join the living. If I was going to potentially push myself too hard and risk overexerting my new "chest" then this was the way I was going down. 

Ever put on makeup after not wearing it for a few weeks? For me, it was like a before and after photo, set to Beyonce music. 

Fast forward to the event, and I was so excited to be there and get to meet Paige, as well as other Breast Cancer thrivers among the group. Everyone went around and spoke a bit about themselves and where they are at in their journey. All different stories. I left the event, my mind like a hamster wheel. Honestly, as I dive further into this journey with cancer I have these little nuggets of clarity where I realize that this is supposed to be another vehicle for me to help people; and that is what keeps me going. 

I am so thankful that I pulled myself off the couch. I think I was far too reliant on the comfort of my apartment during my recovery, and getting back to what I love doing which is building relationships and being around people has been a big part of my healing journey. 

Key takeaways: Everyone recovers differently. For me, getting back to ME is how I recover.  I am looking forward to growing my network or Breast Cancer thriver team of badasses.