Navigating life with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is a journey that requires courage, resilience, and self-advocacy. Staying informed, asking questions, and connecting with supportive communities can empower you to make confident decisions about your treatment and overall well-being.
Living with MBC often feels like riding the most unpredictable roller coaster. One moment, I’m climbing slowly, heart in my throat, and the next, I’m plunging downward, unsure where I’ll land. The ride twists, turns, and sometimes moves backward, leaving me dizzy and disoriented.
Yet, in the midst of chaos, there are moments of clarity and beauty. I’ve learned that even when I’m alone in this ride, a few words or quotes can ground me and fuel my strength. Here are the seven quotes that inspire me to keep going, even in the toughest times.
1. “I’m not dead yet.”
When I first received my diagnosis of stage 4 invasive ductal carcinoma, it felt like the world had stopped. My loved ones cried, and I feared the grim statistics: the five-year survival rate for metastatic breast cancer is only 31% source.
But I refused to be defined by numbers. I survived chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, and each day I choose to thrive. Today, I am living, loving, and enjoying every moment, proving that cancer hasn’t claimed me yet.
2. “Life is not the way it’s supposed to be. It’s the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.” — Virginia Satir
I once dreamed of having a larger family and completing a half-marathon, but MBC changed those plans. Accepting my new reality was painful, yet it taught me resilience and gratitude. While I mourn what I’ve lost, I focus on the blessings I still have—my children, my family, and the moments I can treasure daily.
Key takeaway: You can’t control everything that happens, but you can control how you respond.
3. “Giving up is not an option when someone calls you ‘Mommy.’”
Even on days when the side effects of treatment drained me, my children’s voices pulled me out of bed. Their need for me gave me purpose and strength, reminding me why I fight. Cancer may challenge me physically, but it cannot diminish my role as a mother.
4. “One day, you will wake up, and there won’t be any more time to do the things you’ve always wanted. Do it now.” — Paulo Coelho
Life feels uncertain with MBC. Planning for the future is natural, but living in the present has become essential. I focus on creating memories and experiences with loved ones rather than stressing over the unknown. Every small moment becomes precious.
5. “Everything comes to you at the right time. Be patient.”
Patience has been one of the hardest lessons. From diagnosis to chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, each step demanded time and endurance. Even after my body healed, my mind and spirit needed space to recover. Patience is not just about waiting—it’s about honoring your healing process.
6. “Tell the story of the mountain you climbed. Your words could become a page in someone else’s survival guide.”
Sharing my journey online connected me to a community of others living with #breastcancer. Instagram, blogs, and support groups became safe spaces for me to share, learn, and grow. Now, I aim to help others navigate MBC through my story, empowering those who feel lost or isolated.
7. “Knowledge is power.”
Being informed about your condition is crucial. I actively research treatments, ask questions, and engage with others in the breast cancer community. Empowerment comes from understanding your options, trusting your healthcare team, and advocating for yourself. Knowledge transforms fear into action.
Final Thoughts
Living with metastatic breast cancer is a journey of uncertainty, resilience, and hope. By holding onto empowering quotes, embracing the present, and staying informed, I’ve learned that cancer does not define me. It’s part of my life, but it will never dictate my joy, love, or determination.
