Bezzy Members’ Least Favorite Treatments, What They Wish They Knew, and the Unexpected Good of Cancer
September 09, 2024
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Photography by Lucy Lambriex/Getty Images
Cancer can change your life in the blink of an eye. Bezzy members share their personal experiences with adapting to diagnosis, treatment, and life after cancer.
The Bezzy Editorial Team asked the Bezzy community a few questions about the breast cancer experience. Here’s what they shared.
What do you wish you knew about breast cancer when you were first diagnosed?
“How it develops.”
— Bezzy member nycalgal
Breast cancer is a complex disease that occurs when atypical cells in the breast divide rapidly. They sometimes spread to other tissues and organs, like in metastatic breast cancer.
However, a number of factors play a role in whether cancer develops, including family history, genes, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
“That the disease is both physical and psychological.”
— Bezzy member Pat Raia
A cancer diagnosis has a far-reaching effect beyond medical treatments and procedures. At its core, cancer forces you to face your mortality. This is the case no matter how early doctors detect it.
Cancer can touch every facet of life, from your job to your family to your values and beliefs.
“If my energy levels will improve while on chemotherapy or if they’re going to stay the same.” — Jennwilliams
Both cancer and cancer treatment can leave you exhausted. On top of that, many people aren’t sure how to talk with someone with cancer in a caring, empathetic way.
“I wish I knew how much fatigue would affect me. Also, I wish I knew how to deal with the insensitivity of so many people.”
— Bezzy member Jlk
Regardless of what life was like before cancer, this one is true for nearly everyone cancer touches.
“Life as you knew it will turn upside down.”
— Bezzy member DeDe
What’s your least favorite treatment and why?
One of the many difficult things about cancer is that lifesaving treatments can also take a major toll on your body.
“Chemo.”
— Bezzy member Pat Raia
“Radiation. Besides the inconvenience of daily treatments, I had burns and extreme fatigue.”
— Bezzy member Jlk
“I’ve only started chemotherapy, although I’m not looking forward to surgery.”
— Bezzy member TMoss
It can also change your body — and body image — for the rest of your life.
“Surgery. It took my breast.”
— Bezzy member nycalgal
“Surgeries of any kind, and the first chemo treatment.”
— Bezzy member Jennwilliams
For some, side effects and complications are minimal. Even so, everyone’s experience is valid.
“I really have not had one. I’ve been extremely fortunate.”
— Bezzy member DeDe
Has breast cancer brought any unexpected good to your life?
“I know who my friends are.”
— Bezzy member Pat Raia
Cancer has the power to change relationships, from friendships to romantic partners. In some cases, it strengthens them. In others, it shows you where priorities truly lie.
Although change can be painful, cancer can have a cleansing effect on relationships that are no longer serving you.
On the other hand, cancer can also be the springboard for new relationships and meaningful connections.
“I have met so many strong, brave women. After my treatments, I try to spend time with other patients who don’t have anyone to keep them company. Paying it forward even with just my time, makes me happy.”
— Bezzy member Jlk
Ironically, cancer may also change your perspective.
“All I can say is I’m more appreciative of life.”
— Bezzy member TMoss
“I feel like I have a more optimistic mindset than I had before.”
— Bezzy member Jennwilliams
It can even help you develop boundaries and a stronger sense of self.
“YES! My diagnosis taught me to put myself first and stop waiting. LIVE now!”
— Bezzy member DeDe
Fact checked on September 09, 2024
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