By Jill Rackham Cancer you have changed my life so much, But there are many parts of it you definitely cannot touch... You cannot take away my desire for the future in remaining Cancer free. My hospital appointments and ongoing treatment give me hope that this is what will be. You cannot take away the love I have for my family and their support throughout. They have each helped me so much - this I'd have been lost without. You cannot take away my friends whose companionship I feel privileged to have had. They have helped me through the darkest times, made me laugh and so feel less sad. You cannot take away my wish to keep fit and be active each and every day. Even those days when my body feels broken - long walks, running and pilates are certainly here to stay. You cannot take away my positive approach to life. You have tried many times but I've clung to it tightly even in moments when unexpected results seemed rife. So Cancer, yes I know you have changed my life more than I ever thought you could. But there are also many things you cannot take away from me and life can still be good. --- Connect with Jill on Instagram: @poems_to_help_you_through Related Poems You Will Love I Bloom With Grace , by S helley Caruso I Saw Love , by J une Chapko After Cancer Me , by M eagan Miraldi Run , by Sara Kandler Cloudy , by Heather Lockerman I'm Still Me , by Julie Gaughan Spink Truth at the time of a breast cancer Dx by William Laferriere

By Dawn Oswald Mask Why do we wear them? Is it to hide? To mask our pain? Is it for a party? To enjoy life? Mask, why do you wear them? I put on a mask for my brave face For my family Masks can be sad or happy They can be beautiful or ugly Masks can be worn throughout the day What would your mask look like? The mask can be changed at any time Just as people change their hats A mask for this A mask for that Wear it for whatever reason To be brave To just be sad for a moment To be glad To be powerful To help others Do you mask your pain so others don’t worry? Do you say I am good or say I am okay? Is it harder to lie or tell the truth? Is it a lie if you don’t want them to worry? Do you mask your quality of life? Do you do one day at a time like me? That’s what I tell people to do: “One day at a time.” Do you mask your sadness or depression? Do you ask for help? I wear multiple masks A mask to help you, to help me, to help everyone A mask of laughter, love, of concern, patience and of hope Masks can be of many colors The color of a rainbow It can be black or white A mask of different faces: sad, happy, grieving, or even scared It can be whatever you want it to be It is your mask You chose what mask you want to wear What mask do you have on today Wear it proud I am going to wear my mask of bravery, love, hope and caring for us all Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Julie Maley In life’s quiet tapestry, a storm did brew, Breast cancer’s shadow fell, my fears it drew. A wake-up call profound, it shook my core, From caregiving roles to seeking life’s grandeur. For years, my days were woven threads of care, Tending to others’ needs, burdens to bear. Preparing for the age of silvered grace, I tucked my dreams away, left no trace. But fate, relentless, knocked upon my door, Breast cancer’s specter, a truth to explore. It whispered of uncertainty, a twist of fate, The urgency to live, not hesitate. Fear coursed through veins like wildfire’s embrace, Yet in its grip, I found a newfound grace. The looming darkness carved a path of light, Guiding me to strength, igniting a fight. Strangers vanished, friends turned faces away, Yet in the darkness, love found a way. My husband, steadfast, stood by my side, A beacon of hope, in whom I could confide. For eighteen months, his love was my shield, As treatments waged war, together we healed. Others’ selfish whispers faded in the din, His care a testament, a love without sin. In vulnerability, I learned to be strong, In solitude’s embrace, I found where I belong. No longer just a caretaker in life’s grand play, I emerged as a warrior, seizing each day. Breast cancer’s grip, a catalyst so dire, Awakened my spirit, set my soul on fire. No longer defined by others’ whims and plans, I reclaimed my life, anew it began. So let the scars tell stories of battles won, A reminder of strength when darkness had won. Breast cancer’s shadow, it scared me to see, That life’s true gift is the chance to be free Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Dawn Oswald You’re worth it I’m worth it We are all worth it So get up and tell the whole world Do what you want And buy what you want Because you’re worth it Yell, kick and scream Tell them to listen to you Be that judge Hit your hammer Tell them eyes on me and listen This is what I want I want everyone to hear me Because I am worth every cent Spread the word I am in charge Keep listening I have more to say You can jump on my bandwagon Or jump off at the next stop Get a clue Not a hint or two Listen Hear me roar For I am worth it Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Gillian Pulford The spotlight shone as she stood De-robed-blindfolded Devoid of the familiar Guided to the table – she lay down, because they told her to Kind words deflected by an iron curtain of fear Bang they shot Bang, they shot again Transported to another world Was she dead? No, at least not yet But a different path in a parallel world lay ahead And there was no guide Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Ginger Guzman How I anxiously longed for your arrival when I was young Waiting impatiently for you to finally make your appearance But frightened and shy of you all the same, afraid of how it would be When you finally did make your debut I was so very proud of you You brought me to the portal of adulthood where I first caught a glimpse of the future me Your entrance made me feel that I was on my way To finally becoming a woman The furtive timid looks from boys The first shy explorations of what it meant to have you as a new elemental part of me As we both grew, you introduced me to sweet sensations and sensual play That heralded so many changes and exciting promises of corporal joys You would never grow so very big, but you became an essential feature Of who I was; from your advent there was no me without you I am ashamed now that I took you for granted for so many years Annoyed with you the times you caused me discomfort and pain Forgive my stupidity, I took you for granted and now I shed an ocean of tears For I never realized the day would come that we two could no longer together remain There must be more to you than just skin, tissue, veins, blood What happens to you after they cut you off? Where do you go? Do they just throw you out? Do you just disintegrate and fall apart in some trough? How do I know, really truly know, that I have no choice, how do I live with the doubt? But in my heart of hearts, in the secret place where I seldom go There lives a voice that tells me what I need to know And she tells me now that I must learn how to say goodbye The experts are right; I must acquiesce and comply In the best way I can and with all the love I am able to show But how I wish there was someone, some book or class, to teach me to let go, to teach me how You were the first definitive sign of my womanhood, In you lives my youth, my girlhood dreams, those sweet fumblings & breathtaking discoveries, All those years, all those dreams that I can longer dream, all I must keep locked in my heart I must let go of the bad and only retain the good Without you, I must find my way to a new start Your door must close, another opens now… Once again, you bring me to the very precipice of a new world where I am poised to jump I fear it won’t be as full of wonder and discovery As the one you first showed me But perhaps it may be filled with the wisdom I so desperately need And possibly lovely surprises may well await me where I go I pray that I have the courage to say goodbye and set you free Time is a commodity too precious to put in peril or squander, I mustn’t tarry any longer; I beg of you one more gift: please take this disease with you and leave me unbowed Take all the cells that won’t stop multiplying, take their malevolent intent with you on your way And leave me more courageous, smarter, braver, kinder, stronger Make all my fear, meanness, self-pity, despair, doubts depart, and I vow not to pass a day That I do not remember and do my best to make us both proud Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Sara Kandler We roam our Brooklyn streets neighbors huddling all of us ghosts chat softly with our young son gaping construction site fat pigeon circling while tiny papery fragments fall from the bright September sky settling on our forearms We blow at them and wonder fibers of a love note? pencil shards? a fingernail? No choice but to inhale these ashes the nuclear fallout we’d only imagined Radio voices tell us this is not a war between East and West but we feel it so crushing clash of cultures sorrowful bequest How to stay close in this tsunami of distress? At night our toddler drifts off to sleep nothing to do but curl around him our backs arched into a bony heart a cage a brace a frame Nothing to say no words no lexicon no name for this disaster this massacre Leila saïda my husband whispers in Arabic good night kisses our son’s doughy forehead the quiet metronome of his breathing so soothing then movement below something shifting landforms drifting readjusting leila saïda a soft spoken promise draws the dunes of Fire Island toward those of El Jadida to form a modern day Pangea and we dream of another radiant morning the ground trembles then surges skyward tall towers of stone this time arcing bonding the continents finally, we’re home *This poem first appeared in the poetry journal ONE ART . Follow Sara on Medium: @sarakandler Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Dawn Oswald A roller coaster It can go up or down What goes up must go back down It can turn, twist and even go backwards You might stumble and go backwards, but you can also turn it back around Take it for a joy ride You can go fast or slow It’s your ride If you don’t like it, then turn it around Turn it around for you Let the world know you’re making the change A change for you, no one else Get on that roller coaster and guide it your way You can play it safe Or live on the edge It’s your day It’s your life A roller coaster of fun A roller coaster of fear You can have a thrill of your life It’s okay to be scared Yell and scream Laugh or cry Buy some time With a dime Ride it again and again Until you get it right Right for you You can sin Or you can go straight You are guiding it Over and over again Remember it’s your ride Your ride of your lifetime Now hop on Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By William Laferriere It takes on all shapes and sizes And is designed to lift someone’s spirit… Its presence duly noted From Deuteronomy onward And yet, surprisingly, We find it somewhat diminished Through these tumultuous years, Perhaps owing to the pandemic, social media, Global hostilities, cultural insensitivity, Excessive workloads, family stresses, Or the great divide of partisanship Or quite simply a craven response to self-delusion. The remedy comes in a tidy package Requiring sympathy, empathy, And a willingness to help For there are many less fortunate than we. The first step begins with an internal look... Go to the mirror, and Reflect on Who and what you are, and Take the time to redefine your legacy, Look past your own pain to see The pains of others And then consciously reach out. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Lourdes Heras One day we wake up, and life as we know it has changed. We now look in the mirror and see someone different. A new person that early on we may not recognize. And what one day we may have taken for granted, are the precious little things we are glad to wake up for every day! What used to bother us… we now realize are very silly things. Each day we wake up, we are thankful for a sun, a moon. Think about our new sisters, and the brother… we have now and can talk with about your feelings. I know I am glad I found you SBC (Laura & William). I am sure everyone here is glad too. No one can understand us exactly like you do! Although remote is how we began. This process for all of us has brought us closer Distance does not keep us apart Whether you are joining us on an English or Spanish TNT You know you have a shoulder to lean on, or even cry. SBC I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation thank you for your commitment, transparency and integrity. Thank you for always striving for excellence. Thank you for fostering trust and giving us hope! Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Dawn Oswald How I can change Change my actions or reaction Change my thoughts Change my feelings I can only change me My life My thoughts My feelings Me No one else but me How can you change? Your thoughts? Your action? Your reaction? You can’t change anyone It’s your change How do we want to do better? Sure, no one is perfect But I’m not asking for perfection Just a little change To make life easier Some things are not worth arguing about Get a life Make a change Do better Change for you How do we make them think? Maybe it’s them Not you or me But them They caused the situation Maybe they’re at fault Make them think about it They are wrong Choose your words wisely Let them feel sorry If not, you can try to change it Maybe they think they did nothing wrong You change you and your approach Know they have to change them But will they? You can change you Make that change Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Jenny Burkholder Dedicated to Amy Today I send my wig to you— the platinum blonde bob black and white spy movie nobody will know hide what’s not there the pretend cry mercy of it— so, you too, can be in spite of it. About the Author: Diagnosed with triple positive MBC in 2019, Jenny Burkholder is the 2023-2024 Montgomery County Pennsylvania Poet Laureate. She’s the author of Repaired (Finishing Line Press, 2016) and co-host of OVERexpressed & OUT , a podcast that outs amazing women and their healing journeys. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Charlotte De Brabandt When I was lost and afraid, You found me and guided me home. When I was weak and in pain, You gave me strength to carry on. When I was afraid of the unknown, You gave me hope and courage. When I was feeling lost and alone, You were there for me, always. In the midst of shadows, you are our guiding light, A team of healers, strong and bright, Through the storm of breast cancer, we tread, With your support, we rise from where we've bled. In the white coats of hope, you stand so tall, With compassion and care, you give your all, Nurses, doctors, and all who aid, In this battle, together, we've made our trade. Through surgeries and treatments, you've been our guide, With skill and grace, you've stayed by our side, You've witnessed our tears, our laughter, and fears, And wiped away worries with tender care. So, to our medical team, our heroes so dear, You're the reason we're still standing here, For your dedication and firm grace, We'll forever hold your love in embrace. In this breast cancer battle, we find our way, With your support, we'll greet each new day, With gratitude and hearts full of love, We thank you, dear team, for your healing hands, I hope this poem inspires you to keep fighting and never give up, no matter what challenges you are facing. You are strong and brave, and you will get through this. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Maria Montanile I miss my nipple It sailed away To another island Another bay, It used to sit there On a squishy globe Now it sank Into a hole I miss my nipple It used to be So pink and bright and very spongy Goodbye, my chum, I have discovered, I’m happy now Don’t need another Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Sara Kandler One doctor helped me save my father when no one would listen. Then I got cancer too, and he really seemed to care. He asked for my surgery date, and told me: “Stage one is extremely curable.” A big title and a formidable brain — I believed him. I love my husband a ton. It was Covid, and he accompanied me as much as they’d allow. He kept my secrets until I’d lurched over each hurdle, and gently advised me that we probably couldn’t invite my doctor friend for dinner. Youssef grounded me; my medicine man filled me with hope. Follow Sara on Medium: @sarakandler Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By William Laferriere “One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh; but the earth abideth forever…. The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to the place where he arose…” Ecclesiastes  In the quiet realm where courage dwells, A tale unfolds, resilience swells. Beneath the canvas of the morning sky, A sunrise paints hope, a refusal to die. In the hush before the dawn’s embrace, Breast cancer survivors find solace and grace. Each ray that breaks through the night’s cocoon, Echoes the strength of those who’ve faced the gloom. As the sun ascends with golden hue, So do these warriors, brave and true. They’ve journeyed through shadows, faced the unknown, Yet their spirits persist, and brightly shone. With every sunrise, triumph declare, Against the solemn whispers of despair. The morning chorus, a melody strong, Sings of endurance, a victory song. But as the sun climbs, it too must descend, A metaphor for life, a tale to attend. Yet in the twilight, where shadows may fall, Survivors stand tall, defying it all. The sunset whispers stories untold, Of battles fought, of hearts made bold. Yet, in the fading light, a promise is found, That strength endures, forever unbound. For with each day, a cycle complete, Survivors rise, their victory sweet. From sunrise to sunset, a journey profound, Breast cancer survivors, forever renowned. Dedicated to Dawn Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Dawn Oswald – In Loving Memory Sweet or spicy It’s your choice Pick one Do you want to be sweet today or full of spice? Sweet as a peach Spicy as a pepper I chose sweet today Tomorrow I might be a little spicy You don’t have to pick It might depend on where you are Or what you’re doing You might be at a doctor office yelling at a nurse who is not listening  Or you might be with family where everything is sweet and nice Who knows? Who knows how you might be feeling in that present time? Sweet is the way to go, but keep spicy in your back pocket You never know when you will need it Sweet or spicy Either way You choose Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

(a paean to the underserved) By William Laferriere In the heart of a forgotten, ill-served community,  breast cancer whispers its cruel song.  It's a silent invader,  creeping into lives already burdened by inequality.  In these forgotten corners,  where resources are scarce and hope often elusive,  the impact is a symphony of despair, a cantata of loss. Then we see her, a strong-willed matriarch,  her dreams eclipsed by the shadow of illness.  Her days once vibrant and filled with purpose,  now marred by the daunting battle against this unseen foe.  The weight of her responsibilities never lightened,  yet her spirit flickers as she weathers  …the dual storms of fear and uncertainty. There's a certain resilience,  a raw beauty in her fight.  She navigates through the labyrinth of healthcare disparities, grappling with barriers to access— diagnostics delayed treatments inaccessible  cultural challenges.  She bears the brunt of this unjust burden,  where healthcare divides and biases deepen,  and survival hinges ofttimes on chance. The echoing silence of unspoken fears  reverberates through the minority's plight.  Stigma and cultural taboos cloak the illness,  relegating it to whispers in hushed tones,  inhibiting open dialogue about health and well-being. We note the collective weight of these untold stories,  the anguish woven into the fabric of underserved lives. It's a tapestry of struggle, where the ravages of breast cancer seep into every aspect— financial strains emotional upheaval and shattered dreams. Yet, in the shadows,  a flicker of hope endures.  It's the unsung heroes—community advocates, grassroots organizations— working tirelessly to bridge the gap,  to amplify voices muted by adversity.  They strive to untangle the knots of disparity,  offering support, education,  and a glimmer of possibility. In the heart of this hardship,  we witness an unyielding strength.  Despite the odds stacked against them,  these underserved minorities stand tall,  defying the darkness that seeks to engulf them.  They're the unsung heroes of resilience,  teaching the world about courage in adversity,  and shining a light on the unseen battles fought every day. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Maria Montanile Stereotactic, it’s fantastic! Keep still now, this won’t be drastic, Stick the needle in my breast, It won’t hurt, it’s just a test, Stereotactic, it’s fantastic! They observe the screen, but I’m not spastic, “We can’t see, you have to stand, lift up your arms, move your hands,” Stereotactic, it’s fantastic! Needle’s deep, becomes erratic, Left to right and right to left, Feels like a knife inside my chest, We are done, I’m sarcastic, The cells returned……fantastic Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Trudy Trybulski Playful colours and funky shapes, Sharp edges with smooth centres. Dots and lines expressing the journey. Swirls, splashes with wiggly lines, Universe. Greens of the garden, purple and pink. Blue waves of sparkling sea, cool and free. Marks make up family, friends and grandsons. Life’s lines that then fade to peace. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Carol Collins 770 days since that call 602 days since I finished poisoning my body. 573 days since my breasts changed for forever.   The days have passed, and I am moving forward but not moving on somehow.  My amazing coworker comments almost weekly on how much she loves my hair, “it’s so beautiful” she says.  I take the well-intended compliment because she has only known me for 5 months.  She doesn’t know the version of me I wish I could still see in the mirror some days.  My after-chemo curls and gray hair are not BEAUTIFUL to me.  They are a reminder that I will never be the same.  I can move forward but not on.  Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Dawn Oswald – In Loving Memory Nurses Some are good Some are bad Some are on top of everything Some don’t give a damn But the nurse I got, does You do care You do love You do want to do everything You want your patient to leave with a smile on their face A caring nurse is blessing nurse, bursting with love No one wants to curse you out When someone is at their worst You are there to save the day with your contagious smile You thirst for more to help You’re the best at what you do You are that great nurse That nurse that carries a purse  Full of tricks to make you smile and laugh You are loved back by so many  Continue to be the best that you are  Don’t change anything The best nurse ever Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Dawn Oswald – In Loving Memory Sunshine You get it I get it We all need a little sunshine What we need And what we get can be different Go outside and get some sunshine And some free vitamin D We all need vitamin D I’m happy to wake up Sit up and put my feet on the ground I tell myself I’m going to tackle today Today, as in the present We all like presents Worry about today Not tomorrow Not yesterday But today Enjoy the present Open it and keep it Go outside for 10 minutes What more can you ask for Today is the day Worry about today only Get your sunshine on Embrace the sun Let it hit your face Breathe the air Enjoy that sunshine Enjoy the air We don’t know what tomorrow brings So breathe Take some deep breaths Look around Soak it all in That vitamin D Have a sunny D Don’t stay too long You don’t want to get burnt Just 10 minutes We all like free My daughter told me I was her sunshine You can be someone’s sunshine too Shine on Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Goldiin Kelvins In life, I met a girl so strong, brave, and true, Within four walls, she battled, a constant cue. Surviving, not living, she faced a relentless strife, Moremi, a young soul navigating through life. Born in Nigeria's west, in Africa's embrace, Her memory lingers, my heart's sacred space. I try to divert my thoughts, but I can't deny, Her innocent gaze, a plea in each dark eye. Her mind puzzled, imagining the world outside, Yet, hope waned, like a fading tide. She fought against sickness, a brave young soul, Yet, it fought harder, taking its toll. A 12-year-old warrior, courage in her stare, Yet, sickness, a ruthless terror in the air. Determined to live, dreams she'd conceive, But sickness threatened, luring dreams to grieve. Docs and teams fought, her heartbeat's descent, Body systems failing, a despairing lament. Yet, she'd jolt back, gasping for air, Mother's dripping tears, a father's silent prayer. Wishing for release, from the hands that tried, From loved ones' grasp, in pain, she'd hide. Drowning in the pit where life began, Her tears echoed, a heart-wrenching plan. Today, we lay her down in the earth's embrace, Cancer claims victory, a bitter taste. To those fighting, courage to you I send, May your stories not meet this tragic end. Lost a girl, lost a niece, grief in the wind, Adieu, Moremi, where memories begin. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Jessie Woodyard No one tells you That the first place someone looks Someone who hasn't seen you  since you were diagnosed is your chest. Eyes straight to your breasts. Are they still there?  Which one is gone?  Do they look the same to you?  How about my eyes? How do they look?  Do they look through tears  at you stealing your glance? Or are they clear and wide,  aware and sad? No one tells you about the drain. How it's the worst part until just before it's the worst part of you. The drain of this illness It is a metaphor and it is real and it sucks, like a vacuum  and in every sense of the word. No one tells you That immediate isn't immediately But in fact drawn out Like the word YES written on my chest in ink that takes weeks to remove. No one tells you No one tells you about the return The blood return that you want to see The return of the cancer, malignancy That fear.... No one tells you it's permanent. No one tells you about the fights Miscommunication, misunderstanding Nothing feels right. No one tells you  That you may beat it this time but this fear is for life. An uninvited partner  for as long as you all shall live.  In sickness and even in health No one tells you.  I guess no one knows. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events