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By Maria Montanile Here we go, time to test Do I have cancer of the breast? Every year, April/May Make the appointments and start to pray. If it comes back, I’ll be a pro Educated now and in the know. I’ll handle it, God will help He has given me so much wealth. I’m stronger now, know what to expect The pain had come but it had left. Here we go, it is my turn Wonder what I will learn. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Ioulitta Savvidou Fall from the sky and above,  Like a mourning black swan,  My breath, my breast took it away,  It was a rainy day.  No one knows my pain, I missed my ride on a happy train. Still, I’m fighting every day,  Still I’m figuring a way up to my old sky, A swan wrapped up in a new form,  It reminds me of a bird thorn Still I’m fighting every day,  Still I try to explain, is it me?  Is it my fault?  How is this gonna work?  Can I eat a lollipop?  Still I’m learning how to fly, From deep ocean to blue sky… Connect with Ioulitta on Instagram Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Jill Rackham Cancer I so wish you did not feature in so many aspects of life. But somehow you do and we know an early diagnosis causes much less strife. So now we must encourage others to always attend screening. And to see a doctor with any change anyone is feeling. We will fundraise to help pay for more cancer research. We want less hearts to have a feeling of being left in the lurch. We all know someone who has been through turmoil due to you. In the future we hope this changes and you don’t even affect a few. As once you are here you definitely seem to take hold. Hearing that word forever makes us feel cold. So we will do all that we can to ensure you stop affecting our lives. And through advances in medical research we hope one day you reach your demise. But in the meantime those of us with a diagnosis will do the best we can. Having a positive mental attitude can be tough but is always a good plan. Connect with Jill: www.jsrackham.com/poems Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Lillibit Ray A routine appointment on a regular day. The sun blaring hot outside, Asphalt fuming, plants gone limp and gray. I remember thinking hell’s flaring up again. Why today? Inside the exam room  doctor enters the room after a wait,  and I’m told solemnly they’ve found a nodule in my breast. Not knowing what that is I say, “okay.” How bad could it be? “Cancer,” the doctor says, “is how bad it can be.” I imagine black cells, green cells collecting in a mosh pit of packed growth trampling and crushing the innocent cells  keeping me alive. How do I engage this unwelcome visitor? What need I do to survive? Persistent, malignant masses hardened by hubris, sized as peas or walnuts offering little comfort when talking of tumors. Just cut it out. Remove the killer waste multiplying at death’s speed, accelerating in unnecessary haste. Rip out a lymph network supplying safe passage to unwanted posers. Threatening one’s safety. Feeling so healthy, I feel conflicted by the news. Bad juju indeed devastates my mellow moxie. Immortality suddenly a pipe dream. I can’t be dying inside. Ask the doctor, “are you sure this is right?” and she answers, “the tests don’t lie.” Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Triona Lonergan There’s so much information, on what to do and say. “You’re strong,” “You got this,” “You’ll be fine.” I hear it every day.   I try to be compliant. I appreciate the care. Things happen for a reason, right? I know that you are there.   But I feel that I’m indebted, that the care comes with a price. And if I don’t accept your words, I’m just not being nice.   See, it wasn’t meant the way I thought. I take things the wrong way. and I shouldn’t be offended, by the exact words that you say.   I’ve learned to read between the lines. And interpret what you mean. So that I can truly get your point, While I remain unseen.   But now I’d like to take the mic, I know you’ve done your best. Blue ribbons will be handed out, You won, you passed the test!   See, I don’t want words of wisdom, or the positive cliché. Please just pause, and stop to listen To what I have to say.   My body has betrayed me. I hate who I’ve become. My systems do not function. They no longer sync as one.   I don’t have pain or symptoms. It manifests in thoughts so clear. My emotions just take over. You see anger, I feel fear   I just want to say the things I feel. And let emotion flow. I don’t need for you to comfort me. I just want to let it go.   And if I cry or contradict, don’t take that as a slight. I know you are supportive, it just doesn’t mean it’s right.   Invisible and silent! How does that become your fate? And though others have gone through it Our journeys don’t relate.   I’ll still make it easy for you. Explain and hold your hand. So that I meet you where it works for you… As you can’t meet me where I am.   I will be fine, just like you said. Because I am so strong! And you can say, “I told you!” You knew it all along!!   Now I thank you, and I’m sorry. God, I wish that you could see. In every fiber of my being It’s only happening to me. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Evelina Johnson Buendia WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 Good moooorning. Just finished listening to Joyce Meyer this morning and her message for today was, “Don’t give up in the middle.” And that really hit home because, after the lumpectomy, I did my best to stay strong-minded. ’Cause, like Pastor O’Donnell just said, when you allow your soul to remain broken, that gives the enemy the perfect opportunity to take control. So praise God for the strength He gives me day by day to smile in the midst of my trials. Thank God for the strength to go on, thank God that I’m not sitting around feeling sorry for myself, thank God for reminding me that joy cometh in the morning and thank God that “I know” that I’m only being used for His glory. Yes! Father. Thank you for not allowing me to give up in the middle. ’Cause I could’ve easily turned on you when the report came back with a positive margin, or when the chemo would drain me, or even right now after losing a breast. Loooord, thank you for keeping me afloat and for not letting me give up in the middle. Amen. Connect with Evelina on Instagram   Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By June Gregorzek As a teenager all I wanted was breasts,   But instead I got bumps,   Where was the rest? I failed the pencil test my girlfriends could do, My pencil fell to the floor and hit my shoe.   You stayed flat through my teens   And into my marriage But grew when it was time for a baby carriage.   My milk came in and you grew in size but I could hardly believe my eyes!   Then you shrank again and stayed that way Until that very fateful day   Menopause! I now have boobs   Along with hot flashes and lots of moods!   We made it through that   But the time has come   To say goodbye, I will only have one.   You served me well   But as we say ta ta,   No ta tas for me   But I’ll still have a TA! Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Neil Vincent Scott she is not as pretty        as she used to be  just a few short months ago yet now       she is so much more beautiful  sparkling and shining with the illuminating colors of courage and unrelenting grit having run the gauntlet              through the canyons of chemo drinking from the chalice of changes celebrating the various wigs                    the cute little hats                     the steadfast optimism tenacious and tireless  in the face of changes and challenges she’ll be pretty again                pretty soon her hair will come back  her skin will come alive  her appetite will return her energy will be restored       life reclaimed with new breasts    a lasting testament        to a battle fought and won  surrounded by family and friends overflowing with encouragement and love                     mostly love  her soul deep beauty will magnify         day by day with that smile that she never left behind despite being caught in the crossfire between courage and cancer from diagnosis to discharge her weapons were always loaded with Taxol            Herceptin                   Zoloft and daily doses of letrozole like her         I have bled the blood of faith and hope counting blessings                not problems refusing to accept defeat having been in this war before with scars that cover my heart knowing the only way out                               is all in up, over and through navigating the labyrinth                    of blood draws                   doctor appointments                          disappointments sleepless nights temperatures that rose and fell  we balanced the weight               against the wait standing steadfast side by side celebrating courage and consequence  knowing that storms precede the sunshine ever comes the sun through the darkness of the night through the questions that remain unanswered the memories that continually haunt and the dreams yet to be fulfilled ever comes the sun         for beauty and the breasts Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Carol Collins Content warning: death I experienced my first personal cancer loss yesterday. I was supposed to be celebrating my 2-year NED yesterday. I was supposed to be celebrating a friend’s birthday.  I received a text message that a very dear friend had passed, his battle with cancer is now over. Survivor guilt kicked in immediately. He has a wife and teenage daughter. His family doesn’t deserve this. He was only diagnosed a year ago.  I am telling my brain that it’s not my fault, I can’t control cancer! My heart is broken for his family. My mind is overwhelmed, I am at a loss for words to truly express my emotions. I feel numb but want to scream at the same time. I… just don’t know how to process. My two-year NED date was yesterday, I am thrilled to be 730 days free of cancer. My oldest friend celebrated her birthday yesterday, Happy Birthday Jackie! We lost an amazing human yesterday. I will carry our memories with me. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Geri Radacsi  Like an eagle, hawk, buzzard, falcon, tawny owl sharp of talon and deadly of beak— let my immune system strike. Let it spew white blood T cells spotting the invaders inside my breast,  storm to destroy cancer. What was the cause? Genetic makeup? A caustic world? Radiation be my raptor.  Assail. Prey. Pray. On territory patrol, raptor, be driven by a survival instinct. Let my therapy with exquisite twists, sweep for mastery, hurl and glide, hunt and grapple. Will you pierce in a shadowy span? Guided by wide-eyed acuity. Precise.  Lock on to kill all that’s lethal to the very limit of the possible. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By William Laferriere I pitch my tent beneath the starlit dome, In the heart of the wild, and call it my home. Darkness descends, and I focus on the slipstream Camping amongst the pines, alive in a dream. The fire crackles, a flickering muse, Cherry embers dance, igniting the cruise, Each spark a thought, each flame a seam, I sit in silence, lost in the stream. The moon, a lantern in the velvet night, Bathes the world in a silvering light, I breathe in the essence of this ancient wood, Its wisdom flows softly, it whispers do good. Alone with my thoughts, I wander deeply within, Unraveling layers, awakening thoughts, and I grin, The rustle of leaves, the call of the owl, Lift my spirit, ignite my howl. What truths lie hidden in the depths of my soul? What stories await in the night’s gentle scroll? With each breath I take, I feel the release, The burdens of life fade, replaced by inner peace. The stars overhead, a celestial choir, Sing of the cosmos, of how to inspire, I close my eyes, let the night run its course, Awakening many whispers, a powerful force. In solitude’s cradle, I indeed find my voice, In the stillness of nature, I make it my choice, To embrace the unknown, to dance with the wild, To awaken my spirit, forever a child. As dawn breaks anew, painting skies with gold, I rise from my slumber, my heart brave and bold, For in this communion with earth and with sky, I’ve awakened my consciousness, and learned to fly. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

B y Rosalia Quintano I wonder... I wonder what name he introduces himself by when he first meets you, and I wonder if he looks you straight in the eyes while he shakes your hand as if it were a symbol of commitment... I wonder if he was conceived on the same day as you or even grew up with you in the same womb, or maybe it is just a coincidence to have him as a lifelong roommate? I wonder which words he uses to convince you to stop being afraid of him and just make peace, because this is the only way you can keep seeing the light.  I wonder what kinds of games you play with him and if he tells you the secrets of his life while you give him all of yours. Because from now on he will be eternally yours, for better or for worse, part of you, like those marriages that last for eternity.  I wonder if his invincible and indestructible being is a superpower that only he can afford to have. I wonder if he has ever had the chance to face one of the greatest enemies of fear, Hope. I wonder if justice is his friend or his enemy.  I wonder what kind of fairy tales he whispers in your ear to transform your gaze of terror into a mixture of serenity and acceptance.  I wonder if the addictions he shares with you, made of cocktails of drugs, give him moments of clarity and touch his conscience.  I wonder what kind of reasons he gives you to make you think that your loved ones will be ok. I wonder if he has ever asked permission to host his family in your home and let them sit in your most intimate spaces.  I wonder how he is able to seduce you to fall into his arms.  I wonder if empathy knocks on his door every now and then asking him to have mercy. I wonder if his charm resembles a snake charmer.  I wonder if, sometimes, his decision to leave you is because you decided to face him and cut him off, or it’s just a coincidence. I wonder if he tells you goodbye before you enter the afterlife and how he does it. I wonder if anyone ever tried to push him into the fires of Hell while he shed his crocodile tears during the last goodbye.  I wonder if his fame is only well-known on planet Earth or is also known elsewhere... I wonder if screaming his name out loud can keep him away from me: Cancer. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

B y Maria Montanile The left breast decided to tease the right,  “I’m still here! Still in sight. You are empty, not an issue, while I am full of breast tissue!” The right one yelled, “I’m not a cripple! You think you’re better because of a nipple!” “I have one, yes, you have none, seems to me that I have won…” Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

B y Gina Capobianco Growing from cancer. I am not the person I was at diagnosis. Cancer tried to take my life. It made me sick. Took me to the depths of a dark place, But I emerged from the darkness. Fought back against the cancer. Like a flower growing from dark soil I have bloomed. I am a different person. Stronger, more reflective. Cancer’s poisonous grip did not strangle me. I took root and grew. My will to live fought cancer’s will to kill. Now, I have a chance at life. I see so many options. New directions I can follow. My roots grow strong in the dark soil. A beautiful bloom replaces the darkness. With each breath I grow stronger, More resilient. Ready to truly live for the first time in my life. I have grown, Become the flower I was always meant to be. About Gina Capobianco: I have stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. I was treated with chemotherapy. The treatment was successful. I am now being treated with targeted treatment. I was 50 years old when I was diagnosed. A mammogram a few months before my diagnosis was normal. So, the diagnosis was a shock. I have the best medical team and support system. Writing has helped me through this battle. I wrote poems and journaled throughout treatment and continue to write. I also struggle with depression and anxiety, which made my cancer battle even more difficult. Writing helped in this area. I learned I have a fight in me. I know I am not finished fighting, but learning I have the ability to fight has made me stronger. Now, I hope to help others fight and live. I can be reached at ginacapobiancoauthor@gmail.com . Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

B y Jill Rackham In October 2020 my breast cancer diagnosis changed my life forever. But having some amazing nurses there most definitely helped me hold it together. So a big thank you to Linda, Beth, Alison and Lorraine. Throughout all this you have definitely helped to lessen my pain. Through the dark times my mind felt all over the place. Your words helped me to stop over thinking things in such haste. You have given me injections, treatment, wound checks and blood tests. You have completed my pre-ops and made me laugh when I didn’t feel my best. When the words of the surgeon or oncologist felt surreal or confusing. You helped me understand and then often we found things amusing. Four lots of surgery was advised to be had. Each time one of you visited me on the ward – this made me feel less sad. You have helped me adjust to my new “normal” life. And helped me overcome medication side effects which caused such strife. Your outstanding care has certainly seen me through. You each are like an Angel and I truly want to thank you. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

B y Susan Thomas What my body has endured over the last 9 months has been incredible.  Chemicals have been injected into me – killing everything in its path, including every single body hair. Every single one.  Depleting me of my self-confidence, my energy, my light.  The nausea and constant tiredness. The brain fog.  The tears. The rage. The anger. The sadness.  The silent tears and the constant pushing myself to take another step forward. Hiding the pain on some days.  My gums have bled, my stomach has ached, and my heart has broken, over and over again.  The endless procedures, MRIs, and CT scans. Veins have collapsed, my arms have felt like pincushions and my hands and feet have tingled and legs have cramped.  The fears that came with surgery and the further disappointment and heartbreak of having to return to surgery. The countless doctor visits and overwhelming task of medical bills, follow ups and admin.  Then the final chapter of this journey – driving daily for radiation treatment, lying there feeling overwhelmed breathing through a snorkel whilst this huge machine moves around you – and feeling no pain – wandering if anything is actually happening. Is the cancer truly gone…?  Slowly my body is recovering, my light is returning. My hair is growing. I am learning that who I am is not who I see in the mirror. I am more than that.  I am grateful.  I am grateful for my amazing children, my husband, my family, my friends, an amazing medical team and medical facilities. The opportunity to be able to afford medical aid.  I am grateful that things no longer taste like metal, for funny memes and encouraging messages – for small moments of joy – be it that cup of morning coffee, an unexpected phone call, a feel good song on the radio or a chance to ride my bicycle again. I am grateful I get to make more memories.  I am grateful for this path and the stronger person I am coming out of this. I choose to not live in the past. I choose for this to only have been a chapter of my life – but not the whole story.  Connect with Susan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanjaynethomas_ Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

B y Sara Kandler rainbow tendrils flail in the wind catch on the maple tree knobs a gift we brought you back from  a day at the beach fish meant to fly pinned lifeless to your bookshelf now hangs by our driveway ribbons twist and tear struggle in the gusts like you bent over your red walker back torqued like the fish hook of the Outer Cape aching knees give out at a moment’s notice one fall and I’m gone you taunted with a mischievous grin your favorite truism don’t  get  old or the rare compliment you done good and the one about the cabbie who declared let me be the foist ta congratulatchas you and mom settling in for the ride downtown dressed to the nines such a handsome couple no one could deny still you bemoaned your cavern deep  loneliness no real friends no one cared  a boy sent into the unknown for safety’s sake your arm flailing outside the train window auf wiedersehen you’re forced  to say grey pea coat brown valise twisted heart Follow Sara Kandler: https://medium.com/@sarakandler   Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

B y Jill Rackham Breast cancer, you’ve changed my life and I’m getting cross with you now. How is it that my dear friend also has a diagnosis somehow. Eleven months after hearing those terrible words. My friend had to hear them too, this is just so absurd. But thank goodness breast cancer we both found out you were there. And we have massively supported each other to help lessen the scare. We have together analysed the words of our oncologist and surgeon. Discussing everything in detail to try and reduce our mind’s burden. Even though our treatments and surgery gave us ailments and pain galore. We were always going to do anything to make sure that cancer was no more. We could talk to each other so honest and openly. Whilst helping each other to try and still see things positively. The hard-hitting words we have both heard will never leave us be. And maybe in years to come our journeys will get muddled and we won’t know which parts happened to my friend or me. We are now both adapting to our new normal life. And have hopefully overcome so much of our strife. Dealing with cancer is certainly tough for me and my friend. But I know the friendship bond we now have definitely has no end. We have felt each other’s pain in the darkest of moments, and now want life to be full of cheer. Breast cancer, we WILL overcome you, because you definitely have picked on the wrong two friends here! Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By VH Lester Where did I go when they drugged my veins  Who was the angelic nurse who effortlessly managed my pains? Who was the gentle man who held up my hair? Who were the compassionate friends always there At the end of a call or dropped by to check in Kind words of wisdom when in despair  Who are the suffering others that also slog through this hell The man in the corner who suddenly fell  The lady who sat and listened to bad news  The gentleman who sat calmly watching on pews  Did that nurse get any time off  Did the doctor who’s relentless with patients ever get cross Did the tea lady Jackie ever tire of her gift to uplift us all with biscuit or cake – with a look that’s so knowing and utterly bare that slays you as she says “sweet child do take care” I’m in bewildered surprise at these passionate folk who tirelessly give all for us patients to miraculously cope Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Gloria Shoon As I follow my heart’s wisdom And explore nature and all she has to offer I find myself dreaming Daring to face the past Whilst treating my mind, body and soul... My brain and heart connect passionately Geared for fun and living in the moment My soul whispers Believe in yourself Just Do It There is more to explore... The golden NURTURE stone spoke Throughout our Conscious Awareness Retreat The meditation that took me way, way, way back... Lying on my Papa’s chest in the hammock in a gentle embrace Nursing on my Mama’s breasts while cradled in her loving arms The Circle of Life Mandala with 8 big leaves attached to the Inner Circle 8 smaller leaves that weren’t All just slightly dancing in a clockwise direction From the spiraling Fibonacci sequence Again Nurture in Nature The circle at the centre Movement of the 3 Body, Mind, Soul Infinity... From hiking Bell Rock To posing for a photo with a Statue of Sacagawea A symbol of women’s worth and independence Reminded me of the Coin we were gifted in management training in IBM in 2000 Which to this day still lives in my wallet Never to be forgotten... Then to hiking The Sedona Airport Trail To walking the 8 midway along the path A weekend of Nurture-Recharge-Transform With 11 sis-stars and 1 brother... Finding the Archangels Patio  Perfect spot for the Inner Divinity Meditation To invoke the presence and symbolism of what they represent Archangel Michael - Safety - Connect with Our Higher Self, Source, The Oneness Archangel Gabriel - Messenger - Connect with our Inner Wisdom Archangel Uriel - Lights the way - Take action, 1 step at a time Archangel Raphael - Healing - Our Inner Healer So we can nurture those characteristics within ourselves... Rolling along, with a style all my own I make my mark A golden 5-pointed star shines brightly Believe, Achieve, Succeed OMG - Oh My God!!! Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Teresa Kander Fighter? Warrior? Survivor? No, that’s not who I am this time. I once fought cancer and won, But now there will be no final victory-- I may win battles along the way, But the war will go to the enemy. It’s not that I will ever give up on life; I plan to live every day to the fullest. Cancer won’t steal my joy in the days to come, Even when it comes to steal my life. TDK 10/5/24 Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Nancy Hodgkins A profound inescapable sadness Unrelenting. Unerringly the ache seeps into every pore of my heart and soul. Hijacking my natural joy. Like a flower struggling bravely not to wilt in a torrential rain. Longing for safety in a shelter away from the heaviness of the emotional storm The wind hears the flower’s sigh of defeat. … Unimaginable Regret … An impossible wish to turn back the hands of time. A lightning bolt strikes. Cuts through the sky like broken glass eroding warm memories and leaving them tattered on the edge of despair. Thunder rages, trees bend until the storm finally passes on. A ray of sunshine peeks through the dark clouds and the flower’s petals shift towards the light reaching for a glimmer of hope. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By William Laferriere Darkness descends, yet Something flickers,  A flame illuminating my path Whispers in the universal void, My spirit, a connective thread Weaves through this labyrinthine existence Unseen, yet present, The rhythm of the universe, A sweet, soft song guides my steps I look to the mountains, I look to the wind, I strive to overcome the impossible Amidst all the chaos and confusion, I stand secure, unwavering, at the helm, And I navigate towards calmer shores In moments of doubt, A sudden surge, a wave of conviction, Washes away uncertainty Through the many valleys of remorse and sorrow, It transforms into a gentle, clear stream, Carving new channels of hope When joy overflows, It dances, a wild and free spirit, Vibrantly painting the sky In the quietest of moments, It whispers ancient wisdom, and Echoes of lessons to be learned Formless yet formed, Invisible, yet seen, My spirit guides, nudges, embraces It is the compass in the storm, With roots in shifting sands, Providing wings needed to soar Through life’s many challenges, It remains, a constant companion, Ever-evolving, ever-guiding, ever-me. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Jill Rackham “Mental Chatter” we have become very good friends. Always chatting to me there is no end. Hearing the word “cancer” has definitely made you more prominent. However, I really don’t want you to be this dominant. You are really quite animated during the night. Sometimes your chatter does give me a fright. Repeating conversations with the oncologist, you were listening so well. I wonder “Mental Chatter” how long you will be around, only time will tell. You remind me of each surgery and the surgeon’s every word. I don't need your reminder, I won’t forget anything I heard. I am so ready for a peaceful night’s sleep, that is all I ask. Maybe you could give me some much needed peace at last. Connect with Jill on Instagram Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By William Laferriere in a bleak silent antiseptic room machinery lightly hums thoughts drift like asymmetrical leaves on a stream uncertainty and courage unfold a mosaic of moments fragmentary yet whole the body a landscape of change each and every scar a story a testament to resilience to the will to endure to transform and transcend the face in the mirror seems unfamiliar the eyes hold a fierce light a determination that defies words a silent promise to oneself the world outside moves in its rhythm yet here time warps bends and stretches moments of clarity amidst the haze finding strength in unexpected places hands reach out connections form threads of empathy weave a tapestry shared journeys and whispered fears laughter echoes in the void in this space of becoming and unraveling  there is beauty in the struggle a graceful intent a metamorphosis unfolding quietly powerfully the emergence of something new from within and as the dawn breaks anew each day there is hope in the light filtering through a reminder that transformation is not an end but a beginning a continuous journey towards wholeness Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events