I don’t think any of us ever fully go back to our “old selves” after something like this. The experience changes us deeply , not just the person going through it, but the whole family as well. Personally, I still struggle with allowing others to support me. I try to stay grounded in the facts: my treatment is ongoing and will continue for another four years. I take care of myself by eating healthy, exercising, meditating, going to therapy, and praying, placing in God’s hands the things that are beyond my control.

Still, there are moments when I just need to cry, to release the sadness and frustration that come from constantly worrying about my health. I’m 44, and my greatest hope is to live a long life and watch my little girl grow up healthy and beautiful.

My advice is this: try to look for the lesson in this experience. Let it shape a new version of you stronger, wiser, and even more resilient than before.