The day I heard the words “it is cancer” will forever be imprinted in my memory. It was as though time stopped, and the weight of those words crashed over me in a wave of fear, confusion, and an overwhelming sense of vulnerability. I had always tried to stay informed about health, taking care of myself, and doing everything I could to stay healthy, but nothing could have prepared me for the raw reality of a cancer diagnosis.
It all started with a routine mammogram. A routine procedure I’d done without a second thought, but this time, something showed up—an abnormality. I underwent a biopsy, and the results confirmed my worst fear. Cancer. The words I had dreaded hearing were now my reality.
It felt as if the ground beneath me had crumbled away. Everything I thought I knew about life suddenly shifted. I was no longer just a person going about my day-to-day life; I was now in the fight of my life. A diagnosis that would change everything about how I saw the world and my future.
The whirlwind that followed—doctor visits, tests, more tests, the unfamiliar feeling of fear and uncertainty—was almost too much to bear. At times, it felt like I was being thrown into a storm without a life jacket, desperately trying to stay afloat. But I knew that the only way out of the storm was through it. And so, the journey began.
I started chemotherapy in September, a tough and taxing process, but each round felt like a step closer to defeating cancer. Six rounds of chemotherapy are no small feat. There were days when I felt physically drained, emotionally exhausted, and overwhelmed by the side effects. But through all of it, I held on to something deeply important: the power of staying positive, trusting in the process and chasing the bright side.
It’s easy to let fear, doubt, and negativity take over in situations like these. But I have learned that maintaining a positive attitude is more than just a “mind over matter” concept—it’s a critical part of the journey. By keeping my mindset focused on hope, resilience, and the belief that this was just a chapter in my life, I found strength I didn’t even know I had.
I’ve come to realize that it’s not just about surviving the treatment—it’s about thriving throughout it. There were hard days, certainly, but there were also moments of beauty, connection, and strength. My family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers have been my lifeline through this journey. Their messages, visits, and acts of kindness have shown me the true power of community. It’s a reminder that we are never alone, even in our darkest moments. The support I’ve received has been a constant source of strength.
As I approach surgery in January and prepare for the next phase of my treatment with radiation, I feel a sense of gratitude. Yes, there’s fear, but there’s also hope. I know that staying positive—focusing on the progress I’ve made and the light at the end of the tunnel—has made all the difference.
I’ve learned so much about resilience. Not just physical resilience, but mental, emotional and spiritual resilience. I’ve learned to take it day by day, to embrace the small victories, and to give myself grace on the tougher days. This journey has taught me that it’s okay to have hard days—it’s okay to be scared or tired—but it’s also essential to hold on to hope and to believe that every day brings me closer to healing. And people want to help so allow them that gift that provides them more than me.
As I continue this journey toward surgery and radiation, I know the road won’t always be easy, but I also know that my attitude, my mindset, and the incredible support system I have will make all the difference. There is power in staying positive. There is power in choosing hope.
For anyone facing their own challenges, whether it’s cancer or something else, I urge you to remember this: attitude is everything. Choose hope. Choose positivity. Choose to rise above the obstacles, because you are stronger than you realize, and you’re never alone. Always chase the bright side.
PODCAST – The Featured Keynote for Winter Conference 2025: Headbands of Hope with Jess Ekstrom
Leave a Reply