What keeps me coming back to CBBC is the educational information...

Penita’s Story

My breast cancer journey started August of 2019. The diagnosis was triple negative breast cancer. One thing I've learned alone the way is to make peace with death. A diagnosis of cancer and going through treatment can be a matter of life and death. I trained my daily energies toward managing symptoms, finding joy in each day, imagining a favorable next day, and sleeping through the nights. I learned that although there may be many supports around you, no one can walk this journey, but you. There were times I felt simultaneously lonely and supported. I draw strength from my inner being where God resides, and from family and friends. That includes practicing affirming thoughts, being kind to myself, forgiving myself and others, and believing that all these circumstances work towards my good and joy. Being a survivor is to overcome the experience and impact of cancer and treatment - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually; realizing that although the experience does not define who I am, it does contribute to how I now see and experience the world differently. I would say to others on the journey that it's ok to not be ok. Sometimes you need permission to feel crappy without feeling guilt from people telling you to "stay positive." I became involved in CBBC when a church member friend sent me information about the organization. I immediately went online to look it up. The video clips were quite helpful. I went to the next meeting, What keeps me coming back to CBBC is the educational information provided by the professionals, and the black women with whom I share common experiences. The connection I feel, as well as the information I learn, is invaluable in my life. A high point for me was the first meeting I attended. I learned that cancer can return to the breast area even if there has been a mastectomy. This was important because I was at the point of having to make a decision about whether I was going with a lumpectomy or mastectomy. The information helped me make an informed decision. One thing I tell others about CBBC is the video clips online, that anyone can watch, and that it is coming from medical professionals. I talk about how I get so much out of being in the group, especially learning from the other women's strategies for symptoms that could be helpful for me. One wish I have for the future of CBBC is that it gets funding to sustain its activities. I am inspired to share my experiences with hopes that my story will inspire someone else to form a deeper relationship with self. I am grateful for the way it transpired for me to become involved with CBBC.