Recalculating: My Cancer Journey and the Support That Continues to Guide Me
My cancer journey so far has included many twists and turns. At times, I’ve been unsure where I was headed or had to change direction suddenly. What has made all the difference is that I haven’t had to navigate any of it alone.
In December 2025, I learned I had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Suddenly, I was trying to understand a confusing diagnosis, make difficult decisions, and face a frightening level of uncertainty. At a cousin’s prompting, I called Sharsheret and connected with a social worker who quickly became a steady source of support. She walked me through my diagnosis and the commonly available options, helped me mentally prepare for appointments, and talked through my concerns without ever making me feel rushed. Most importantly, she reminded me that my questions and feelings were valid.
I was also welcomed into one of Sharsheret’s private Facebook groups, a community of women, many of whom were or had been exactly where I was. They helped me prepare thoughtful questions for my surgeon, shared tips for getting my home ready for recovery, and celebrated with me when I advocated for myself in medical settings. Their lived experience became a source of strength and reassurance.
Three days before my mastectomy, the anesthesiology department requested a hematology workup—and the clinic couldn’t fit me in. My surgery was canceled and postponed. This was heartbreaking. One of the first things I did was reach out to my Sharsheret social worker. Just knowing she was there helped me center myself as I worked to accept this unexpected detour and the uncertainty of when I would be rescheduled.
Moments like this remind me of the old Garmin GPS systems we used in our cars. When you hit a roadblock, the Garmin would pause and say, “recalculating,” before mapping out a new route. It always got you where you needed to go—just sometimes by a different path. As I look ahead to surgery, I know Sharsheret will continue to offer that same calm, reassuring support to help me “recalculate” whenever the road shifts beneath my feet.
A Few Gentle Suggestions for Anyone on This Path
- Reach out early — support is most powerful before you feel overwhelmed.
- Lean on community spaces like Sharsheret’s Facebook group to test ideas, gather practical tips, and learn from those with lived experience.
- Advocate with your healthcare providers for what you need — your voice matters.
- And remember, changing direction isn’t failure. It’s navigation.