After a breast cancer diagnosis

?“Finding hope and building resilience”

It’s empowering to think about how we, as breast cancer survivors, find strength and positivity well into survivorship. For many of us, the battle doesn’t end when treatment does.?My own experience taught me?valuable lessons like finding ways to reclaim joy and strength in everyday life.

The most powerful tools I use are creating awareness, advocating, supporting others, and writing. Keeping a diary of my daily experiences has been an anchor?that?helps?me process emotions and track progress, even on the toughest days.

My Journey of Resilience

After being diagnosed and beginning treatment, I soon realized that the road to recovery was more about just beating the disease; it was about reclaiming my life, finding joy in small things, and staying hopeful even on the darkest days. With my background in media, keeping a diary of my daily experiences became my anchor. I began writing during treatment, as my eyes were opened to many anomalies within the oncology and radiotherapy sectors in my country. The lack of equipment and the shortage of manpower in cancer treatment at the time was glaringly an issue that needed serious attention. I witnessed and learned about a lot of cases of cancer mortality that could have been prevented if the right equipment had been available. Writing allowed me to document these challenges, providing a clear record of what needed to be advocated for, even when I felt stuck in a cycle of pain and fatigue.

The Power of Advocacy and Giving Back

Advocating and creating awareness campaigns became irresistible to me, even though cancer was heavily stigmatized in Nigeria at the time. This drive led to the founding of the ATINUKE CANCER FOUNDATION?and the coining of our slogan ‘LET’S KILL IT!’ where I began to advocate for others. I dedicated myself to spreading the message of early detection, sharing my survival story, and supporting others battling cancer through various platforms – Nigerian televisions, radios, newspapers, social media, and my blog spot.

One of the most pivotal moments in my journey was when my story became the first cancer survivor story aired by BBC News Pidgin for World Cancer Day in February 2017, marking their entry into Nigeria. These actions gave my journey a new purpose. Turning my experience into something positive, I became a beacon of hope for other survivors who were starting their fight. Helping others and being part of a larger movement that emphasizes strength, resilience, and survival has brought me a profound sense of healing and fulfillment

Embracing Support Networks

One of the most powerful sources of strength for me has been the support from others who truly understand the journey. I developed a close-knit bond with the medical doctors who treated me at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos including the late Professor T. Aderemi Ajekigbe, Prof. Francis Durosinmi-Etti, OFR. Dr. Muhammad habeebu , Dr Adewumi Alabi MBBS, FWACS, FMCR, FICS, IAEA Fellow , and Dr. Gbenro Olukiran as well as Dr. Sam KESHINRO , Dr. Ojukwu AVLSC. Beyond this, connecting with a broader community like the Atinuke Cancer Foundation friends and survivors who walked the same path has brought a profound sense of solidarity.

I also found strength in meeting incredible individuals, such as the African Barbie Heiress Dr Chika Okem Akwiwu and other champions I encountered at the 19th Reach to Recovery Breast Cancer Conference in Prague, Czech Republic?such as Cathy Brice Hirsch , Dr Fatima Cardoso , Leonie Young @Rama Sivaram, @Steph Jacobs, RENUKA PRASAD Jo Lovelock, Faresi Takawira , Catherine Ngaracu - Mutua and so many others. It wasn’t just about sharing tips for managing side effects or discussing treatment options – it was about the comfort of knowing that I wasn’t alone.?The?many experts in oncology, psychology, and wellness, and their advice has been instrumental in maintaining a positive outlook.?The support of the journalists, colleagues who helped to broadcast my message of hope, and most especially the God-sent sponsors who believed in my vision and mission and stood by.?This camaraderie has been a lifeline, offering hope and encouragement on even the hardest days.

Advice on Staying Positive

Mindfulness and Meditation ?Incorporating mindfulness practices into daily life can help manage stress and anxiety. I believe strongly in Prayers and Meditation, even for just a few minutes a day, it creates?a sense of calm and perspective.

Physical Activity: Staying active, within one’s limits, is crucial. It boosts mood, reduces fatigue, and can improve overall quality of life. Walking can be particularly beneficial.

Creative Outlets: Engaging in creative activities?takes your mind off unnecessary thoughts?– can be a wonderful way to express emotions and find joy. It’s a reminder that life is about more than cancer; it’s about beauty?and self-expression.

Nutrition and Self-care: A balanced diet and self-care rituals can make a significant difference in how we feel day-to-day. Nourishing the body with healthy food, staying hydrated, and taking time to pamper oneself are all acts of self-love.

Spreading the Message of Survivorship

Groups and individuals around the world are doing incredible work in spreading messages of support, advocacy, and survivorship. The Atinuke Cancer Foundation is just one example of an organization that provides a platform to raise awareness, support, and encourage others. My?upcoming event, celebrating 1 decade of survival?is a testament to the power of resilience. It’s events like these that remind us of the strength we all possess and the importance of celebrating every milestone, no matter how small.

A Message to Fellow Survivors

10 years down the lane of surviving cancer; If there’s one thing I?know and can specifically point out, it’s that our stories matter. Each of us has a unique journey, but what ties us together is our resilience, our determination to live fully despite the challenges we’ve faced. Let’s continue to support one another, and to celebrate the beautiful, vibrant lives we are living.?This is just a starting point, but I hope it resonates with others who are navigating their own journey.??Sharing love?can make a world of difference to someone who might be feeling lost or alone in their fight against cancer.

?Together, we triumph! LET’S KILL IT!