03/11/2026
When I was diagnosed with Triple Negative at 33, people kept telling me how strong I was.
“You’ve got this.”
“You’re a fighter.”
“You're so brave”
And I know it came from love.
But if I’m honest?
Those words were triggering.
Because what’s the alternative?
I have to have this.
I don’t want this.
I don’t get to opt out.
Being called strong can feel like a compliment.
But sometimes it feels like pressure.
Like you’re not allowed to fall apart.
Like you’re supposed to carry it well.
I didn’t feel strong waking up from surgery.
I didn't feel strong leaving chemo treatments.
I didn't feel strong laying under a beam of radiation.
I felt scared.
Disoriented.
Changed.
And if you’ve ever been told how strong you are when you felt anything but… I see you.
Strength doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it’s just breathing through something you never wanted.
If TNBC is part of your story, you don’t have to perform strength here because no one fights alone 💗