chemo cancer chemotherapy fuckcancer cancersucks breastcancer cancerawareness cancerfighter cancersurvivor survivor alopecia cancersupport love bloodcancer braincancer breastcancersurvivor cancerwarrior family lymphoma breastcancerawareness cervicalcancer chemohair fcancer fightcancer fightlikeagirl health lungcancer radiation selfcare pinkribbon
I found my own brain tumor. I knew. Before everyone else knew, before everyone else believed me, I knew.
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After three years of pain and fatigue related to what I assumed to be Chronic Lyme Disease (which it might have been, or it might have been a combination of that and the tumor) I begged my doctors for a MRI. They said they didn’t think they’d find anything, but humored me anyway. The scan showed a mass in my right parietal lobe. After six weeks of waiting and more advocating, another test showed the tumor was growing and possibly malignant.
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The doctors originally wanted to “watch and see.” Insurance didn’t cover the test I argued for, deeming it experimental and unnecessary. The test that helped save my life, considered unneeded. Over the top. I was being “dramatic” — and yet here we are, one surgery & ICU stay & pathology report later, well into treatment for aggressive, grade 3, brain cancer.
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Dear friends, especially women, young people, queer folx, people of color — stand up for what you k n o w inside of you. You’re right. You know your body best. Advocate. If you aren’t sure how to, ask someone for help. You deserve answers, health, & agency over your own medical life and story. Don’t give up. It could save your life.
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Art by: @cantgoout_imsick
My puppy face before bed time #teamaudrey #audreysworld #warriors #childhoodcancer #cancer #braincancer #brainsurgery #braintumor #braincancerawareness #cure #smile #pics #tumor #chemo #blessed #beautiful #cancerawarness #beatcancer #survivor #brave #follow #instakids #bedtime #sleep #gold #fighter #inspire #brain #share #journey
being myself.
something i need to start working on is how i show up to things. i’ve been trying to create a hugely positive vibe in the room because that’s my thing but i need to stop trying to make every head in the room smile and just be me. i think if i put all that energy towards myself, i might have the same effect.
lately, i’ve felt more vulnerable. being out of chemo has made me feel more human and less like a full-time patient but that comes at a cost. when i was in pure survival mode, my mind was at a whole different place. my social anxiety i had before all that is starting to come back, as things slow down. i need to work on replacing the fear in my mind and body with love.
patience, i love you
*** NEW BLOGPOST + VIDEO OF THE FINALS ONLINE!!!! ****
I WON!!❤️
Holy sh*t I won, did not see that one coming. I am so, so grateful for this opportunity, to be able to share my story with others and inspire them❤️ I translated the video of me doing my pitch which you can find it with the link in my bio under the section: YouTube channel OR in my new blogpost!!✨✨ Voor de Nederlanders: de video is dus gewoon lekker in het Nederlands
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Alopecia came in the news, the jury told me that I create and inspire others and I get to represent my school to become the mbo ambassador in the netherlands! (Mbo is comparable with Secondary vocational education!). I could not be more prouder of myself, but I owe a big thank you, to all of you. You guys have inspired me to do what I love most, which is helping others❤️
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The last thing I want to share, was the main point of my presentation: be yourself and go after your dreams. Find your passion. Don’t be afraid to show yourself, everyone has something, you don’t have to fit into the perfect picture ✨
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Huuuuge thank you to my school and @teamxollie for the workshops
After three years of treatment, and all of the chemotherapy, side effects, sickness and hospital stays that comes with it, watch the heart-warming moment Felix finally gets to ring the end of treatment bell with his family.
Watch the full video to find out more about Felix’s story, as we question: what’s next for Felix? http://bit.ly/FelixRingsTheBell
#ChildhoodCancer #ChildrenwithCancer #RingingtheBell #EndofTreatmentBell #BellRingingMoment #ResearchSavesLives #KeepingFamiliesTogether #Families #Family #Heartwarming #Chemo
Hello shaved head
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Today I had a little morning shower and the hair started coming out. I knew it was going to come but you can’t help think when the doctor says sometimes he sees people who’s hair doesn’t fall out that that could be you! •
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Losing my hair was my biggest fear, chemo I could get through but having it fall out in my hands or finding lumps in the pillow was scared me. So I decided I was going to take control from the start of diagnosis and fo do this I got my hair cut from long to a bob to short and shaved sides and today when I pulled it out I freaked out a bit and messaged my friend @keeleighh_xx to come and shave it all off, cancer was NOT taking my hair from me without my permission
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I can’t tell you how liberating it feels to take control and a breeze or people stroking it feels so amazing! It’s a different look but a sign that will remind me of my strength everytime I look in the mirror. It’s just temporary and if I lose more and go bald, so bloody be it!
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Thanks @keeleighh_xx for coming last minute, talking me through it and making me love it. You’re amazing