In addition to my Mom, here’s a woman that inspires me greatly. Meet Jen. I am very proud to call her my friend and mentor. She is the creator of my “infamous” hair flip profile photo, an incredible photographer/businesswoman and a BADASS!! Six months ago she was diagnosed with cancer in one of her breasts and chose to have a bilateral mastectomy (double mastectomy). She chronicled her cancer journey through surgery, reconstruction and chemotherapy on YouTube & Facebook and has helped countless women, especially by encouraging them to get a mammogram and check for lumps regularly. It can happen to ANYONE… even a health & fitness enthusiast like Jen. Two months after her diagnosis, my mother was diagnosed too and found great comfort watching Jen’s video journal and so did I.
You can find her on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MoBKtUpKwsY
“Today marks 6 months since my bilateral mastectomy.
Cancer is a battle. I may not have cancer anymore, but we are surely still battling. Cancer is a thief. It tries to rob you of all the good in your life.
Admittedly, there are days that cancer wins. It breaks me down and I just cry. It leaves a darkness running through my veins.
Then there are the days that I am victorious and cancer can just go fuck itself.
As I am in the period in between chemo and my reconstruction, I am trying to find a new normal. It hasn’t been easy for me.
I miss the gym. I miss my energy. I miss my old body. I miss being carefree.
Today, on my 6 month anniversary of my surgery I would like to send cancer a public message. When I was first diagnosed I said this, and today I want to say it again.
Cancer, you have taken my breasts. You have stolen my security. You have taken my life hostage in so many ways. But cancer, I have bad news for you. You will NEVER steal my smile.” – Jen Rozenbaum
Shoes: @healingheels
photo: @taylorlaurenbarker
treatment: @sloankettering
cold cap: @dignicap
#survivor