By Lauren O’Connell
Chemotherapy is a challenging journey, but I made a conscious decision not to let it stop me from living my life. During the second part of my treatment—12 rounds of taxol—I found my white blood cell counts were up, giving me the green light to venture out. Despite the physical changes and side effects, I chose to face the world head-on, with confidence and a positive attitude.
Confidence during chemo is something that I suspect is a struggle for many women. It's strange to feel like you're in a body that's not quite yours. Every outing became a ritual of self-acceptance and empowerment. I put on my makeup, styled my wig or donned a cozy beanie, and stepped out, determined not to let my bald head, weight gain, or newfound acne keep me from enjoying life. I embraced each imperfection, understanding that this was a temporary season in my life, not a defining moment.
Weight gain and acne are common side effects of chemotherapy, and they can be disheartening. I experienced firsthand how easy it is to let these changes affect self-esteem. However, I reminded myself daily that my worth was not tied to my appearance. This journey taught me to accept and love myself unconditionally, no matter what I saw in the mirror.
Outings during this time were not just about maintaining a sense of normalcy but also about celebrating small victories. Whether it was a casual lunch with friends, speaking at a conference, or walking around the mall, each moment out of the house was a reminder of my resilience and strength. I refused to hide away and let cancer dictate my life.
Through it all, I found immense support from my loved ones and the community around me. Their encouragement bolstered my spirit and reminded me that beauty and strength come from within. This journey, although difficult, has been a profound lesson in self-love and acceptance. I embraced each day with grace, knowing that this season, too, shall pass, and that I am more than my circumstances.
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