Thankfully, the lump on her breast was benign, but the experience stuck with her.
This means that TNBC doesnt respond to hormone therapies or medications that target HER2 proteins.
Consequently, its more difficult to treat.
And when we go to our healthcare professionals, we are often dismissed.
We are often not given the kind of care we desire and deserve.
Well+Good: What was it like for you to work on this project?
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Thats what we do so well, but its exhausting.
We cant have the luxury of just being sick.
Now we got to be sick and be advocates for other people.
We literally are magic as Black women.
And as somebody who worked in public health, I was very fulfilled.
Its one of those moments where youre like, You know what?
Nothing is ever wasted.
Im grateful that I get the opportunity to do that.
Why is breast cancer awareness advocacy important to you?
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Okay, well hold on.
Let me make an appointment.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
Ill just live with it.
Were not supposed to live with pain.
Then Ive got to get time off, and I actually want vacation days.
Its just like we are always juggling this or that.
What is one thing you wish women knew more about when it comes to catching and treating breast cancer?
We stress awareness because it is the one thing that we can actually do.
You know how they say start your breast cancer screenings at 40 or do this at these ages?
While those are really good barometers, there are always outliers.
If its ruled, its ruled out.
Its easy to say that if you have healthcare, but we know that so many people dont.
But thats a story for another day.
What are the possibilities that I could have it?
Is there a special screening?
Just ask so that they know, Okay, shes at least aware.
I put it in.
Some Mondays Im like, Were not taking any meetings this Monday if Im traveling over the weekend.
Well start everything on Tuesday.
Its slowing down in a way that makes sense for you.
My therapist had to tell me doing nothing doesnt mean youre lazy.
Because I was like, I feel like Im lazy.
Shes like, Or you have been working nonstop for the last decade.
So, youre tired, and you have to give yourself grace and the ability to not do anything.
Im like, Youre right.
How long did it take for you to feel like rest wasnt a waste of time?
Earlier this year I made a conscious decision.
My words for this year were ease and flow.
I wanted it, but I didnt know how to achieve it in real-time practice.
It was a lot of conversations with myself.
I just dont know how else to be.
It was a learning, and it took a couple of months for sure.
What is the best self-care advice you ever received?
Its one that we all know: you cant pour from an empty cup.
It dont exist no more.
You have nothing to give.
Listen to your body.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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