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Real people sharing real-life experiences about real issues to educate, motivate, and inspire you.

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I didn’t have cancer, but I still carry the scars: A BRCA previvor’s story

03/05/25 | BY: Cate Hardiman

BRCA previvor Cate Hardiman opens up about the emotional scars left by her preventive surgeries, the weight of survivor’s guilt, and the impact of caregiving for her sister with metastatic breast cancer. Even as she recovered from her own mastectomy, she sat beside her sister through infusions, putting her own healing on hold.

Your story matters

We invite you to share your personal journey of embracing authenticity. Whether it’s how you approached treatment decisions, stayed true to yourself, or found a unique way to support your mental health, your voice can inspire and support our community.

Share your story

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Popular stories

Kimberley Robinson smiling with her son at a restaurant

Kimberley’s story

Determined not to repeat the silence of her past, Kimberley Robinson draws on a heartfelt experience with her late mother to emphasize the power of open communication and transform a breast cancer diagnosis into a source of family unity and strength.

Kimberley’s story

A masked Mike Hooves sits in a chemo chair, bright and defiant in pink

Mike's story

Mike Hooves offers a poignant reflection on navigating cancer with authenticity and advocacy as a non-binary individual, from seeking support in queer communities to challenging stereotypes in healthcare settings. They reveal the intersection of gender identity and cancer, with insights and personal reflections on the importance of inclusive healthcare practices in breast cancer treatment.

Mike's story

Jenni Hetzel-Gaynor smiling with her three children

Jenni’s story

Jenni Hetzel-Gaynor braces for the worst as she faces a breast cancer diagnosis, and with it, the fear of isolation. Would her family, strained by physical and emotional distance, be there for her? Join Jenni as she navigates chemo rounds, decision-making, reconstructive surgery, and a memorable Taylor Swift concert.

Jenni's story

Amy Almas, a young mom, poses with her energetic children, a boy and a girl, on a soccer field

Amy's story

Amy chronicles her journey with metastatic breast cancer, focusing on the emotional rollercoaster of sharing the news with loved ones, friends, and colleagues. From navigating support systems to dealing with unwanted attention, Amy shares a relatable perspective for anyone grappling with the challenge of sharing difficult news.

Amy's story

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About this blog

READ OUR BLOG FOR INSPIRING AND EMPOWERING STORIES.

Sometimes it helps to read the stories of others to remind yourself that you are not alone. Whether you're newly diagnosed, years beyond treatment or living with metastatic breast cancer, you'll find stories you can relate to here.

Have a question? Get in touch here with us.

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We are grateful to our contributors, readers, and Healthline for these special awards over the years.

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DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions of our bloggers represent the views and opinions of the bloggers alone and not those of Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Also understand that Living Beyond Breast Cancer does not medically review any information or content contained on, or distributed through, its blog and therefore does not endorse the accuracy or reliability of any such information or content. Through our blog, we merely seek to give individuals creative freedom to tell their stories. It is not a substitute for professional counseling or medical advice.

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