Working in healthcare as a breast cancer survivor and advocate has caused me to develop a greater understanding of being in the roll of a patient.

I have been a patient and I definitely wanted to be treated with kindness and respect. It has caused me to have more empathy and compassion daily. I work in an Adult Medical Clinic, sometimes it can be triggering when I know the patient has breast cancer, especially a newly diagnosed patient. I can definitely empathize with how they are feeling, emotions are running rampant. I have had the opportunity to encourage some of them and offer support from my own lived experiences. It offers hope when they see me thriving and they can see the other side of it all. I always encourage them to advocate for themselves. I was blessed to take off work both times when I went through my cancer diagnosis. I could barely take care of myself and I’m grateful to God I didn’t have work, all my needs were met and I was able to focus on my own recovery and healing. Now as a survivor, Medical Assistant and advocate I will quickly let my supervisor and coworkers know…if I’m not feeling good I’m staying home to take care of me. I’m not pushing myself to come to work when I’m not well to help patients. I’m going to prioritize myself every time. I’m going to give myself grace unapologetically. I love my 💖job I have almost 29 years of service. I enjoyed helping people and putting a smile on their face.