How I Found My Inner Superhero

Photography by SweetArt Images

Life can change within a blink of an eye, or a “touch of your breast”.

After finding out about my cancer diagnosis, through a self check in the shower, I was faced with the biggest fear of all, “How much time do I have left?” When people say, your life flashes before your eyes, the first image that came to mind was my precious boys, the ones I cannot live without.

The questioning of whether or not I’d have the honour of creating more memories with them, guiding them, loving them, protecting them and watching them grow up into men, turned my fear, into hope, my weakness into strength. My lifelong wish.

Muhammad Ali once said, “Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.” Instead of falling down, I decided to stand my ground. They say little boys are just superheroes in disguise. Discovering my breast cancer made me feel like I am my own hero too. I don’t need an alter ego – I aim to be a superhero, with my super strength to survive.

I don’t want to hide that going through chemotherapy is a walk in the park. My body is weak and worn like never before. However, the journey I am going through has made my spirit awaken like a phoenix rising from its ashes, or like the metamorphosis of a butterfly, ready to fly. The teachings that our body is our temple and the self love that I’ve carried, along with my almost 36 years of life, and motherhood, have all contributed to the ability to use that driving force as an energy to fight. I’ve decided to turn this diagnosis into a life of inspiration. Inspiration to help myself along with other women, through my personal journey.

I aspire to empower people by sharing my fears and how I have been able to overcome them. I aim to bring hope for a promising future, that will wash away the pain of the past and replace it with joy, blessings and gratitude for tomorrow.

Strength doesn’t always have to be physical. Mental strength is just as important, if not more so. Dealing with a cancer diagnosis, regardless of the type, and especially during a world pandemic, tests your mental fortitude. One of the hardest things for me is going through the emotions with the feeling that the world is shut down and the isolation that brings.

Better yet, enduring grueling treatments alone.

But know this, they say the light shines brightest after the storm and part of this light is through other pink sisters that are also going through what you are too. They are the ones that really understand what it is like, when others don’t.

You are not alone. – Jennet Di Genova

Have you been diagnosed with breast cancer and are looking to connect with others? Join the Rethink community here.