When I was first diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, I was blindsided. The words “stage 4” carried a weight that felt suffocating, and the well-meaning advice from others to “stay positive” seemed almost dismissive. I remember thinking, I’m sick. No amount of positive thinking is going to change that. As an optimist by nature, I’ve always leaned toward hope, but the gravity of my diagnosis made me question whether positivity could truly make a difference. I was skeptical, even resistant, to the idea that my mindset could influence my physical battle. Yet, over the past six years of fighting this insidious disease, I’ve come to understand the profound connection between optimism, perseverance, and survival.
Cancer is relentless. It doesn’t care about your plans, your dreams, or your strength. It’s a thief that steals energy, time, and sometimes hope. In those early days, I clung to my natural optimism like a lifeline, but I’d be lying if I said there weren’t moments when despair crept in. Over the years, I’ve faced countless setbacks—chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries, and the emotional toll of living with uncertainty. There were times when the weight of it all pulled me into depression and discouragement. I noticed a pattern: when my spirit faltered, my body followed. My health would take a nosedive, as if my physical strength was tethered to my mental resolve.
Most recently, I experienced this connection in a way that changed me forever. In February 2025, I let fear take hold. I was mentally exhausted, worn down by the endless fight. At the start of that month, I was physically stable, but the mental strain was overwhelming. I allowed myself to dwell in that fear, to feel the full weight of my diagnosis. By the end of the month, the consequences were undeniable: I lost the use of my legs, and my entire body was inflamed. I ended up in the hospital, my condition deteriorating rapidly. It was a wake-up call, a stark reminder that my mindset wasn’t just a feel-good accessory—it was a critical part of my survival.
On the second or third day in the hospital, lying in that sterile room, I had a moment of clarity. I realized that if I didn’t shift my perspective, I might not make it out. I made a conscious decision to return to the optimistic, cheerful person I’ve always been. I began giving thanks every morning for waking up, for another chance to fight, to change my circumstances. I leaned into gratitude, not as a cliché, but as a deliberate act of defiance against despair. And something remarkable happened: my health began to improve. My blood pressure, which had been erratic, started stabilizing. With grueling physical therapy and unwavering determination, I regained the use of my legs. The inflammation, though slow to subside, became manageable because I approached it with a renewed sense of purpose.
This experience taught me that optimism isn’t about denying reality or pretending everything is fine. It’s about choosing to see possibility in the face of impossibility. It’s about waking up each day and deciding to fight, not just for your body, but for your spirit. Perseverance means showing up for yourself, even when the odds feel insurmountable. It’s the hard work of physical therapy, the discipline of gratitude, and the courage to believe in better days.
I’ve learned that a positive mindset doesn’t cure cancer, but it creates a foundation for resilience. It’s the spark that fuels perseverance, the strength that carries you through the darkest moments. My journey with cancer is far from over, but I’ve seen firsthand how optimism can transform a hospital bed into a place of hope, a setback into a comeback. So, to anyone facing their own battle: hold fast to hope. It’s not just a feeling—it’s a force. And with perseverance, it can carry you further than you ever thought possible.
Three Bible verses to reflect on:
These verses show us that a mind and heart for God is truly over matter! Our circumstances are what we make of them, or more specifically, what we allow God to make of them for us! All good things come from the Lord. And while bad things do happen, it is God who can bring us through those bad times and ultimately into his Kingdom forever!
1. Philippians 4:13 (NIV):
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
This verse speaks to the strength and perseverance that come from faith, reminding us that even in our weakest moments, we can find the power to endure through God’s support.
2. Romans 15:13 (NIV):
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
This verse highlights the connection between trust in God and an optimistic outlook, emphasizing how faith can fill us with hope and peace, even in difficult times.
3. James 1:2-3 (NIV):
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
This passage encourages a positive perspective in the face of trials, suggesting that challenges can strengthen our faith and build perseverance, aligning with your experience of finding resilience through a hopeful mindset.
Metastatic Hope 
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