Breast Cancer Taught Me to Live Day by Day, Hour by Hour
Embrace the strength found in small victories and the beauty of each unfolding moment.
If cancer teaches you anything, it is that life is never guaranteed. All you can truly do is live, moment by moment—fully, gratefully, and with open eyes to the beauty that remains, even amid the struggle.
Finding Beauty in an Uncertain Life
I will never forget that bright, clear morning at Tanglewood. Surrounded by the towering Berkshire mountains, under a vast, cloudless sky, my husband and I sat together as the Boston Symphony Orchestra rehearsed Mozart. For the first time in months, I felt an abundance of life instead of the gray uncertainty that cancer brings. I cried—not from sadness, but from gratitude. This day, this hour, this music, the presence of someone I love—I was still here for it.
This is what breast cancer gave me: an imperishable appreciation for each fleeting, imperfect moment. Plans had to be canceled, days rearranged, and priorities upended. The simple joy of a sunny morning, unchanged and perfect in its ordinariness, became a kind of lifeline.
Before and After: How Cancer Changed My Views
Before my diagnosis, I was certain there was a rhythm to recovery—a swift bounce back, like so many obstacles in my career or life. Two weeks after surgery, and I’d be back to my regular self, I thought. I had no idea how much breast cancer would redefine expectations and challenge my existing beliefs about toughness and resilience.
- Diagnosis: What I expected to be early-stage breast cancer turned out to be stage 3—advanced and urgent, requiring immediate, aggressive treatment.
- Initial plan vs. reality: I planned for quick healing. Instead, I entered a months-long journey involving a mastectomy, four months of chemotherapy (with drugs like Doxorubicin and Taxol), and five weeks of daily radiation.
- Returning to work: The idea that I would emerge as my “old self” was replaced by the reality that I could never go back—I had to move forward, changed but not broken.
Cancer as a Relentless Teacher
Cancer, for all its cruelty, is an unyielding instructor. Each day brought new lessons—sometimes in pain and suffering, often in surprising bursts of insight and gratitude. Here are the six most profound lessons I learned on my journey.
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1. You Are Never Truly Alone
From my first appointment to my last session of chemotherapy, I realized I was never alone. The kindness of family, friends, doctors, nurses—even acquaintances—revealed a deep, often hidden, network of support. Cards, flowers, texts, and meals arrived unbidden. Simply knowing someone else was rooting for me—or had walked the road before—was an anchor.
- Support networks, whether close-knit or broad, can help carry you through the toughest days.
- Other survivors offer advice, encouragement, and the assurance that you are not isolated in your struggle.
2. Priorities Must Be Made Clear
Success in cancer treatment—just like in life—demands clear-eyed focus on what truly matters. The chaos and exhaustion of treatment forced me to abandon the illusion of control over every detail. Work, chores, and small grievances faded in urgency.
- Family, moments of joy, and personal well-being became my core priorities.
- Superficial ambitions and petty worries grew inconsequential compared to survival and healing.
3. Cultivating Gratitude Amidst Hardship
Even as the world seemed to be shrinking to the relentless cycle of appointments and medications, I learned to be grateful for small mercies: a kind nurse, a short walk outdoors, a good day without nausea. This gratitude filled the wide gaps left behind by loss—physical, emotional, or otherwise.
- Gratitude makes even the hardest days lighter.
- A sense of thankfulness strengthens resilience and fosters hope.
4. Be Honest With Yourself and Others
For most of my life, I presented a stoic front. Yet cancer refused to be hidden. I had to admit my fears, admit when I was weak, and seek help openly. This required a level of honesty and humility that, ultimately, became a path to freedom from shame.
- It is okay to ask for help, to rest, to grieve losses, and to acknowledge pain.
- Vulnerability invites empathy and strengthens bonds with those who care for you.
5. Cherish Every Win
Focusing on the present—on tiny victories—was key. Each infusion completed, each hurdle cleared, and every good day deserved to be celebrated. Cancer’s long road is best traversed in steps you can manage today.
- Break down challenges into small, achievable goals.
- Recognize and celebrate progress, no matter how modest.
6. Living in the Present is Essential
Cancer taught me, forcibly and finally, the value of living “day by day, hour by hour.” The future is never promised; the past cannot be changed. What matters is finding the beauty in now—in music at Tanglewood, in a shared laugh with loved ones, in the simple stillness before dawn.
- Letting go of fears about what might happen tomorrow allows full appreciation of today.
Navigating the Hard Realities of Breast Cancer
Cancer treatment is grueling, with physical, emotional, and financial costs. The endless cycle of surgeries, infusions, and radiation leaves lasting marks. Yet, as much as the body suffers, the mind and spirit are called upon to muster their greatest reserves.
| Treatment Stage | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mastectomy | Several hours (surgery), weeks (recovery) | Removal of breast tissue; requires major healing, both physically and emotionally. |
| Chemotherapy | Four months | Infusions of strong drugs (Doxorubicin, Taxol) to destroy remaining cancer cells; causes fatigue, hair loss, nausea, and other side effects. |
| Radiation | Five weeks (daily sessions) | Intense use of targeted radiation to prevent cancer recurrence; causes skin irritation and deep exhaustion. |
| Reconstruction | Varies | Optional surgery to restore breast, can involve multiple operations over months or years. |
Through each stage, it was the support of others, and the lessons learned along the way, that fueled my journey forward.
Debunking Stereotypes and Breaking Silence
Breast cancer is often depicted as a “pink ribbon” ordeal, sanitized for public consumption or viewed primarily through the lens of survivorship stories. My experience was more complex. It involved pain, uncertainty, body image changes, and fears about returning to work and daily life.
- Stigma and silence remain real issues for many women (and men) facing diagnosis and treatment.
- Creating a space to share authentic stories helps others realize they are not alone, no matter the stage or outcome.
- The sense of community—among survivors and patients—offers comfort, practical advice, and understanding.
Work, Insurance, and the Hidden Cost of Diagnosis
The financial and career realities of cancer are often hidden from view. As a journalist and finance professional, I was acutely aware of the costs. Even with excellent insurance, out-of-pocket expenses can accumulate quickly. Time away from work, lost income, and the challenges of reentry add further complexity.
- Many people face significant medical and non-medical costs, including co-pays, transportation, special diets, and more.
- Workplaces may vary widely in terms of support and flexibility offered during treatment and recovery.
I was fortunate to receive encouragement and support from my workplace rather than pressure to return before I was ready. This compassion is not guaranteed for every cancer patient, and it made a difference in my healing process.
Redefining “Normal” After Cancer
There is no true return to “normal” after surviving cancer. Instead, there is a new normal: richer, messier, and far more precious than the life I lived before diagnosis. What changed for me?
- Stronger relationships: Time with loved ones gained new meaning, having relied on their support through the darkest days.
- Clarity in priorities: Career ambitions are balanced against real happiness and health—no longer sacrificed at the altar of work alone.
- Greater resilience: Knowing I have confronted my deepest fears—and survived—has given me new confidence and perspective.
I am not the same as before, and I never will be. Nor would I choose to be. Cancer stripped away illusions but left behind a sharpened sense of what really matters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What were the first signs that led to your diagnosis?
For me, it was a suspicious lump detected during a self-exam. I immediately sought medical advice and further testing confirmed my diagnosis.
How did you cope with the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis?
The emotional toll was immense. I relied on my partners, counselors, and the community of other survivors. Journaling, mindfulness, and small daily rituals helped me ground myself during the toughest moments.
Did treatment side effects affect your daily life?
Absolutely. Chemotherapy and radiation caused fatigue, hair loss, skin irritation, and emotional lows. Simple tasks sometimes felt impossible. I learned to accept help and rest when needed.
How did your work adjust during your treatment?
I took medical leave from my job as an anchor. My employer was supportive, checking on my well-being without pressure about my return. Having a compassionate workplace was incredibly helpful.
What advice do you have for current cancer patients?
Break down the journey into manageable steps, and focus on the moment you are in. Celebrate small victories, allow yourself rest, and don’t be afraid to ask for support. Most importantly, remember that your life is not defined by cancer—you retain agency, dignity, and the right to hope.
Final Reflections
Cancer forced me to find strength I did not know I possessed, to let go of trivial aims, and to anchor myself in the present. I grieve for what I’ve lost but am grateful, intensely, for what remains and what I’ve gained. My hope in sharing this journey is that it encourages others—whether battling cancer or other hardships—to embrace the fullness of now, to cultivate gratitude, and to know they are not alone.
References
- https://westchestermagazine.com/life-style/fox-business-anchor-gerri-willis-is-taking-the-stigma-out-of-breast-cancer/
- https://www.cancerandcareers.org/newsfeed/news/posts/2016/10/fox-news-gerri-willis-six-th
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht4rciB65Ps
- https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/gerri-willis-six-things-cancer-taught-me
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a46636/gerri-willis-breast-cancer/
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/breast-cancer-help/
- https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/gerri-willis-fight-against-cancer
- https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6084010888001
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