CommunitiesBlack and Brown ThriversHow do you find strength to fight breast cancer recurrence when addiction and fear take over?

How do you find strength to fight breast cancer recurrence when addiction and fe...

EJ

Community Member

4 months ago

Second battle with breast cancer first 2016 underwent double mastectomy (DIEP flap) implants rejected, left severely disfigured, followed by chemo, (about killed me), in remission until diagnosed March 2025 with breast cancer again. I will need radiation as well as chemotherapy due to the aggressiveness of the type of cancer, ER positive PR positive Her2 negative The reoccurrence of breast cancer literally sent me into a state of fear I have never experienced. I have this gut feeling I cannot shake that this time I'm not going to be as fortunate as I was first go around to go into remission. I just know this time when and if I do the surgery, the doctors will tell me it has metastisized. I have had ,4 or 5 surgeries scheduled to remove the tumor (in left breast only) of which all have had to be rescheduled due to cocaine use on my part. Until I am able to provide a clean urine, my Oncologist will not do surgery. To this very day, I have used and abused cocaine and have not seen any doctor. My tumor has grown significantly. I occasionally check and feel the size when I can muster up enough courage to do so. as I live in a state of denial. The tumor has grown significantly. In summary, I'm literally riding on a death wish due to my daily use of cocaine, and a rapidly growing tumor. I finally reached out to an in-patient drug rehab facility and will hopefully love myself enough to actually go Mon or Tues of next week. I'm petrified of living through this all over again. I suffered tremendously the first time physically and emotionally. I have very little help at home.the thought of enduring that same experience all over again is more than I can bear mentally. I don't even have a question, I just needed to say this out loud so I can start accepting the reality of what I'm doing to myself, my children and grandchildren. I'm allowing my cancer to spread and using cocaine daily and to be honest , I really don't care whether I live or die.

3 comments
Comment
CA

Community Member

4 months ago

The courage it takes to reach out for help, especially when facing such overwhelming challenges, shows incredible inner strength even when it doesn't feel that way. Taking that step toward inpatient treatment is choosing to fight for yourself and your loved ones, and that matters deeply. Since you mentioned not caring whether you live or die, please know that support is available right now by calling 988 - there are people who want to help you through this darkness and back to treatment.

3
BF

Community Member

3 months ago

Eileen you are fighting two tough battles. You can do this no matter how you feel remember you are loved ❤️. You're family needs you here. I hope 🙏🏾 you find the strength to go to the clinic and began treatment for both of these battles...Be free...

1
JD

Community Member

2 months ago

The Lord loves you and we love you. Please love yourself also. This time will be different since you have experienced it once before You know to ask for help during the recovery You know what things you need now Don’t be afraid to ask for the help or take it when it’s offered. Be well Be healed and accept LOVE your family cares that you live and so do we. Praying always for you.. in Jesus name.

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