57. Natalie D'Itri Embracing Inner Strength Unveiled: Navigating Mindset and Hope After Breast Cancer

The title says it all in this episode. It is really necessary to navigate my mindset on a regularl basis. Most days are busy with what needs to be done in the now or present (work, exercise, the daily tasks that fill our time). There is still always an opportunity for doubt or fear or loss of hope to creep into the forefront of my thoughts.

I share what is helpful to stay on the positive track in this episode. I also talk about my awareness of what is not helpful and how I steer clear of the unhelpful thoughts.

At first, when the MRI showed non-mass enhancements, prior to being diagnosed, I was reading a lot. I had no idea that I really had an invasive cancer in my breast. Then I got the biopsy results. My mindset shifted to getting ready for surgery. After surgery, I was focused on recovery from the mastectomy. Once I was healed and headed back to work, a new reality hit me. It was the reality of survivorship and living in the grey zone of uncertainty regarding the possibility of the cancer coming back. I got professional help to navigate the bid and very strong emotions that came with the new reality I was facing as a survivor.

Fast forward to the present, when I am two years out from diagnosis and surgery. I am still healthy after the diagnosis. The reality of possible recurrence still lives in my head. I have had some time to experience the ups and downs of survivorship. I have learned to recognize what is helpful and not helpful to keep me on track with a positive mindset and hope for a healthy and fulfilling future, even after my breast cancer diagnosis.

What am I doing? I take care of my mind and body, prioritizing sleep and exercise. I have built my community of others who really know what it is like to be a breast cancer survivor. I have worked on filling up the days, weeks, months and years with things I look forward to. Also, I have identified the triggers that lower my optimism of a lot of good years ahead. Most of the time, I know when to tell myself "don't go there" in my head.

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