Breast Cancer Life8 Aug 2025

58. Natalie Ditri Breast Cancer Survivor: Uncovering Fun in the Everyday Grind

Checking in after 2 years since I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer to share that recovery from the trauma of a diagnosis is possible. In the last episode I talked about inner strength that I use in managing my mindset as a survivor. The outlook of knowing I will be ok and controlling the things I am allowed to control does not restrict me from looking back at my recovery.

This podcast is about sharing my story and advocating. The milestones of recovery from what makes up a diagnosis are important to reflect on, in my opinion. Since it is summer, I am going to my pool fairly often right now. I love how the water feels on my body and swimming has always been a therapeutic activity for me. So of course I went to my pool as soon as I could after my surgery (2 years ago).

As I work to set goals in my life (also something I talked about in the last episode), I am planning more fun activities each week. Last week I met up at the pool with a few friends and neighbors. This pool time (alone or with friends) is what I call a "great escape". It is not really an adventure but it takes me to such a different place the moment I enter the gates of the pool.

I crave these moments away from all that makes up my life. In the pool (at the pool), it is a time to move in the water and release physical and emotional tension as I swim (usually very leisurely) up and down the lanes. Last week, when I was with my friends, we sat and ate chips and dip (definitely therapeutic) before going to kick and talk in the water. We had a lot of space to ourselves and it was a completely relaxing block of time.

So as in last week's episode I talked about doing more than just going through the motions of each week in a month, year, etc., I share my experience of how this can be such a boost to keeping connected and having a positive outlook plus some fun during a day in my breast cancer life.

I cannot say for sure if I would have found it so important to block out fun and intentionally plan my life ahead (for fun and function) if I had not been diagnosed with breast cancer. I do know that because of my breast cancer experience, I am grasping on to opportunities to have fun and connect with others, while also taking care of me with great intention.

My recent episode about navigating the mindset in survivorship:

Episode 57 Inner Strength Unveiled: Navigating Mindset and Hope After Breast Cancer

If you are interested in hearing my episode about the healing effects of swimming for me, listen here: Episode 48 Swimming for Self Love as a Breast Cancer Survivor

Also, if you'd like to be the first to receive updates and exclusive content from the upcoming Breast Cancer Life newsletter, please email me at connect@breastcancerlife.org. I'd love to have you on the list!

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