Healing My Whole Self

Surviving cancer was the beginning of a long journey to healing my whole self. When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I was 39 years old. I had spent most of my life working in a number of high-stress communications positions in Massachusetts and had recently become the press secretary for Boston’s mayor, the Honorable Thomas M. Menino. On day one, I had to tell my new boss that I would need to step down and help him find a replacement because I had cancer. It was an extremely difficult time personally and professionally, but the mayor insisted that I stay. He was gracious and positive, telling me I would get through this and not to give up. On the outside, I did my best to keep it together, but my internal voice said otherwise.