Stephanie’s Journey: Finding Purpose After Breast Cancer Treatment
Finding Purpose After the Fire
Not long ago, we spoke with Stephanie, a breast cancer survivor and one of our incredible Faith Through Fire community members, to talk about how a diagnosis can completely upend your life—and, strangely, make space for something more meaningful.
Stephanie was diagnosed in August 2023 with stage two lobular carcinoma. Like so many of us, she found out through a health portal, not a doctor’s voice. No warning. No support. Just clinical words on a screen. With a strong family history and a PALB2 gene mutation, the weight of her diagnosis was immediate and intense.
But what struck me most wasn’t the fear she described—it was her sense of clarity.
She said, “I knew I needed to fight, but I also knew I wanted to come out of this different—stronger, more intentional, more aligned.”
And she has.
The Wake-Up Call
One of the biggest truths that surfaced in our conversation—and in so many stories we hear—is this: cancer forces you to pause. To reassess. To ask hard questions about your life and your values.
For Stephanie, the answers led to something radical. She decided she wanted to leave her job and began pursuing a dream she had previously buried: becoming a therapist. After everything she had been through, helping others navigate their own darkness just made sense.
She said, “Cancer made me stop and ask: Am I living the life I actually want? And if not, why am I waiting?”
The Gift of Slowing Down
We also talked about the guilt that sometimes creeps in during survivorship—especially when you’re not “doing it all.” Stephanie shared how stepping back from her career brought moments of doubt, but also deep peace. More time with her kids. More laughter. More clarity.
Letting go of the hustle wasn’t weakness—it was healing.
Redefining Purpose
Purpose doesn’t always look like a new degree or a major life overhaul. Sometimes, it’s just being present. Saying no when you need rest. Reaching out to someone who feels alone. Stephanie reminded us that purpose can be small and still sacred.
And more than anything, she reminded us that purpose often blooms in the space left behind when everything else falls away.
Connection as Medicine
Not everyone wants to talk about cancer after treatment—but for those who do, connection can be transformational. Stephanie found healing by sharing her story and supporting others. Whether through counseling, volunteering, or simply showing up for a friend, she’s turning her experience into impact.
She told us, “Helping other people walk through fire is what makes my own journey feel less isolating. It’s where I find meaning.”
The Story Doesn’t End Here
Stephanie’s parting words in the episode have stayed with me:
A diagnosis isn’t the end. It might actually be the beginning—the beginning of something bigger, deeper, and more beautiful than you could’ve imagined.
We hope it inspires you the way it inspired us. Because survivorship isn’t just about what you’ve been through—it’s about what comes next. And sometimes, what comes next is beautiful.
Listen to the Full Conversation
Want to hear more of Stephanie’s powerful story?
Catch the latest episode of Besties with Breasties where we dive into:
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Finding purpose in the wake of diagnosis
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Letting go of guilt and embracing rest
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Why connection is the most underrated part of healing
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How even the smallest steps can lead to big changes