Up this week we are featuring Never Alone community member Shayla! You might recognize Shayla from our website! Shayla recently modeled for our molded bra shoot but she been a part of the AnaOno community for some time now! Read along to hear all about Shayla's breast cancer story, her Never Alone experience and much more!
What was your diagnosis?
"I was diagnosed on December 11, 2017 with Invasive Ductal Caricinoma."
Tell us a bit about your current stage of diagnosis.
"Metavivor"
What and when was your treatment/surgery?
I had a mastectomy on January 31, 2018, then I started chemo in March of 2018 and finished on June 20 2018."
What's your passion?
"Fitness and more specifically, running. It just keeps me so connected with myself. As well as healing and inner work which allows me to be truly connected to my highest self."
What makes you happiest?
"Being on a dance floor with friends preferably with a disco ball hanging above is one of my happy places. And snowboarding as I just feel so free cruising down a mountain and looking into the distance at a beautiful snow covered mountain landscape."
What do you do to feel confident and embrace your body?
"Going through the body changes brought on by breast cancer and the various treatments and surgeries definitely led to me having to reconnect with my body. I did this by staying active and seeing how even through the journey and after, my body could still move. I truly realized how strong my human body is. Today I embrace what my body is capable of and I feel this when I am running and working out. I feel proud of various fitness accomplishments such as a longer run or lifting a heavier weight. For me this proudness builds and sustains confidence."
What does "Never Alone" mean to you?
"Never Alone for me equals knowing I have various communities and support systems to turn to when I need an emotional lift."
Which is your favorite AnaOno bra? Why?
"The Trish Bra! Talk about the perfect T-shirt bra!! Soft. Comfortable. Fantastic fit!"
If you were to give advice to someone diagnosed with breast cancer or having a preventative surgery, what would you say?
"I am sorry you have to join the breast cancer club. But just know, in this club the support and love are unmatched. You have a community ready to hold you on the tough, emotional, and confusing days as you embark on this journey. And the community is also here to celebrate the wins and milestones with you as well."
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
"I am going to Burning Man for the second time and I am more excited than a kid on the last day of school before summer break!!"
What's your guilty pleasure?
"If it brings me pleasure and joy, I do not feel guilty!"
