The Cancer Journals

1. Breast cancer diagnosis: A life-altering journey of self-discovery

I am standing here as a black lesbian poet, and the meaning of all that waits upon the fact that I am still alive, and might not have been.

A sudden realization. Audre Lorde's breast cancer diagnosis in 1978 forced her to confront her mortality and reassess her life's priorities. This unexpected challenge became a catalyst for profound self-examination and growth.

Embracing identity. As a Black lesbian feminist poet, Lorde approached her cancer experience through multiple lenses, recognizing how her intersecting identities shaped her journey. She used this time to deepen her understanding of herself and her place in the world.

Transformative power. The diagnosis pushed Lorde to live more authentically and purposefully, encouraging her to speak her truth and pursue her passions with renewed vigor. This life-altering experience became a source of strength and inspiration for both herself and others facing similar challenges.

2. The power of women's support networks in facing cancer

I feel like a corporate effort, the love and care and concern of so many women having been invested in me with such open-heartedness.

Sisterhood in action. Lorde's experience highlighted the crucial role of women's support networks during her cancer journey. Friends, family, and even strangers rallied around her, providing emotional, practical, and spiritual support.

Shared strength. The collective power of women coming together created a nurturing environment that allowed Lorde to heal and grow. This network provided:

• Emotional support and understanding
• Practical assistance with daily tasks
• Information sharing and resource gathering
• A sense of community and belonging

Ripple effect. The support Lorde received inspired her to become a source of strength for other women facing breast cancer, creating a cycle of empowerment and solidarity within the community.

3. Challenging societal norms: Rejecting prosthesis after mastectomy

I refuse to hide my body simply because it might make a woman-phobic world more comfortable.

Defying expectations. Lorde made the bold decision to reject wearing a prosthesis after her mastectomy, challenging societal norms and expectations about women's bodies and appearances.

Reclaiming autonomy. By choosing not to hide her altered body, Lorde asserted her right to define her own identity and beauty standards. This act of defiance became a powerful statement against:

• The objectification of women's bodies
• Societal pressure to conform to narrow beauty ideals
• The medical establishment's focus on cosmetic "normality" over emotional healing

Inspiring others. Lorde's decision to embrace her post-mastectomy body encouraged other women to question societal norms and make choices that aligned with their own values and self-image.

4. Transforming silence into language and action

Your silence will not protect you.

Breaking the silence. Lorde emphasized the importance of speaking out about one's experiences, especially in the face of fear and oppression. She believed that remaining silent about difficult truths only perpetuates suffering and isolation.

Empowerment through expression. By sharing her cancer journey and other life experiences, Lorde demonstrated how language can be a tool for:

• Personal healing and growth
• Building connections with others
• Challenging oppressive systems and societal norms
• Inspiring change and activism

Call to action. Lorde's words serve as a rallying cry for marginalized individuals to find their voices and share their stories, recognizing that collective voices have the power to create meaningful change in society.

5. The erotic as a source of power and knowledge for women

The erotic is a resource within each of us that lies in a deeply female and spiritual plane, firmly rooted in the power of our unexpressed or unrecognized feeling.

Redefining the erotic. Lorde presented a broader, more holistic understanding of the erotic as a source of power and knowledge for women. She moved beyond limited sexual definitions to encompass a deeper connection to one's feelings and life force.

Tapping into inner wisdom. By embracing the erotic, women can:

• Access their deepest, most authentic selves
• Make decisions aligned with their true desires and values
• Find joy and fulfillment in their daily lives
• Resist oppressive societal structures

Reclaiming power. Lorde's exploration of the erotic encouraged women to reconnect with this often-suppressed aspect of themselves, recognizing it as a wellspring of creativity, strength, and self-knowledge.

6. Confronting mortality and embracing life after cancer

I have come to believe over and over again that what is most important to me must be spoken, made verbal and shared, even at the risk of having it bruised or misunderstood.

Facing fear. Lorde's cancer diagnosis forced her to confront her mortality, leading to a profound shift in perspective. She learned to embrace the present moment and live with greater intentionality.

Prioritizing authenticity. The experience of facing death encouraged Lorde to:

• Speak her truth more boldly
• Pursue her passions with renewed vigor
• Focus on meaningful relationships and experiences
• Let go of societal expectations that no longer served her

Legacy of courage. By sharing her journey of confronting mortality, Lorde inspired others to live more fully and authentically, regardless of their circumstances.

7. Critiquing the medical establishment and exploring alternative therapies

Cancer is not just another degenerative and unavoidable disease of the ageing process. It has distinct and identifiable causes, and these are mainly exposures to chemical or physical agents in the environment.

Questioning conventional wisdom. Lorde challenged the dominant medical narrative surrounding breast cancer, encouraging women to think critically about their treatment options and the underlying causes of the disease.

Holistic approach. She advocated for a more comprehensive understanding of cancer that considered:

• Environmental factors and toxins
• Nutrition and lifestyle choices
• The mind-body connection
• Alternative and complementary therapies

Empowering patients. Lorde's critique of the medical establishment emphasized the importance of patients being active participants in their own healthcare decisions, rather than passive recipients of treatment.

8. Integrating the cancer experience into a new sense of self

I am learning to speak my pieces, to inject into the living world my convictions of what is necessary and what I think is important without concern (of the enervating kind) for whether or not it is understood, tolerated, correct or heard before.

Embracing change. Lorde's cancer journey forced her to confront significant physical and emotional changes, leading to a reimagining of her identity and purpose.

Personal growth. Through this process of integration, Lorde:

• Developed a deeper understanding of her own resilience
• Found new sources of strength and creativity
• Learned to advocate more forcefully for herself and others
• Gained a renewed appreciation for life and its complexities

Inspiring transformation. By sharing her journey of integrating the cancer experience into her sense of self, Lorde provided a roadmap for others facing similar challenges, encouraging them to find meaning and growth in difficult circumstances.

9. The intersection of race, gender, and sexuality in breast cancer experiences

As a 44 year old Black Lesbian Feminist, I knew there were very few role models around for me in this situation, but my primary concerns two days after mastectomy were hardly about what man I could capture in the future.

Unique perspectives. Lorde's experience as a Black lesbian feminist highlighted the ways in which race, gender, and sexuality intersect to shape one's cancer journey.

Challenging assumptions. Her story revealed how mainstream cancer support and resources often fail to address the specific needs and concerns of marginalized communities, including:

• Cultural differences in approaching health and illness
• The impact of systemic racism on healthcare access and quality
• The importance of LGBTQ+-inclusive cancer care and support

Creating visibility. By sharing her story, Lorde helped create space for diverse voices and experiences within the breast cancer narrative, encouraging a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the disease's impact on different communities.

Last updated: January 24, 2025