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Have you ever had someone completely misunderstand what you're going through after cancer? That moment when a well-meaning comment reveals just how wide the gap is between their perception and your reality?

When my nurse casually remarked I was "lucky" not to have periods anymore after chemotherapy, it sparked deeper reflection on how cancer forces our bodies onto timelines we never chose. That presumed "convenience" actually represents profound loss—the natural rhythms and feedback mechanisms our bodies use to communicate with us.

Before cancer, my menstrual cycle wasn't just a monthly occurrence but a reliable barometer for my overall health. As an athlete and during military deployments, changes in my cycle signaled when I needed rest or better nutrition. Losing this connection at age 45 created an unexpected void—one of many ways cancer survivors experience disconnection from bodies that feel like they've betrayed us.

This disconnection extends beyond menstruation. A friend who underwent mastectomy later faced the heartbreak of being unable to breastfeed her newborn. These moments highlight cancer's double cruelty: first the disease itself, then the permanent alterations to our natural life progression.

Yet within this altered timeline, we can find ways to reclaim agency. For me, this means replacing my monthly cycle with yearly adventures—specifically, leading expeditions to Mount Kilimanjaro. These self-chosen physical challenges rebuild trust with my body and create new rhythms on my terms.

If you're navigating similar post-cancer terrain, know your feelings of grief and loss are entirely valid. And if reclaiming your physical power appeals to you, consider joining our 2026 Kilimanjaro climb. Registration opens June 10th—perhaps the perfect opportunity to write a new chapter in your relationship with your body.

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GROUP TRIPS

✈️ Join us for our next Kilimanjaro climb: https://trovatrip.com/trip/africa/tanzania/tanzania-with-hikelikeawoman-aug-2025

✈️ Join us for our group trip to Patagonia: https://trovatrip.com/trip/south-america/patagonia/argentina-with-rebecca-walsh-oct-2025

✈️ Book Tour du Mont Blanc Aug 16-22: ...