Melissa Rose Wales

Melissa is a 25-year-old, who was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She found a big lump when she would lay down or raise her up, and like many of us, who see or find something different, had immediately googled it up. After visiting a gynecologist, thinking that the case would be benign, the doctor was certain that the situation was anything but normal. And, after a suite of tests her fears were confirmed. Her normal life was turned upside down. Which becomes all the more apparent when you consider that she had the rarest of the breast cancers, called triple-negative breast cancer. But, none of this seems to have daunted Melissa’s spirit. Even after the cancer had spread to her lungs, and knowing that one is never free from a stage 4 cancer, she continued to follow her passion as fashion illustration freelancer. Working from home, she drew when she felt sad, and now draws even more to help her find sense in all this. I am still ongoing my treatment and I am so close to the finish line, says Melissa. Melissa’s first step in becoming a hero began with her finding a sense of empowerment when she began owning her baldness and flaws, with a beaming smile on her face. Being a fashion illustrator, she knew what style meant! So, she had invested in fun wigs makeups and clothes to create a new style for herself. “People often think it’s depressing, it’s restrictive and we are always sick of life. I have showed my family and everyone around me that it can be normalized” says Melissa Melissa also points out to the fact that one has a lot of adjusting to do after being diagnosed with cancer. When one’s skin becomes covered in acne, gains weight, and the constant treatment, any individual will feel disheartened and tired. But ignoring these temporary things help - knowing that I’m not alone in this helps, even working out sometimes and not letting cancer take small things like this away helps! In Novemeber, she knows that she will be free and in remission. I am so ready to continue kicking cancers ass throughout my journey. We are tough and we are fighters. Finally, as a hero she asks anyone diagnosed with cancer, to keep their friends and family close - have a support group. Join such communities to find relatable stories and connect with strong women. And, a last piece of advice, do not ignore signs of fatigue. Get yourself checked, as precaution is the best medicine.