Living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) can mean facing complex emotions. For many dealing with stage 4 breast cancer, the weight of the diagnosis brings a range of feelings — from fear and uncertainty to moments of resilience and power. This spectrum of emotions was the catalyst behind Komen’s “Inside the Emotions of MBC” video, giving people living with MBC a chance to talk openly about their emotional experiences and know they’re not alone.
The Heart Behind the Video
This video was derived from the desire to give a voice to those living with MBC. Several brave people who are navigating their own MBC experience daily shared their feelings in a raw, authentic way. During filming, there was an overarching theme of the incredible strength that comes from vulnerability.
From feelings of isolation to moments of hope, this video highlights the complexities of emotions that often go unspoken. For those walking with emotions that are hard to express, hearing from others who understand can make a world of difference.
A Safe Space for Every Emotion
Each participant recorded their own video, allowing themselves to be vulnerable in order to help others. These videos were then collected into one montage that showcases each participant’s video from their own point of view, bringing them all together at the end for an emotional statement about thriving while living with MBC.
Some moments were tearful, others filled with hope. Throughout it all, there was a sense of community and solidarity. This isn’t just a video about living with MBC; it’s about navigating everything that comes with it.
Meet the Participants
Each person in the video brought their own perspective, sharing an emotion they have strongly identified with while living with MBC, showcasing the ups and downs of their experiences:
- Isolated – Cyndi Johnson, 6 years
- Powerless – Michelle Anderson-Benjamin, 2 years
- Overwhelmed – Ashley Fernandez, 6 years
- Optimistic – Julia Hughes, 9 years
- Powerful – Phyllis Esposito, 1 year
- Peaceful – Mayra Rivera, 3 years
Watch Now
We invite you to watch the video below and hope it resonates with you or someone you know who is affected by MBC.
The risk of breast cancer recurrence varies greatly from person to person. Talk with your doctor about your risk of recurrence. Click here to learn more.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with MBC for years — you are never alone.
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