What should I hope for?

Becky recalls the shock of her first breast cancer diagnosis in 2014, the agony of telling her mother over video chat, and the identity crisis she was already facing as her academic path unraveled and her move to California left her questioning who she wanted to be. As she waited for biopsy results, she wrestled with fear, denial, and the impossible question of what she should hope for. Nearly a decade later, when cancer returned in 2023, she faced the uncertainty with less panic but deeper awareness—this time without her mother, and with the terrifying possibility of metastatic disease. While waiting for answers, she grounded herself in painting her soon‑to‑be home and staying busy with her community project, using distraction to keep worst‑case scenarios at bay. The emotional strain built until she finally learned her bone scan was clear, and the overwhelming relief revealed just how much fear she had been carrying. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★