Awakening After Cancer: Meet Your Iron Self

Every cancer story is unique.

For many, it brings a revolution — a complete breakthrough in how we see life.

For some, it becomes a source of liberation.

For others, it brings separation.

And sometimes, it offers an unexpected opportunity to connect more deeply — with others, and with ourselves.

After a cancer diagnosis, we are no longer who we once were.

It is a long and difficult path we must walk.

Sometimes, it becomes a kind of awakening – not just the opening of your eyes after that first chemotherapy session,

but a deeper realization of your hidden strengths and inner resources.

The ones that help you fight – not only with cancer, but for life.

I wrote this on a rainy day, remembering the period I decided not to break.

I am sharing this with you – to give you some insight, strength, and motivation to meet your iron self.

It’s your turn now.

You must become iron.

I will never forget – and in difficult moments, I always recall – the day I was discharged from the hospital.

Back then, the diagnosis was still fresh.

Chemotherapy had been done just a week before.

I was battling side effects – thin, faded, a slumped body.

If you ask me, I was on the verge of physical destruction, if not for my spiritual strength…

My flesh was dying, but life –

life was shining through my eyes.

Now it’s raining, and the sound of the drops stirs memories.

And I will never forget my own eyes. The gaze I saw in the mirror.

If not today, then when?

If not now, then when? – I asked myself.

“When must you win?” –

And the answer came: “Now.”

You must become iron – said my own self, staring back at me from the other side of the mirror.

Yes, at that very moment, I was already iron.

The gaze? – I had never seen anything so cold and unyielding.

Is it really possible for a disease to bring you this close to yourself?

Turns out, it is possible.

And I became iron.

You know, it was iron that defeated cancer.

Today I know, this iron lives in me and gives me the strength to fight in tough times.

To beat cancer with zero fear, you must become iron!

With love, Nina