Selected in 2014 as “Women of Status” by the Oneida, NY Zonta Club for all she does to empower women and girls, life coach and inspirational speaker, Patti McGee is an author, a massage therapist and breast cancer survivor of 20 years. Her career encompasses many years of learning and teaching people about health, nutrition, spirituality and bringing the mind, body and spirit together. Patti has made it her mission to help women and youth to overcome health issues, move past trauma and connect with their mind, body and spirit. She believes living a peaceful and balanced life helps prevent disease and illness. Patti has specialties in mastectomy and breast massage and therapeutic massage. Patti is passionate about helping her clients reduce stress, manage pain and bring a sense of well being to their life.

Patti McGee

Patti McGee is an author, a massage therapist and breast cancer survivor of 20 years. Catch up on all of 

Every October, pink ribbons appear everywhere, on clothing, in shop windows, across social media. For many, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder to schedule a mammogram or support a cause. For me, as a 23-year survivor, it’s something much more personal. Breast cancer awareness is about hope, connection, and the power of shared stories. It’s about being a living example that survival is possible, even when the journey seems daunting.

When I was first diagnosed, I was overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty. I remember sitting in the doctor’s office, my mind racing with questions I was too afraid to ask out loud. All I wanted was to meet someone — anyone, who had survived. I needed proof that it was possible to make it through, to live a full life after breast cancer. I remember being asked who I wanted to speak at our support group, and my immediate response was, “A long-time survivor.” Back then, “long-time” meant anyone who had survived more than five years. At the time, so many women that I had met were dying within 5 years. I really needed connection to women who were surviving longer in their journey.

Meeting women who had made it past that five-year mark was like seeing a lighthouse in the distance on a stormy night. Their stories gave me hope when I needed it most. They showed me that life after cancer wasn’t just about surviving, it was about thriving, growing, and finding new meaning.

Now, 23 years later, I am that survivor. I have become the person I once so desperately needed to meet. I don’t run a support group, but whenever I encounter someone who is newly diagnosed or early in their journey, I make it a point to let them know I understand. I share my story, my fears, my victories, and my setbacks. I want them to see that it’s possible to come out the other side, stronger and more resilient.

There is a unique bond among survivors, a sisterhood forged by shared experience. Over the years, I’ve met women who have survived 10, 15, even 25 years. We share our stories, our scars, and our triumphs. We celebrate every milestone, every birthday, every clear scan. These moments remind us that survival is not just about living, but about embracing life fully.

For those just beginning their journey, the road ahead can seem impossibly long. The treatments, the uncertainty, the emotional rollercoaster— it’s a lot to bear. But when they meet someone who has walked that path and come out the other side, it changes everything. Hope is contagious. I see it in their eyes when I say, “I’ve been cancer-free for 23 years.” Suddenly, the future feels a little brighter, a little more possible.

Breast cancer awareness, to me, is not just about pink ribbons or fundraising. It’s about reaching out to others, sharing our stories, and offering hope. It’s about being honest about the hard days, but also celebrating the good ones. It’s about letting others know that the fear never fully disappears, but neither does the hope.

Being a survivor means carrying a torch for others. It means saying, “You’re not alone. I’ve been where you are, and there is life on the other side.” It means honoring those we’ve lost by supporting those still fighting. It means turning pain into purpose, and fear into hope.

Every time I meet a newly diagnosed woman, I remember my own fear and I offer her the hope that was once given to me. That, to me, is what breast cancer awareness is all about: not just surviving, but helping others find the strength to survive, too. Together, we become beacons for the next woman who needs a little light in her life.

This piece reflects the author’s personal experience and perspective as a breast cancer survivor. For medical advice, please consult your health care provider.

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a deeply personal experience for survivors, emphasizing hope, connection, and shared stories. The author, a 23-year survivor, highlights the importance of meeting long-term survivors for inspiration and support. Survivors form a unique bond, celebrating milestones and offering hope to those newly diagnosed. The journey involves embracing life fully, despite ongoing fears. Breast cancer awareness extends beyond pink ribbons, focusing on sharing experiences and providing hope. Survivors carry a torch for others, transforming pain into purpose and fear into hope, becoming beacons for those in need.

I view Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a time to share hope, connection, and stories that remind others life after cancer is possible.

What Breast Cancer Awareness Means to Me as a 23-Year Survivor

Being diagnosed with breast cancer at any age is scary, but at age 39, it was absolutely terrifying. The moment I heard the words “You have breast cancer,” my world shifted in a way I never could have imagined. I remember sitting in my oncologist’s office, my mind racing with questions, fears, and what-ifs. She looked at me with determination and compassion and assured me that she would treat me aggressively so I would never have to go through it again.

Although there are no guarantees, it is essential to have faith in the words we speak out. I believed her and, more importantly, I believed in myself. I said, “Okay, let’s do it.” From that moment, I have not looked back on that decision.

One of the first things I learned was the importance of understanding your diagnosis and its implications for your treatment options. The American Cancer Society’s resource booklet, which described the stages of cancer, was instrumental in helping me make decisions about my treatment. I spent hours reading, learning about the different stages, and what each stage meant for my prognosis and the types of treatments that might be recommended. It was overwhelming, but it gave me a sense of control in a situation that felt so out of my hands.

Knowing my numbers became a crucial part of my decision-making process. I wanted to understand every detail, my tumor size, lymph node involvement, and hormone receptor status, because these numbers would guide my treatment plan. Back in 2002, we didn’t have the Oncotype DX test, which today helps determine how aggressive a tumor might be and whether chemotherapy is likely to be beneficial. Not having that information added another layer of uncertainty, but I relied heavily on the resources and information available to me at the time.

Today, there are so many more resources available to guide newly diagnosed cancer patients. There are online communities, support groups, and advanced diagnostic tests that can help personalize treatment plans. I am genuinely grateful that the landscape has changed, and that women (and men) facing this diagnosis now have access to even more information and support. However, even with all these advancements, one thing remains constant: the importance of being your own advocate. I recommend bringing someone with you to every appointment as an extra set of “ears” so you don’t miss anything the doctor explains.

I encourage everyone who is facing a breast cancer diagnosis to know their numbers. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctors questions, even if they seem small or insignificant. Your medical team is there to guide you, but you are the one living with the decisions. It’s okay to ask for clarification, to get second opinions, and to take the time you need to process your options. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to cancer treatment, and what works for one person may not be right for another.

Looking back, I am grateful for the guidance of my oncologist and the resources available to me. Navigating treatment decisions after a breast cancer diagnosis is never easy, but having faith in your doctors, in the process, and in yourself makes all the difference. If you are newly diagnosed, know that you are not alone. Take it one step at a time and trust your decisions.

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis at a young age can be overwhelming, but understanding the diagnosis and treatment options is crucial. The author emphasizes the importance of being informed about one's condition, including tumor size, lymph node involvement, and hormone receptor status, to guide treatment decisions. Despite advancements in diagnostic tools and resources, self-advocacy remains vital. Patients are encouraged to ask questions, seek second opinions, and involve support systems in their journey. Trust in medical professionals and oneself is essential for navigating the complexities of cancer treatment.

I share my journey facing breast cancer at 39, learning my numbers, trusting my doctor, and becoming my own advocate for informed treatment choices.

Navigating My Breast Cancer Treatment Decisions at 39

Each morning, I wake up and I’m reminded just how precious life is; I have a sense of gratitude that’s hard to put into words. It’s been twenty-two years since I heard the words “You have breast cancer,” and not a single day has gone by that I haven’t felt the weight and the blessing of survivorship. My life today looks nothing like it did before my diagnosis. Back then, I was moving through the motions, not truly living. Cancer was my wake-up call, and in the years since, I’ve made a conscious decision to treat myself and my body like royalty. Every choice I make is a gift to myself, a way to honor the journey I’ve been on and the life I get to keep living.

My mornings are sacred. I start each day with gratitude, taking a few moments to breathe deeply and appreciate the chance to begin again. I make it a priority to nourish my body with healthy foods, focusing on what will make me feel strong and energized. Movement is nonnegotiable, whether it’s a brisk walk, a workout, or a yoga session. I cherish the ability to move freely and with purpose. These rituals aren’t just routines; they’re celebrations of what my body has overcome and what it continues to do for me.

One of my greatest joys is sharing this wellness journey with my son. We’ve created a special bond around health and self-care, finding ways to move, cook, and even relax. From preparing nourishing meals to going for hikes or simply talking about health, these moments are more than just daily activities; they’re reminders of why I fought so hard to survive. Watching my son embrace wellness alongside me is a gift I never expected but treasure deeply. Together, we are building habits that will hopefully last him a lifetime, and I couldn’t be prouder.

Of course, survivorship comes with its shadows. Each year, when it’s time for my mammogram, I feel a familiar nervousness creep in. The anxiety never fully disappears, and I don’t expect it to. But I face it with courage, bolstered by the knowledge that every day I wake up healthy is a blessing. I no longer take anything for granted. Instead, I choose to focus on the abundance in my life — the laughter, the love, the opportunities to make a difference.

Cancer was my wake-up call. It forced me to reevaluate my priorities and make changes I might never have considered otherwise. I shifted into prevention mode, determined to do everything in my power to protect my health and well-being. This transformation didn’t just change my personal life; it also shaped my career and my sense of purpose. I became a massage therapist and wellness coach, channeling my passion for healing and self-care into helping others. There’s something incredibly powerful about using my hands and my heart to guide others on their wellness journeys. I know firsthand how life-changing it can be to feel truly cared for, and I strive to offer that same compassion to every client I work with.

My journey also inspired me to put pen to paper and share my story with the world. I’ve published two books, both born from my experiences as a survivor and my commitment to living fully. If my words can offer even a glimmer of hope or encouragement to someone else, then every struggle has been worth it.

I am living proof that a breast cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to be the end of your story. In fact, it can be the beginning of a richer, more meaningful life. Each day, I choose to celebrate survival by loving myself, caring for my body, and sharing hope with those around me. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.

Surviving breast cancer for over two decades has profoundly transformed the author's life, instilling a deep sense of gratitude and purpose. The diagnosis served as a catalyst for prioritizing health and wellness, leading to a career in massage therapy and wellness coaching. Daily rituals of gratitude, healthy living, and movement are celebrated as triumphs over adversity. Sharing this journey with her son and through writing has reinforced her commitment to inspire others. Despite lingering anxieties, the author embraces life with courage and a focus on abundance and meaningful connections.

I’ve lived 22 years beyond my breast cancer diagnosis, and each day I honor survival with gratitude, wellness, and hope for myself and others.

A Day in the Life of a 22-Year Breast Cancer Survivor

As a Breast Cancer Survivor, the changing of the seasons is a reminder that life has seasons of its own. The seasons have always felt like a gentle nudge, a reminder that life is constantly moving, evolving, and offering us new beginnings. Each season brings its own beauty, its own challenges, and, if we’re open to it, a chance to turn the page and start fresh.

When I was diagnosed with cancer, time seemed to freeze. It was two weeks before Christmas. The world outside my window kept turning, but I felt stuck, holding my breath and waiting for test results and life to return to normal. But the seasons didn’t wait for me. They continued their dance, quietly encouraging me to keep going, to keep hoping.

Each season has a different representation for me. Fall is a time of harvest and gratitude. I found my lump the week of Halloween and had an uncertainty about it. I love doing activities like apple picking with my family, the crispness in the air, and the comfort of warm cider. It’s a reminder to savor the sweetness in life, even when things feel uncertain. Cancer taught me to cherish these simple moments, each apple picked, each laugh shared, each memory made.

The winter, especially in Central, New York, brings its own kind of comfort. The world slows down, inviting us to rest and reflect. I find solace in hearty stews simmering on the stove and cozy blankets wrapped around me. During my surgeries, winter’s quiet permitted me to nurture myself, to honor my body’s need for rest, and to find warmth in the love of those around me. The Christmas season brings out the child in me. It is the season for giving and so many wonderful people gave to me during my journey and I am still able to give today.

Spring is about rebirth and hope, as I pushed through each treatment, reminding me that I was in a difficult season of life. The sight of flowers pushing through the soil reminds me that healing is possible, that beauty can emerge from even the darkest places. Each new bud is a promise: no matter how long the winter, spring always comes. This season gives me the courage to keep moving forward, to celebrate small victories, and to believe in brighter days ahead. There were so many days, I felt like the seed that is planted in the dark soil and just waiting for the end of my treatments. I wasn’t sure I could finish the chemotherapy and at one point, talked about stopping but like the seed, I was nurtured through the season and completed all 8 sessions and I am alive today because of my strength and determination. I pushed through just like the bud does with the seed to blossom into a beautiful soul.

The summer season, for me, is one of pure joy. The sun on my skin, swimming in the pool, the laughter of loved ones, the freedom to be outside and feel alive. After months of treatment, summer felt like a reward—a chance to soak up every moment, to let the warmth wrap around me, and to remind me that life is precious and meant to be lived, joyfully.

The changing of the seasons means more to me now than ever before. It’s a reminder that life is a book, made up of chapters, each with its own joys and struggles. Cancer may have changed the way I navigate the world, but it has also taught me to embrace each season as it comes, to turn the page with hope, gratitude, and an open heart.

The narrative reflects on the metaphorical significance of seasons in the life of a breast cancer survivor. Each season symbolizes different stages of her journey, from the initial shock of diagnosis to the eventual joy of recovery. Fall represents gratitude amidst uncertainty, winter offers solace and reflection, spring embodies hope and rebirth, and summer signifies joy and vitality. The changing seasons serve as a reminder of life's continuous evolution, encouraging resilience and appreciation for life's simple pleasures. The experience of cancer has deepened her appreciation for each season's unique offerings.

Cancer taught me to embrace life’s seasons, finding hope, joy, and gratitude in each chapter, no matter the struggles I face.

Patti McGee

What Breast Cancer Awareness Means to Me as a 23-Year Survivor

Navigating My Breast Cancer Treatment Decisions at 39

A Day in the Life of a 22-Year Breast Cancer Survivor

How the Seasons Inspire Hope and Healing Through Cancer

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