Miriam Mutebi, Consultant Breast Surgical Oncologist, shared on LinkedIn:
“Don’t suspend the joy.
Life has a way of convincing us that joy should wait. That we’ll:
- laugh when the treatment is over.
- celebrate when the results are clear.
- take the trip when life slows down.
- wear the bright colours when we have a reason.
But what if we’ve got it backwards?
One of the greatest privileges of walking alongside women with breast cancer is witnessing what resilience really looks like.
It isn’t constant positivity or pretending everything is okay.
In fact, one of the most important messages we share in our support group is this:
“It’s okay not to be okay.”
But alongside that is another truth.
Don’t suspend the joy.
Life doesn’t pause for cancer. Between appointments, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, scans, and uncertainty, there are still birthdays to celebrate, grandchildren to cuddle, friendships to cherish, sunsets to admire, and moments of laughter that deserve to be embraced.
I’ve learned that joy and vulnerability are not opposites. They can exist together.
So this Friday, here’s my gentle reminder to myself and perhaps to someone who needs it today:
Take the photo.
Wear the bright colours.
Share the meal.
Laugh wholeheartedly.
Because life isn’t waiting for perfect circumstances.
Neither should joy.
Have a beautiful weekend.”
