During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Gilbert resident Missy Colborn opened up about the emotional challenges that continue after cancer treatment ends. Diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in 2019, Colborn underwent a double mastectomy, additional surgeries and years of medication. Both she and her mother, also a breast cancer survivor, have been in remission for more than five years.
Choosing gratitude each day
“It’s a journey where every day you wake up and decide what it’s going to be like today,” Colborn said. “I tend to choose gratitude nine times out of ten.” She explained that her mother’s quiet approach to her own diagnosis shaped how she handles her own health battle.
A quiet legacy
Colborn recalled that her mother never turned her cancer experience into a public identity. “I thought we were supposed to have pink ribbons and wear pink shirts and do all of these things that were helping people to recognize,” she said, noting that her mother kept the journey private and internal.
Finding the right support
After trying a cancer support group that didn’t feel like a fit, Colborn turned to a therapist who helped her acknowledge that fear is real and valid. “There’s room for all of us,” she said. “There’s room for people who can go to the support groups and get something from that.” She emphasized that there is no single correct way to be a survivor; emotional healing often continues long after physical treatment ends.
Identity beyond the diagnosis
Colborn described herself first as a wife, mother, daughter, sister to five brothers, friend and Realtor—”and about a hundred other things before I’m a breast cancer survivor.” She added, “But I am one, and so is my mom.” The statement underscores her belief that a cancer diagnosis does not define a person.
Hope for families
Looking ahead, Colborn hopes future families won’t have to face breast cancer. Until a cure is discovered, she urges the community to support loved ones, especially after treatment ends. “My mom taught me how to walk through cancer,” she said. “What I’m still learning is how to walk away from it without letting the fear follow me everywhere.”
Local resources
Gilbert residents seeking emotional support after cancer treatment can explore local counseling services, faith‑based groups, and community organizations that offer one‑on‑one or small‑group settings. The Gilbert Health Department also provides a list of vetted mental‑health providers specializing in survivorship care.
Colborn’s story reminds the community that survivorship is a continuing journey, one that thrives on gratitude, family, faith, and the right kind of support.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
