We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Sandlin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

By far, my most meaningful project was the writing of my bestselling memoir, “Cancer Don’t Care.” It was published earlier this year, and debuted as a #1 Bestseller and #1 New Release in the Breast Cancer category on Amazon. The book chronicles the raw, emotional, and physical impact of everything I went through following my breast cancer diagnosis in 2021. I wrote it as a way of healing myself, while helping others. But, the overwhelming response and recognition it has received, was beyond my wildest dreams.

Writing my book was an incredibly cathartic and transformative experience. Not only did it provide me with the personal space I so desperately needed to process everything I had been through, but it allowed me to share my breast cancer story in a meaningful way, giving hope and inspiration to those who need it most. It interlaces the harsh realities of breast cancer treatment with moments of humor, making it a therapeutic read for cancer patients and survivors alike. I often say that it’s the book I wish someone would have given me when I was diagnosed.

The premise of “Cancer Don’t Care” is this: Michelle Sandlin was living a healthy, clean life. For two years, she worked out like a maniac six days a week. She didn’t drink. She didn’t smoke. She didn’t do drugs. She looked great. She felt great. And she was in the best shape of her life. But guess what? CANCER DON’T CARE! That’s when she found a lump in her right breast. Days later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Michelle, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I don’t recall a time when I wasn’t a writer; I have been a writer my whole life. Being a writer is just who I am. Having said that, it’s funny how something so obvious could have taken me so long to fully embrace. It took over a decade for my professional career to naturally evolve into that of a full-time writer. Still, I always managed to incorporate a writing component into every position I ever held, whether it was in the job description or not. Once you reveal yourself as a writer, and prove that you’re actually talented, more writing opportunities seem to come your way. At least that was the case for me. So, I wrote articles, blog posts, website content, marketing copy, corporate communications, press releases, white papers, etc.

But, there was one event in particular that I consider the real launching point for my professional writing career. One night, I couldn’t sleep and decided to create my own blog. This was back in 2009, which I would consider the early days of blogging. I was working in real estate and relocation in Houston, Texas, so that’s exactly what I blogged about, multiple times a week.

To my surprise, my blog quickly gained traction, along with a large readership. Within months, my blog began showing up within the top 3 Google search results for “Houston.” Before long, this brought the Houston Chronicle knocking on my door with an incredible opportunity for me: I was asked to write a weekly column for the newspaper. So, for nearly 8 years, I penned a popular weekly column for the Houston Chronicle. In addition, my work frequently appeared in publications like the Houston Business Journal and Mobility Magazine. My client list was robust and growing, until June of 2021.

That’s when my life took an unexpected, dramatic turn. Out of nowhere, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. So, much of my professional writing was put on hold so that I could focus on the fight. After undergoing 16 rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, reconstruction surgeries, and the removal of my ovaries and fallopian tubes, I am beyond blessed to say that I am cancer-free!

It was that experience that moved me to write my first book, “Cancer Don’t Care.” And from there, I have continued to focus on opportunities that allow me to share my experience in a meaningful way.

So, beyond writing, I am a vocal advocate for breast cancer support and awareness. I enjoy sharing my story as a guest speaker at luncheons and events, as well as through my appearances on various podcasts and social media platforms. I often appear alongside my daughter Kendall. She supplied much of the emotional support and much-needed laughter throughout my fight, and in almost every moment since. Her story has become part of my story, and vice versa. Through genetic testing, she discovered that she has the BRCA1 (BReast CAncer 1) gene mutation (same as me), which put her at high risk for developing breast cancer and other forms of cancer. She made the brave decision last year to preemptively have a double mastectomy, reconstruction surgery, and a full hysterectomy. I couldn’t be more proud of her!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

That would definitely be my breast cancer journey. Being diagnosed with breast cancer requires you tap into your inner strength in ways you never imagined. Facing the diagnosis and treatment required immense mental fortitude. So, right off the bat, I had to develop a positive mindset and demand the same of those around me. It was not the time for negativity or tears. In fact, I established a “no tears allowed” policy the day I was diagnosed. Throughout my treatment and recovery, I know that my positivity, coupled with my fierce determination, proved to be critical drivers in helping me through some of the toughest days.

At the same time, I was forced to face my fears head-on. All of them. Fears about the diagnosis, and treatment, and prognosis. Fears about the general unknown. Every part of it was laced with uncertainty.

But, through it all, I constantly told myself to keep fighting and keep moving. Show cancer who’s boss! I had to ride the roller coaster of emotions, and keep pushing myself harder. I worked out as much as I could to keep my strength up. And to do healthy things to counterbalance and combat the poison that was entering my body with each chemo infusion.

So much was out of my control, so I learned to control what I could, and let go of people and things that no longer served me. That meant surrounding myself with the people who loved, supported, and encouraged me. I had to lean on them really hard. And they let me. They helped me to help myself, while doing the things for me that I could no longer do for myself, at least temporarily.

And I documented everything — the good, the bad, the bald — and shared it on social media. This allowed me to stay in touch with people, while lifting the veil on some of the most intimate details of my journey. To let people in and see that I was OK. To let people see that my fighting spirit was still very much intact. To candidly share what I was going through in a way that others found inspiring. To share my philosophies on love, and life, and health, and grief. And to share many of the profound life lessons my journey had taught me.

Then I took my experience — all of it — and I wrote my story.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, most of my professional writing was put on hold so I could focus all of my energy and attention on the fight. This also signified the beginning of a deeply introspective time for me. An opportunity to make sweeping changes. To realign my priorities and focus on who and what really matters. To move towards something that was meaningful. To write about my life and experiences in a way that would give others hope and inspiration, regardless of what they might be going through in their own lives.

That became the most obvious through my writing. My book, “Cancer Don’t Care,” is a real departure from my journalistic and business style of writing. This book allowed me to creatively express myself and tap into my unique writing style. It is deeply personal, raw, emotional, and authentic. It marks the point of no return. No going back; just keep moving forward.

So, I will be starting my second book in the coming weeks, and will continue to write from this place that feels most natural to me. To write close to the bone. To share who I am.

Original article can be found at https://canvasrebel.com/meet-michelle-sandlin/