(Inspiring music)
(Narrator) Performances inspired by real stories of women
with metastatic breast cancer,
told through artistic expression.
Tameka. 40 years old.
Breast cancer diagnosis.
Stage four.
I trusted my doctor every step of the way.
I wrote him this letter.
My name is Sarah.
I wrote my doctor a letter, too.
(Together) Dear Doctor,
After my initial breast cancer treatment,
you found nodules in my left lung.
You said: "Oh, we're not gonna worry about it."
"Let's do a biopsy."
You said, "It's probably nothing."
"It might be nothing..."
You said, "People get nodules all the time."
"...but we'll take a closer look, just in case."
You waved your hand,
You held my hand,
(Together) And said, "Trust me."
So, I trusted you.
So, we skipped a biopsy.
We did a biopsy and caught it just in time.
(Together) Two years later,
I have no more evidence of cancer.
I had pain in my left side.
And instead of working with me to find the answer,
you said, "I'll mail you some pills."
That's it?
You think my cancer is back,
and you're gonna mail medicine to my door like,
like pizza on a Sunday night?
You encouraged me to get a second opinion-
if I ever wanted one.
You said, "You can go get a second opinion,
but your options aren't gonna change."
I got the second opinion.
Results? Stage four.
(Sad music)
I got to ring the bell.
I trusted my doctor,
I let my guard down, and he gave up on me.
To be honest, I... I didn't even send this letter.
I didn't think it would make a difference-
didn't want to seem angry. But I am.
I'm angry.
I'm hurt. I'm frustrated.
I'm drained.
I did speak up.
I did try. And nothing changed.
So what could this letter even do?
If he wouldn't listen to my voice,
why would he listen to my words on paper?
I... I wrote this letter to remind myself that...
(Together) I am my best advocate.
I am my best advocate.
I had to take the new search in my own hands.
Finally, a new doctor, a new team,
and an even stronger will to fight.
I am my best advocate.
I have to remember to trust myself.
Nobody knows my body like I do.
And nobody knows all that I've been through.
To the new doctor who gave me options:
You changed my story and my life.
(Together) You listened.
Did not dismiss me.
Gave me input and ensured that I knew
I was a part of the team.
Thank you.
(Inspiring music)
All these unsent letters.
Let's give voice to what's been unspoken.
(Narrator) mBC Unspoken.
A voice given. A story heard.