Mentally, I’m rock solid. Physically, I’m learning how my body reacts to chemo and radiation - some better days than others, dealing with some fatigue, nausea, and digestive issues. But I’m here. I’m fighting, and will win!

 

The biggest surprise of Week 1? Finally experiencing the stigma firsthand.

 

 

My parents - who’ve been incredibly supportive - initially hesitated to share my posts about HPV+ throat cancer. Not because they don’t love me or are ashamed of me, but because the stigma around HPV is that deeply embedded. They’ve since educated themselves and shared everything. But that initial pause showed me how powerful this stigma is - even among the people who love us most.

 

Then a former partner from my past reached out. Not really to ask how I was doing. Not to offer support. But to demand I remove all photos of us together from social media. They didn’t want to be “associated” with someone who has HPV+ cancer. This request never came following our breakup - only now after I went public about my diagnosis.

 

This is what we’re fighting!

 

Not just cruelty or ignorance, but deep-rooted shame around a virus that 80-90% of sexually active people will get at some point. A virus that causes 70% of throat cancers like mine.

 

A virus men can’t even be tested for.

 

My parents overcame their pause. They educated themselves. They’re now my biggest advocates.

 

But not everyone will. And that’s the work ahead - breaking stigma one conversation at a time.

 

I’ll have much more to say on this soon. But for now:

 

If you know someone with cancer: Show up. Don’t pause. Lead with love.

 

If you’re going through cancer: Your story isn’t shameful. The stigma only wins if we stay silent.

--------------------------------------------