Life, Creativity, and Resilience: The Next Chapter. Life after Cancer
- Heather Robinson Roles
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
The Next Chapter: Life After Cancer
Eleven months have passed since my last chemotherapy session, and nearly six months since my final hormone infusion.

These milestones are big, but they come with mixed emotions.
Every step forward is a mix of relief and reality, joy and grief, hope and uncertainty. Even though I’m done with active treatment, my journey isn’t over. Daily letrozole, monthly Lupron shots, and the knowledge that I still have cancer cells in my body remind me that I’ll never fully know if I’m cancer-free. Every day is about balancing the fear of the unknown with the choice to live as if I’m okay.
Living with these ongoing treatments comes with its own challenges. Chronic pain, brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, and PTSD are part of my new normal. It’s hard because while the world sees me as “finished” with cancer, my body and mind remind me every day that the fight isn’t completely behind me. But this next chapter isn’t just about the hard stuff. It’s also about finding joy, raising awareness, and redefining what life after cancer looks like.
Why Grace, Grit, and Pink Ribbons Matters
When I started "Grace, Grit, and Pink Ribbons," I envisioned it as a space to share my cancer journey. Over time, I realized this space could be so much more. It’s not just about the tough moments—it’s about celebrating resilience, creativity, and the beautiful complexities of life. The updated tagline, "Life, Creativity, and Resilience," reflects this broader mission.
Life after cancer is complicated.
There’s gratitude for surviving but also grief for what’s been lost—whether it’s physical abilities or a sense of security. There’s hope for the future but also fear of the unknown. Learning to live with this paradox takes both grace and grit, and that’s what I want to share here. This blog is a place to talk about the hard stuff, celebrate wins, and support each other through the ups and downs.
Expanding the Conversation
Healing isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving. As I get back into my full-time job and grow "Grace, Grit, and Pink Ribbons," I’m trying to leave room for recovery, prioritize my health, and connect with others.
This platform is about building something meaningful that supports my family while creating value for others.
"Grace, Grit, and Pink Ribbons" is evolving into a space for more than just my cancer journey. I want to share products, ideas, and stories that bring joy and value to others.
My goal is to create a supportive community filled with resources and inspiration to help us all live our best lives. I’m excited to collaborate with health and wellness experts from around the world, bringing diverse perspectives and actionable advice to our community.
I’m also thinking about starting a podcast and YouTube channel to dive deeper into stories, interviews, and topics that matter most. These platforms will help me connect more personally with all of you. On top of that, I’m freelancing as a social media manager, helping others build their online presence. It’s a way to turn my challenges into opportunities while continuing to grow "Grace, Grit, and Pink Ribbons."
Additionally, I’m exploring User-Generated Content (UGC) partnerships with brands that align with my values. Whether it’s sensitive skincare, anxiety tools, or simple luxuries that brighten a day, I want to share products that make a difference in this new phase of life.
An Invitation to Join the Journey
Thank you for being a part of my journey; your support means the world to me.
If you're new here, welcome!
This is a space for everyone—anyone interested in lifestyle topics, along with those looking to understand and support the cancer community.
I’m eager to hear your thoughts, stories, and ideas about what you’d like to see here. This platform is not just about cancer; it encompasses life, beauty, family, and all the aspects that make life meaningful. Let’s navigate this journey together, one step at a time.
My dear precious Heather. I am SO. sorry that you haven’t been feeling well and SO sorry for the struggles that you have to face daily. You are dealing with this in the most amazing way! God definitely has a plan for you, as evidenced by your incredible writing ability (I always said you were creative 🥰) and your plans to have a podcast and a YouTube channel, free-lancing as a social media manager and exploring UGC partnerships as well as being a wife and mom and working a full time job! You are doing more than many of us who are NOT dealing with the struggles that YOU face. Just make sure to maintain balance and build in…