I don’t share this for sympathy. I share it because someone else might need to hear that what they’re feeling is normal. It’s been just over three months since I completed radiation treatment for male breast cancer. Thankfully, I am starting to feel better. Some mornings I wake up with energy, get a lot accomplished, and almost feel like myself again. Then, around 5:00 p.m., it’s like someone flips a switch. My body is done, and all I can do is crawl into bed. Other days, the fatigue is there from the moment I wake up. No matter how much I want to push through it, my body simply won’t cooperate. That’s been one of the hardest parts of this journey. I’ve always measured my days by what I could accomplish. Building businesses, helping people, solving problems, staying busy—that’s who I’ve been for as long as I can remember. So on the days when I can’t do those things, it’s easy to feel like I’m not contributing… like I’m somehow falling short. The reality is that I’m self-employed. If I don’t work, I don’t get paid. If I don’t get paid, the bills don’t stop—and I still need to eat. Let’s just say Top Ramen can only carry a guy so far… even if you dress it up with eggs and cheese. My oncology therapist keeps reminding me to give myself more grace. Those words sound simple, but they’ve been some of the hardest to accept. Healing isn’t something you can rush. It doesn’t follow a schedule, and it certainly isn’t a straight line. Some days feel hopeful. Others remind you that your body is still recovering from everything it’s been through. My care team has told me that recovery from surgery, radiation, and ongoing treatment can take nine months or more before things begin to feel relatively normal again. I’m learning that healing isn’t about getting back to who I was yesterday—it’s about allowing myself the time to become who I’ll be tomorrow. I’m trying to stop measuring my worth by my productivity and start recognizing that healing is work too. To everyone who has prayed for me, checked in on me, supported my businesses, shared my story, or simply sent an encouraging message—thank you. You’ve helped me more than you probably realize. I also want to be honest about something else. I absolutely hate asking for help. If you know me, you know I’d much rather be the one helping others than asking for assistance myself. But this season has humbled me in ways I never expected. If you’ve been wondering how you can help, I’ve included a link to my fundraiser. There is absolutely no obligation. Your prayers, encouragement, and sharing my story mean just as much to me. But if you’re in a position to help financially, please know that every contribution helps me keep moving forward while I continue to heal. Fundraiser: zeffy.com/en-US/donation-for… And if you’re walking your own difficult road right now, whether it’s cancer, another illness, or a challenge no one else can see, I hope you’ll remember something I’m still learning myself: Be as kind to yourself as you would be to someone you love. Some days, simply getting through the day is enough. One day at a time. ❤️