Why I Don’t Say “F*ck You” to Cancer

I know this might sound a little unexpected… but I don’t say “f*ck you” to cancer.

And before you roll your eyes or think I’m soft, let me explain.

The first time I saw that phrase, I got it. I really did. It’s strong. It’s defined. It gives fear somewhere to go. It’s a battle cry, a shield, a middle finger to something terrifying. And for some people, it works. That’s your language—and I totally respect it. But for me? It didn’t land.

Cancer didn’t arrive as some random invader from outside my life. It arrived inside my body—the same body that has carried me for forty-three years, that’s worked hard, pushed through, held everyone else together, often at the expense of itself. And you know what? I can’t go to war with something that lives in the same body I’m asking to heal.

Rethinking War Language Around Illness

We love war language when it comes to illness. Fight it. Battle it. Beat it. Win or lose.

And I’ve used those words too. I get why. War language makes us feel powerful when we feel powerless. But it also splits you. It says your body has betrayed you. That there’s an enemy inside. That one part of you must be destroyed so the rest can survive.

And that… doesn’t sit right with me.

I’m learning that my body hasn’t betrayed me. In fact, it’s protected me. It’s carried me, fought quietly, kept me alive through stress, exhaustion, and years of putting everyone else first. And for that, it deserves respect—not rage.

Listening to Your Body Without Blame

So how do I approach healing now? Honestly, it’s about awareness, responsibility, and respect.

• I’m choosing rest, even when I used to think it was weakness.

• I’m setting boundaries, even when my identity was all about speed and reliability.

• I’m paying attention to my health, really paying attention—not just managing symptoms or ignoring early signs.

This diagnosis has forced me to finally prioritise my body. And I want to make something really clear: this isn’t about blame. It’s not about “if you do X, Y won’t happen.” Some people do everything “right” and still face the hardest outcomes. This is about my choices—how I respond, how I care for myself, and how I make sure my health is the foundation, not the footnote.

Healing With Awareness, Not Rage

I’m not saying that fighting or swearing at cancer is wrong. That language works for some, and that’s completely valid.

For me? I’ve realised healing doesn’t need to come from rage. It comes from awareness, regulation, and long-term change. It comes from saying, “I see you, body. I hear you. I will not take you for granted again.”

I can take treatment without hatred. I can support my body without declaring war on it. And I can embrace softness, quiet strength, and self-respect—because that is also power.

The Lesson I Want You to Take

If there’s one thing I hope you get from my journey, it’s this: listen to your body before it has to scream. Don’t wait for a diagnosis to stop and reassess. Don’t underestimate what rest, boundaries, and awareness can do. And most importantly, be kind to yourself.

Your body has carried you this far. It deserves your respect, not rage.

🎧 Listen to the Episode

If you want to hear more about how I’m choosing to respond to cancer, why I don’t say “f*ck you” to it, and how I’m learning to prioritise my health and boundaries, check out this episode of The StacyM Show: Listen here .

Or, if you’re ready to make some changes in your life and health, you can book a consult with me via my website: www.stacymunzenberger.com .

“My body hasn’t betrayed me. It’s protected me for forty-three years.”