When you hear about someone surviving breast cancer, the focus often lands on the word “surviving.” We celebrate their victory over a disease that takes so much—but for many survivors, survival is just the beginning of the journey. Linda Washington’s story shows us that the real battle starts once the cancer is gone. It’s about reclaiming your life, rediscovering your self-worth, and learning to live with the emotional and physical scars left behind.
Breast cancer is more common than many realize. Approximately 1 in 8 women (13.1%) will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. In 2024 alone, an estimated 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 56,500 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (non-invasive breast cancer) will be diagnosed among women. The statistics are sobering—breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S., with about 42,250 women expected to die from the disease in 2024.
The emotional toll of this diagnosis can be as devastating as the physical challenges it brings.
Facing More Than Just Cancer
For Linda, her fight didn’t end when the cancer did. After beating the disease, she found herself in an abusive relationship, which only deepened her emotional wounds. Her partner told her she wasn’t a “real woman” anymore—words that shattered her spirit and made her question her worth. The daily belittlement and physical abuse piled on top of the insecurities she already had from surviving cancer. For over a decade, Linda retreated from the idea of dating, feeling that love and happiness were out of her reach.
And that’s the heartbreaking reality for so many breast cancer survivors. They not only battle the disease but are left to navigate a world that doesn’t always embrace their new reality. The scars, both visible and invisible, leave survivors vulnerable, especially in a world that often emphasizes physical perfection. Linda’s story is a stark reminder that cancer survivors need emotional healing just as much as physical recovery.
Healing Through Words: Forbidden and Broken – A Journey to Self-Love
But Linda’s journey didn’t stop there. When it felt like everything was falling apart, she found her way through writing. Her book, Forbidden and Broken: Finding Love Behind the Scars, became her outlet—a way to confront the pain and trauma she had carried for so long. Through her words, Linda began to understand her worth beyond the scars. She poured her experiences into the pages, detailing the challenges of life after cancer and the abuse she suffered, but also her eventual path to healing.
The book isn’t just a memoir of her fight against breast cancer and the abuse—it’s a message to other survivors. Linda’s raw, emotional story reminds readers that they are much more than what cancer has taken from them. She shows that even after years of feeling broken and rejected, you can find your strength again. The journey to self-love and acceptance isn’t easy, but Linda’s story offers hope that it’s possible.
Don’t forget to buy her inspiring book, Forbidden and Broken: Finding Love Behind the Scars, on Amazon.
Finding Her Voice in Music: Forever and Survivor as Healing Anthems
Alongside her writing, Linda turned to music as another way to express the emotions she couldn’t put into words. Her singles Forever and Survivor (featuring Superstar Lamar) became personal anthems of resilience.
Forever is a beautiful song that captures the essence of enduring love. Linda’s vocals are filled with emotion as she sings about the power of love to transcend even the toughest challenges. The collaboration with Superstar Lamar adds a dynamic layer to the song, blending rap and melodic elements to create a truly captivating listening experience.
Survivor is a powerful anthem that celebrates resilience and the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. Linda’s lyrics are uplifting and inspiring, reminding listeners that even in the darkest of times, it’s possible to find strength and hope. The song’s energetic beat and empowering message make it a perfect anthem for anyone facing challenges.
Linda’s music resonates deeply with survivors everywhere. For Linda, music helped her heal, and now it serves as an inspiration to others going through their own battles.
You can listen to all of Linda Washington’s music on SoundCloud.
Creating a Space for Survivors: The Linda Washington Show
Wanting to do even more, Linda took her passion for helping others a step further by creating The Linda Washington Show. This talk show gives survivors—whether of breast cancer or other traumas—a platform to share their stories. The show features candid conversations with survivors, health professionals, and inspirational figures, offering a space for open and honest discussions about healing.
For breast cancer survivors, the emotional challenges of recovery can feel isolating. They often don’t talk about the self-doubt, the body image struggles, or the fear of recurrence. The Linda Washington Show tackles these tough subjects head-on, creating a community of support where survivors can feel heard and understood.
Linda’s mission through the show is clear: she wants to empower others to take control of their narratives, just as she did. Whether it’s through discussing the hardships of post-cancer life or sharing stories of triumph, Linda hopes to give survivors the courage to live authentically and find hope in their healing.
Check out her podcast, The Linda Washington Show, on Spreaker.
Learning to Love Again
One of the hardest parts of Linda’s journey was learning to love again. After enduring cancer and abuse, it’s no surprise that opening up to love seemed impossible. But for Linda, healing started with self-love. She had to nurture her own heart before she could let anyone else in. The process was slow, filled with moments of doubt, but over time, Linda began to believe that she was worthy of love, just as she was—scars and all.
Meet Linda Washington:
A true warrior and breast cancer survivor who’s also a talented singer, dedicated nurse, and inspiring author. She knows that the impact of breast cancer runs deep, reaching far beyond just physical symptoms. Linda has felt the journey’s weight firsthand, transforming from a vibrant, bubbly spirit into someone grappling with fear, isolation, and doubt after her diagnosis. Through her book, music, and talk show, she sends a powerful message to survivors: you are more than your scars, and you are deserving of love, happiness, and respect. Her story is living proof that, no matter what you’ve been through, there is light on the other side of the struggle
From facing a mountain of rejections and retreating into herself for a decade, she’s risen to become an author and singer whose face graces billboards in New York City! This Phoenix, Arizona native wears her warrior status proudly and is on a mission to light the way for other breast cancer survivors.
Follow Linda Washington on social media to stay updated on her latest releases and performances: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, SoundCloud.
