FUCK CANCER: Fighting Back Through Music and Mental Resilience
Hey, my name is Brandon Proulx. I'm a cancer survivor.
I had testicular cancer, but it spread aggressively throughout my body. I went through three surgeries and chemotherapy in 2018 and 2019. I was first diagnosed in 2018 and then again in 2019. I’ve been gratefully cancer-free since July 2020.
I’m not afraid to admit that I deal with PTSD and trauma from my battle. It’s hard to accept the time I lost, the scars I carry, and the survivor’s guilt I still feel. Cancer truly broke me. Mentally, I don’t know if I’ll ever fully heal — and that’s just being honest.
But I’ve learned to turn my pain into power by helping others who are still fighting. When I thought I wouldn’t survive, I found my purpose: to create music and use my experience to help people. That’s when I realized I was Alive For a Reason. I now channel my pain into lyrics through my music, with the hope of inspiring and uplifting people around the world.
I’m slowly building my own outlet- a space where anyone fighting cancer, or those who have survived it, can come together, talk, and support one another. I also started a brand, B.CraZy, with cancer and mental health awareness merch featuring messages like “Alive For a Reason,” “Cancer Warrior,” and “FUCK CANCER.”
Going through cancer gave me an inner strength I never knew I had- the mental strength to face anything. If there’s one tool you need during a battle like this, it’s resilience. You have to learn to accept what you can’t control and find solutions instead of adding stress to already overwhelming situations.
One trick that helped me: when I felt like I was losing it, I would write down everything on my mind. That helped me realize how much of it was either fixable or simply not worth the energy. If it can’t be fixed, turn the page. Even small tasks- write them down. That way you don’t forget and get overwhelmed. Never let your emotions control you. It’s not easy, but you have to learn to take back control.
Also, fuel your body right. Changing your diet and lifestyle matters more than people realize.
My favorite quote is:
“What you’re not changing, you’re choosing.”
We’re all human, and we can achieve anything we put our minds to. It’s just about what you’re willing to do to get there. Life’s never going to be easy, but I can tell you this: never give up. Don’t wait around hoping someone will save you — because no one is going to. You’re the controller of your life. If you want to be happy, choose to be. Surround yourself with positive people, dream-chasers, and problem-solvers. Write your goals down, and go all in to make them happen.
Life is way too short to waste it overthinking and stuck in depression.
When fighting cancer, people often forget about their mental health — but the truth is, the mental damage can be even worse than the physical. Please don’t be afraid to ask for help. It doesn’t make you weak; in fact, it’s one of the strongest things you can do. Don’t be stubborn like I was. We’re all in this world together, and we should be lifting each other up.
I hope my story inspires someone out there. If you're going through cancer and need someone to talk to, feel free to reach out to me on Facebook (Brandon Proulx) or Instagram (B.CraZy (@b.crazy_official) • Instagram photos and videos). You can also check out my music — I go by B.CraZy: B.CraZy_Official - YouTube.
We need to be there for each other.
Written by Brandon Proulx.