Sunshine For Your Breast Cancer Journey

One day when I was feeling scared and waiting on some diagnostic news, I went outside and looked up at the sky. I remembered how when I was a young girl I would spend hours laying on the driveway or in the grass staring at the sky. I would look for shapes in the clouds, and find comfort in the expansive blue above me. That day even though I was 49 years old, I took the time to lay down on my driveway and look up. I felt like a little girl again and it felt so silly as neighbors drove by. Then my 18 year old son came outside and he sat down and said, "mom are you okay?" I said "yes — join me! look at that sky!" He laughed and then said,, "okay this is weird mom" and he joined me and stared up. After awhile as neighbors were driving by we realized how silly we looked lying on the driveway and people were kind of doing double takes, and we both started laughing. We laughed and laughed until I was crying tears of joy. I loved this moment when my 18 year old son took the time to lay next to his newly diagnosed mom and laugh with me. It was his way of showing support and it was a tiny moment that brought so much joy in this scary journey. It inspired me to look up everyday and notice the sky. It also reminded me that even in the worst situations, there are sparks of joy and silver linings. I will never forget that funny moment in time.

1. janedoe7 says:

   July 17, 2024 at 8:36 pm

   That is so cute! I did something kind of similar. I felt so much calmer when I was in nature but we don’t really have a good place to lie down outside. We do have a little outdoor dining table, so I would just lie down on the table. I did this several days for hours at a time, napping or just looking at the sky and listening to the birds and insects. I knew that it would look really weird if my neighbors could see me but did not care one bit!

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CHIN UP BUTTERCUP!
Stay strong – you’ve got this!!

Sometimes, life throws us into challenging places where it feels hard to see the way forward. Yet, it's in these moments that our inner strength begins to reveal itself. The journey through tough times can uncover resilience and hope, even when things seem uncertain. It's a reminder that even the smallest steps forward are meaningful. While the path may not always be clear, believe in the power of perseverance and the promise of brighter days ahead. Surrounding yourself with people who love you, accepting help, and focusing on the blessings in your life will make a world of difference in this journey.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer one month after turning 40 with four kids…the youngest only being 11-months old. Going through surgery, chemo and radiation while trying to keep life "normal" for my family seemed an impossible task. But I quickly learned that I couldn't do it all, I HAD to accept help and that my sweet friends and family WANTED to help and NEEDED to feel NEEDED – it is how they coped with everything that was going on. It was humbling and uncomfortable at times. I remember being sad that I wasn't making dinner or doing my family's laundry or driving carpool (now I look back and realize those were such gifts and giggle that I was an idiot for wanting to turn down that kind of amazing help and support). My family was so blessed by other people's kindnesses during that crazy time. Now that I am 13 years removed, we all look back on that time with sweet, loving gratitude. I am grateful I put my pride aside and accepted help, support, prayers and kindness from so many – because it wasn't just about me. Everyone benefitted. Cancer is a wild and brutal ride that certainly can leave beauty in it's wake and make everyone stronger if you accept the help. You deserve it.