Being by their side
This morning I reflected on what Breast Cancer Awareness month means to me and my family. My 86 year old mother is a two time breast cancer survivor, her first battle with breast cancer occurred when she was 70 which she survived with a left breast mastectomy and the drug Arimidex. Her second unexpected occurrance presented itself in 2021 during the height of Covid when I discovered a large, discolored hard mass on the same breast where she previously had cancer. That day when I bathed her I asked her about it and she thought it was scar tissue, I knew instinctively this was not something to go unattended so I immediately contacted her physician and that's when our journey together to get her through her second battle of breast cancer began.
Over the past 3 years I have accompanied my 86 year old mother to all of her appointments. I have experienced first hand all of the tests, scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, mammograms. infusions, and hard conversations. It is so important for breast cancer patients to have the support of a family member or friend as they travel through this journey. I cannot imagine my mother having gone through these past few years without an advocate by her side.
Along my mother's journey she had a few obstacles, being over 80 she suffered from two major falls breaking both hips and her wrist. Due to this and some additional medical concerns such as her diabetes we had to wait until it was safe for her to undergo surgery of her left breast and lymph nodes under her arm. Last November my mother had a successful surgery and this April finished her radiation, which was the finish line we were trying to cross for over two years. I am so proud of her strength, courage, and resilience getting through all of it. I know in my heart that she could not have gone through this alone so I am grateful I was able to be there, by her side, for the entire journey.
I am now focused on providing support and compassion for breast cancer patients and survivors during their treatment journey. They go through the journey as an advocate for the patient however they too need support as it is an emotional and physical rollercoaster at times to care for their loved one.
Inspired to provide WELLNESS for CANCER patients and survivors this October here is a poem I wrote this morning.
BE there for them when they sense something doesn't feel right
LISTEN to them when they tell you the news they did not want to hear themselves or share
OFFER to accompany them to their biopsy
HUG them when they need to cry
COMPASSIONATELY hold space for them
ACCOMPANY them to their first appointment with their Oncologist
ASK the Oncologist questions they may not think to ask for themselves
HOLD their hand on the way to their appointments
MEET their surgeon and radiation oncologist and take copious notes
LEARN from their medical team what you can do to support them
VISIT them in between appointments
COOK healthy food for them
UNDERSTAND what they are going through
ALLOW them to share their deepest fears with you
BE there for them throughout their entire journey so they never feel they are going through it alone
LOVE them unconditionally
STAND by their side. . . always and forever
-JPC 10.1.24
For years I have been a fan and supporter of Julie Bach, founder of Wellness for Cancer (WFC) a 501 3(c) charity created to facilitate self care and better lifestyle choices for individuals who have been touched by cancer. I designed a special Crafted for a Cause 'Wellness for Cancer' bracelet to support WFC and bring awareness to Julie's great mission to help teach professionals in the wellness and spa industry how to heal those touched by cancer.
As with all Mala + Mantra products, the bracelet imparts messages of mindfulness and wellness: “be brave. be strong. be restored." I also intentionally wrote the mantra to inspire cancer patients to fight and never give up hope.
Malas and mantras are tools used for thousands of years to help cultivate self-compassion, forgiveness and wellbeing at the individual level.
Each purchase of the Mala + Mantra X Wellness for Cancer BCA bracelets helps cancer patients and survivors receive well BE-ing treatments. Mala and Mantra will donate 10% of all Wellness for Cancer bracelet sales to this exceptional non-profit. We encourage support of becoming cancer aware by sharing your photos of this bracelet and using the hashtag #bebravebestrongberestored
“I am honored that we are launching the Mala and Mantra X Wellness for Cancer BCA mala bracelets as Meditation and Mindfulness are evidence-based approaches approved by many hospitals and cancer centers to help individuals address: Depression, Anxiety, Stress Reduction, Concentration and Quality of life issues associated with cancer,” says Bach.
Wellness for Cancer embodies compassion and wisdom to provide well-being solutions that help individuals recognize that they are more than their physical body and they are more than their cancer diagnosis. They are human beings.
Help us spread the word about regular mammogram screening by encouraging your friends and family to get screened.
Also, please offer to support those in your life suffering from breast cancer as sometimes it's the small gestures of companionship, attention, listening, kindness, and empathy which provide the most comfort.
Be well,
JPC
