Hope: A four Letter Word We All Could Use
Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines hope, among its many definitions, as: Someone or something that may be able to provide help; someone or something that gives you a reason for hoping.
This definition aligns beautifully with a few of the responses we received after asking women about hope following a breast cancer diagnosis. With the flood of emotions and fears many woman experience in those initial days, weeks, and months, these touch points of inspiration can help carry her through the challenges of her experience.
“My hope came from the inspiration of all the support I received, from my medical partners, my family, my friends, my community, my employer and work colleagues…. All became part of my team and I started learning how important that support team was in my journey.”
“Every morning during treatment, I woke up to my little girls (ages 1 and 3 at the time) who needed me to care for them. They were my biggest motivation to get myself out of bed and not feel sorry for myself that day. They continue to be my source of hope for the future.”
“Faith, family, and friends gave me the hope and support I needed – and still need – to press on and LIVE! It was also a blessing to be able to care for my then-newborn granddaughter on weekdays during treatment. She gave me a reason to get up in the morning and so many more reasons to celebrate life each day!”
“One stand out memory for me that gave me hope was when I was in the pre-op area of the hospital before port placement. I had recently found out that my cancer was more advanced than we originally thought. One of the nurses came up to me and shared with me that she had had the same type of cancer (invasive lobular) and same stage. She had been diagnosed about 20 years earlier and was doing fine. I knew of many breast cancer survivors, but it was especially important for me to see someone who had many similarities to my situation – same age at diagnosis, similar stage of life with young children, same stage of cancer. It was like she threw me a life-line.”
Tapping into hope is not always easy. On Tuesday, August 23rd, the Breast Cancer Education Association is offering a free webinar titled, “Finding Hope Through the Cancer Experience.” Presenter Brenda Hartman, a psychotherapist specializing in oncology, will discuss the emotional roller coaster of cancer, finding new hopes and dreams, and managing fears. Sign up here if this sounds like something that might be of interest to you. And may hope find a permanent place in your heart!
This Is Living With Cancer