Broken dreams
Being told you have cancer is destabilizing no matter when we get the diagnosis. We’re in the midst of planning our future and organizing our dreams when the bad news seem to close the door on all our projects and we wonder if our dreams are now gone forever. Stay hopeful and don’t give up your dreams: they will be a source of hope and motivation throughout the difficult moments.
I had an ovarian tumor that I had to have removed while losing my baby…but immediately after the operation, I got pregnant again with a beautiful, healthy baby! The first saved my life and the second was my proof that there is happiness after the pain, if we believe in it.
– Valerie
I had cervical cancer in 2002. As it was very advanced, there was a possibility of getting a hysterectomy. I fought and held on to my biggest dream: to become a mother one day. Well this year, I celebrated my 10 years of remission with my dream in my arms: my 8 months old daughter Alexe!
– Karine
The children of cancer
The nightmare of every parent is to be told that their child is seriously ill. Our world suddenly collapses around us and the panic becomes overwhelming when we think of our life without that child that you’ve carried, cherished and that you love more than anything in the world, even more than your own life. Despite the illness, life goes on and you can’t neglect your responsibilities in spite of how you are feeling. Your life is not easy and you deserve to be recognized for all that strength within you despite your feelings of weakness and helplessness.
Have you heard about the Mothers for Hope inspirational movement? This group of mothers is dedicated to offer mothers of children who have cancer some psychological, physical, emotional and financial support to enable them to cope with the daily challenges of the disease in a more positive way.
My daughter had Retinoblastoma! It was quite an ordeal! We got the diagnosis when she was only 2 days old. She had chemo for a year along with a month of laser. We were able to save her vision, her eyes and her life! We continue to have regular appointments to monitor everything, but we are on the right track since the tumors are now inactive!
– Angie Kim
When mom is sick
Mothers are often seen as the pillar of the family, and the symbol of life. When a mother is ill, the whole family is affecter and the mother often feels guilty for having to take time for herself. If we can give you a little advice: Don’t feel guilty for trying to get better, because your children will be inspired and so happy to see you well, and proud of yourself for all the hard times you’ve gone through with your head held high.
I had breast cancer! Diagnosed in 2011, my baby was only 1 year old! Not an easy time to go through all this! 2 surgeries, radiation treatments and medication for 5 years now. My husband lost his job at the same time, a blessing in disguise since he was able to care for the children and be by my side for all the treatments. Today, I’m happy to be able to enjoy my 2 beautiful children! Courage to all those who are still fighting!
– Marie-Josée
I had lymphoma which was diagnosed during my second pregnancy. 6 months of chemo and have now been in remission for 3 years. I am a survivor, but I still can’t talk about it without going through a tsunami of emotions!
– Josianne
Stay surrounded and ask for help
Having cancer is definitely one of those life events that should not be spent alone. You will have a lot of questions, fears, concerns and conflicting emotions to sort through. It’s important that you are properly surrounded so you don’t have to go through all this alone. Take one day at a time and rely on the people you love. Join a group of supporters or a discussion forum to get support from people living with cancer and facing the same challenges you do every day.
Currently fighting cancer!
– Dany
Keep faith Dany, one day at a time! I’ve just returned to work after 13 months. I had breast cancer and had to be operated twice. The first time they removed a tumor and 2 lymph nodes. Since the nodes were affected, they did a second operation to removed a dozen lymph nodes which were thankfully all negative. I still suffered through 4 chemo treatments (and a very difficult hair loss), then 21 radiation treatments (very tiring!) and I now have to take preventive medication for 5 years. I’m a very talkative person and I externalize my feelings easily. I created a group of supporters on Facebook and wrote on it each day to share how I was feeling. Their messages of encouragement helped so much. Also, whenever I panicked thinking about what was coming, I would bring myself back to the present and I would calm down. I also remember during my biopsy, telling jokes and talking about my travels with the radiologist and nurse. I think when the present moment is too hard to deal with; you have to transport yourself elsewhere.
– Dan
A though for the family
We often think of the person who is going through the sickness but we can’t forget their family and friends who are suffering to see someone they love having to live with pain and being unable to make that pain disappear. There are several ways your loved ones can respond to the disease, from denial to acceptance and everything in between, but know that whatever their reaction and their way of handling it, your loved ones love you and wish for nothing more than to see you happy and well.
I was diagnosed with a thyroid and lymph nodes cancer in 2012. It touched my husband, my family, friends and colleagues, but they were still there for me, telling me to fight, which I really appreciate. I had an operation in May of 2012 and had my radioactive iodine treatment the following September. I found it very difficult but I stayed positive. Even though my endocrinologist told me I’m not officially in remission yet, I remain confident that I will be getting good news next summer! I’m a fighter and I won’t let myself be affected by this disease because I have grandchildren I want to see grow up, and they need me! I always say: « Stay hopeful, don’t give up and fight to the end! »
– Francine
Francine is my mother. The news was like getting punched in the face. As she was telling us she was staying positive, all I could think was « What am I going to do if she leaves us? My children might never know their grandmother. » A lot of anxiety and questions, luckily I had the internet! I wanted her to beat the cancer because our relationship has always been a little strained and I just wanted her to be better so I could get to know her in a more positive way. These moments were like a wake-up call. There is this quote I love that I think reflects what I think about how to handle the difficult moments in life: « Life is not just waiting for the storm to pass but learning to dance in the rain. » Stay hopeful mom, we are all behind you!
– Melanie
Life after cancer
You are in remission and it’s normal that you still feel haunted by your fears. You will soon see that you’ll be even more equipped to deal with the hard trials of life and that life goes on. Gradually find your confidence and start dreaming again. Take one day at a time, keep a positive outlook and remember that the future still holds many beautiful surprises!
I had cervical cancer. I had surgery to try to save my ovaries but it didn’t work. I received 30 radiation treatments, went for chemotherapy 6 times and had a week of brachytherapy. After the treatments, my body went into menopause and I was told I would never have children. Fortunately, life was full of surprises and we were able to adopt a little girl who is four now. One day, I might be lucky enough to be called a second time to adopt, but for now, we are overjoyed!
– Julie
