Heaps of people helped me through my breast cancer experience. I was diagnosed at 38, with two children: Matt, 7, and Sophie, 3.
My church started a meals roster which was a wonderful help. I also asked three school mums to help with dinners each time I had chemo. They also collected Matt from school, and were a terrific help. Women from playgroup did our shopping, cooked and looked after Sophie. Friends took me out for coffee, to the art gallery or came round to play music (I'm a violinist). All these things helped me feel connected and alive. I sent out email prayer updates, and the replies really encouraged me. I didn't feel so alone and it was very moving to know so many people were praying for me.
I found my relationship with God shattered and remade and I screamed at him a fair bit! I experienced Jesus' understanding presence in my fear, and the sense that I was God's loved child in my weakness and anguish.
After the last lot of chemo, I had about five months of terrible fatigue. My husband, John, was stretched to new levels then. He had to do everything for the kids morning and night, while still working. I'm very grateful for his self-sacrificing love. He kept telling me 'I still love you', when I felt at my worst.
My kids were loving, too, and had to cope with my new body (without a breast and hair!) and a Mum who had no energy to play. Matt's kisses at bedtime and Sophie's pictures from childcare meant so much to me.
Mum was amazing. She took four days of carer's leave each time I had chemo. She came over every afternoon, collected the kids, got the meal, did bath and bedtime while in between cleaning everything she could find, putting on loads of washing, ironing, and even mending our clothes! Her loving, supportive presence made such a difference. The kids felt secure and loved, John could have a rest, and the incredible amount she did for me has given us a new bond. I'm very grateful to have her as my Mum.
As I write I realise again how incredibly supported and loved I was, and I am so grateful for all the ways in which people around me helped me through.
--Cathy
