Just hearing the sound of the word “cancer” gives off that shuttering effect that resonates in every molecule of the body. There’s unimaginable shutter that is happening inside when the breast cancer diagnosis is delivered to you. It seems like the entire world closes in front of your face.
But then, with a careful and day-by-day living with a dire diagnoses, there enters H-O-P-E. Quietly, one tiny step at at time. It embraces you with its shadow that warms you up like nothing else out there. Still, you feel like a ghost living this life. But with one slight movement of your soul, with that bleak glimpse of being ready to receive – here she is, unveiling the most precious morsels of herself. HOPE, now, shines through you and your incredible presence in this world.
Here’s how HOPE transformed Nancy Parker. Here’s her story and her HOW-TOs to elevate any woman going through any dire situation in life.
Breast Cancer October Relay
Illuminate. Encourage. Shine!
Campaña de Concientización Contra el Cáncer de Mama.
Alienta. Incentiva. Brilla!
Back in 2006, I underwent chemotherapy for triple negative breast cancer, the most emotionally draining and vulnerable time in my life.
Through my support group (Gilda’s Club Seattle), I learned that when you are ready to give up, draw from the strength, compassion and wisdom of social workers and the women in your group.
The women in my group were constantly cheering me on through their words and most importantly their actions. They illustrated their willingness to show up for life, even when some knew their cancer was terminal. They were constantly striving to be positive and looking to the future. Hope. They gave me hope at times when I was faltering. And they received hope and encouragement from me when they were faltering.
Through their trust, grit and strength, wisdom and support I found the courage and determination to launch my business during the most difficult time in my life. I continue to donate to local area hospitals to distribute to cancer patients, which allows me to give back to others who are experiencing what I did.
Nancy Parker, Owner of Cup of Hope Baskets
During this incredibly trying journey I learned what built me up and gave me resolve to persevere during an impossible time. I would like to share with others that there is hope and strength in numbers. I learned some valuable lessons and some tried and true rituals that I hope others will find valuable.
HOW-TOs Of Giving & Receiving HOPE
During Breast Cancer Battle
Stay Connected With A Support Group
For Encouragement and Inspiration during a rigorous breast cancer treatment, turn to others who may need you. Your community or support group can easily become your anchor and a source of inspiration during and after an uphill battle with cancer.
The community we built facilitated hope and demonstrated that this journey is not just about me, that it is really about helping others. They inspired me to give back to others. We shared ideas and dreams, which gave me the courage and resilience to pursue my dream.
Grow And Nurture Community Partner Relationships During Your Battle with Cancer
I built genuine relationships with the oncology social workers who appreciated that the baskets were coming from someone who has gone through the experience and knew first hand what patients needed during their journey. After launching my business, they helped me promote my business through the donation of baskets to their patients.
Be Mindful Of Your Time And Learn When To Say ‘Another Time’
Many of us have a hard time saying no (especially when so many great suggestions are being shared and you certainly don’t want to discourage good ideas!), so instead I learned how to tell people I may not be able to do it right now but I may be able to do it later.
This approach allowed me to manage my time better, be mindful of my health and business pursuits while reducing stress and anxiety. Also important to remember when it comes to your time and focus, don’t get lost in the many resources available on the internet regarding your diagnosis, trials and treatments. Select a few reputable, independent sites that will help educate and empower you without overwhelming you.
Eat Well And Exercise
I have become a green vegetable lover – broccoli, kale, cabbage, you name it! Devouring good healthy vegetables are key to keeping my energy in check and my spirits high. I have lots of great recipes to share! Getting exercise, primarily walking for me, clears my mind, boosts endorphins, and makes me stronger inside and out.
Be mindful of your time and learn when to say ‘another time’.
Ground Yourself With A Spiritual Awakening Practice
I’ve created a ritual of reach practice. Each morning I read a morning devotion that helps guide my thinking, meditation, and planning of my day. Through the ritual of reflection and mindfulness, I am able to reach for (and attain) more than I ever thought possible.
Take Time To Reflect & Get Inspired by Your Own Thoughts
Dream Big Especially During Your Cancer Treatment
This speaks for itself. If you don’t think it how can it become a reality? Having goals, planning for them and envisioning you reaching them is critical to your recovery and to the success of your organization.
Cup Of Hope Gift Baskets And Gifts
Nancy Parker Has Created This Business During Her Fight With Breast Cancer
Going Through Chemotherapy as one of the Breast Cancer Treatment?
Surround Yourself With A Superb Team
Find employees and contractors who augment your strengths and skills, understand your vision and are committed to helping you achieve that vision. Having accomplished supporters that can rally beside you to help you grow as an entrepreneur is the key component to a sustainable and rewarding life and business.
Dream big! If you don’t think it how can it become a reality? Having goals, planning for them and envisioning you reaching them is critical to your recovery.
Through love and courage, you can find the strength to survive and shine.
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HOW-TO Give Hope When Going Is Tough #1SaveTaTas #HeartThis #BreastCancerAwareness #hope https://t.co/ubGMB78s8l pic.twitter.com/lGxwWjcPMV
— Celebrate Woman (@DiscoverSelf) October 4, 2017
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29 thoughts on “HOW-TO Give Hope When Going Is Tough During Breast Cancer”
Your strength during this difficult time in your life is amazing and very inspiring. Forming your company for baskets to bring hope to others is beautiful.
Cup Of Hope Gift Baskets And Gifts are wonderful and a beautiful idea. We should all take this wonderful woman’s advice and tips.
This is a wonderful idea for those fighting cancer or any illness in life. We all need encouragement and I am sure this would bring some sunshine into their life. Thank you so much for sharing this. God Bless
I love that this woman continues to donate to local area hospitals to distribute to cancer patients. She is a wonderful person.
What a courageous lady! Such an inspirational story.
I love how this lady took a bad situation in her life and did something positive with it. It takes a strong person to do this. I rely on God daily in my life so I can try and do the same for someone else. This is what life is all about. I thank God for her for her courage and willingness to be used in this way. Thank you for sharing
what an inspiring lady.
sorry have had family in the area with breast caner and then i get tested 2 time a year
i am going to keep it form me i need it
It’s always hard to figure out what to say, how to act, what to do in these tough situations. Your post shows a lot of respect, compassion and class.
What a great campaign!
What a beautiful idea! I just love this. The world needs kindness like this.
Nancy Parker does sound like a wonderful and inspiring lady. I am so glad for what she is doing.
I think this is such a great idea. The women who are going through this need uplifting and encouragement. Thank you so much for sharing this. God Bless
I’m so glad she had a strong support group to help get her through the tough times. Cancer is horrible. I was diagnosed with Cervical cancer at age 22 and can barely remember the day I received the news. I was in complete shock. I don’t even remember the drive home. It took me several days to process and thank goodness my cancer was caught in time. My whole heart goes out to all who are affected by this awful disease.
Such wonderful advice from a brave and terrific woman. I would certainly listen to her.
Going through breast cancer is a terrible ordeal. My heart goes out to each of you who have gone through this. Support groups sound awesome to me. We need people to help us through this and it is so nice when it is someone who has gone through the same thing. These baskets are beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing this. God Bless
LOVE This post! It hits home for me because my aunt is a 10+ year survivor and many of the things you mentioned she has spoken about too! Ty for sharing this!
Love the dog mom basket. So cute!
My prayers and thoughts for everyone going through this.
This is a nice idea thanks for sharing
I love this. This is great advice!
I love how she came up with a creative idea to promote a worthwhile message.
A support group is so important. The latest research says that most people are lonely today than ever before. Life is about building strong relationships.
Vinil,
It is a statistic piece of several years ago, but it allocated 1.3 friends that people have these days. It’s not even a whole person! Basically one friend. That is sad.
That is why it so vital to force ourselves to go and be social and make friends and spend times together.
Friends are our health and life saver.
Thanks for sharing your story. So powerful.
This is like a recommendation for me. Please cherish your loved ones. Since no one can replace them, thank you for sharing!
Friends and family are so important to getting through tough times and to appreciate and celebrate the good times. These are all such good suggestions to keep in mind.
Support groups can be so helpful, not just for cancer, but for many, many things. It’s always good to connect with others that are also going through the same thing or have already been there.