Mums With Cancer: Hope, Healing and Helping
Hope. Healing. Helping. These three words are on my mind this week for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, the truly beautiful Stacey Charbachi sent me a copy of her book Climbing Mountains. Wow, what a story. Stacey first discovered the lump in her breast while pregnant with her second child. Like most of us would she assumed it to be just a blocked duct, only to be diagnosed with cancer shortly after the birth of her son. Stacey pours her story out, and though it is a heartbreaking read it is also full of hope. She shares her private journey from diagnosis, through various treatments, and then reconstruction. Along the way she shares bible verses which pulled her through her darkest times, and openly talks about her faith in God and His ability to answer her prayers.
As a young mother and wife, Stacey did not climb her mountain alone. Her extended family rallied around her with practical support, her two precious kids were her motivation to go on, and her husband walked every step with her. One part of Stacey’s story which particularly touched me was when she made the choice to shave her locks, which had been falling out in chunks. She nervously awaited her husband’s reaction to her shaved head – but when he came through the door at the end of the day he too was bald! Sometimes actions speak louder than words.
Reading Stacey’s story has helped me to understand a little of what it must be like to battle cancer as a mum, and I know it has also given me renewed perspective. In her own words, she says:
“Like every other woman who has endured such a mountain, and like every person who has ever faced cancer of any type; we do not know why or how we were dealt the hand we are dealt, but we need to keep on keeping on; faithfully and with hope.” (p107)
If you would like to read Stacey’s book Climbing Mountains I have one copy to give away. Just leave a comment below saying why you’d like to win. Aussie residents only. Comp closes Wed 31st March, 6pm Qld time. If you’d like to buy a copy for yourself or for a friend, click here.
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WINNER ANNOUNCED
Congratulations Marthese!
You are the winner of a copy of Stacey’s powerful story Climbing Mountains.
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I don’t believe in coincidence. I think things happen for a reason. I am quite sure that there is a reason why, at the same time as I’ve been reading Stacey’s story, I’ve also been hearing about the Paint The Town Red charity gala. Mummy’s Wish is a Qld organisation supporting young mums with cancer. I considered going before I read Stacey’s story. Then I saw Mummy’s Wish listed in the back of her book and I knew I had to go.
So I’m going. For Stacey. And for Gayle. For every mama who has battled cancer while mothering young kids. And for every mum who might one day find herself standing at the foot of that mountain. If you’re a Brisbane mum I’d love you to come along too. You can buy tickets here.
Through my job in Cancer Care … I hear stories and meet young mums with Cancer all the time and each one is just as heartbreaking but also inspirational as the next. Luckily for most,the breast cancer was detected earier enough to be successfully treated but the Cancer journey (which really is like climbign a mountain)is never easy and life is never the same again. I would love to read Stacey’s journey and be in the running to win her book.
I would like Bernadette to win then I can borrow her copy. A timely post. I’m needing a bit of perspective tonight.
Thanks for raising awareness of this Cath. So important. It is the kind of thing you think will never happen to you – but it does. My younger brother has recently finished finished three rounds of treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (and has been cleared, praise God!) He was diagnosed at age 27 and we have no family history of cancer. It was awful to see him go through it all. He is blessed with an amazing wife who supported him wonderfully. I can’t imagine someone going through it while trying to care for young children.
.-= Julie´s last blog ..A lesson in grammar =-.
Thanks for sharing this story Cath, Stacey sounds like an amazing mum. I’ve met Gayle personally and am so inspired by her courage and her passion to help others, I’m so glad that you are attending the Paint the Town Red event I would be there if I could, please give Gayle a hug for me when you see her. xx
.-= Peace´s last blog ..Sustainable Hemp Products =-.
I found Stacey and her book a real inspiration too. I interviewed her a few months ago here: http://www.momentsformum.com/2010/02/mummy-interviews-stacey-charbachi.html
.-= Narelle Nettelbeck´s last blog ..A Quick Visit =-.
Thank you for sharing this Cath…it is amazing…how faith help us through any problems or difficulty in our lives…even though we do not get what we wish for such recovery from an illness or other situations…but if we have faith we are never alone…
I lost my dad and father in-law through Cancer…and at the moment we have a friend of the family who is not even 50 yet…and she is loosing a battle of liver Cancer…Keep her in your prayers…as she and her family need it badly! Thank you…
What an inspiring woman!
I really agree with the notion of synchronicity and it brings to mind a quote I read as a child; ‘A coincidence is just a miracle where God chose to remain anonymous’. I really like that notion.
Thanks SquiggleMum for sharing this and I look forward to joining you on the 16th with my brush and tin or red paint!
Claudy
.-= Claudette´s last blog ..Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance =-.
Hi Stacey. God Bless you!
My sister too, has had cancer. Even though we try and support the climb, it sometimes can be a very lonely journey.
I think it’s amazing just how strong people become when faced with life changing challenges. For some people their time has come and the mountain proves to steep. No matter how many loved ones are there to help the assent it’s sometimes not enough. Others fight and come out on top but it is never easy and they are left with a permanent emotional reminder. We all know someone effected by illness either side of the mountain. It’s beautiful that some climbers have the strength to share their story…
xo Steph
I would love to read about her journey and her battle with cancer. I have many friends who have won (as well as lost) the battle and would truely like to understand and learn through Stacey’s book! She is truely a beautiful woman with a story to tell…..
Cathy
.-= Cathy´s last blog ..A little hello…. =-.
Thank you…I received the book today… I will treasure it as I know at the moment it holds a special place in my heart…xxx