Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Show your support through small acts of kindness to anyone who has been affected by cancer. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout the month of October in the U.S., a pink ribbon is worn to show support for everyone affected by breast cancer. According to the WTO, over 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 alone.

The Pain of Cancer

I know of women who are now proud breast cancer survivors. But equally I know of  friends who sadly passed away after a courageous battle as young as 30. Cancer is ugly. I know this pain all very well. Both my mother and paternal grandfather passed away in their mid-60s within six months of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. For my mother,  there was nothing more her oncologist could do. Her stage four cancer metastasized to other parts of her body. It was the worst experience ever, watching my mother succumb to cancer.   

We are forever grateful for the kind palliative care by medical professionals, and outpouring of love and support from family and friends near and far. I was deeply touched by the small acts of kindness, and still am. So much so that I told myself if any colleagues, neighbors, friends, or family who are battling cancer, I will be there to support them as best as I can. And I mean it. I believe a  judge of one’s character is not by their words, but their actions.

Breaking Bad News

This past summer, one of my mom friends shared the news of her recent breast cancer diagnosis. At that time, my friend wasn’t ready to break the news to her wider group of friends. She didn’t expect to run into anyone at the local playground, let alone me. My friend was hoping for a peaceful Sunday morning with her daughter after a tough first round of chemotherapy. 

My first thought when I saw my friend was that she looked exhausted. Maybe she had one of those tough weeks at work. You know, we’ve all been here. So I let her have some space to enjoy some time under a shady tree. 

Ten minutes later, she came up to me and we had the normal small chat about the weather and weekend plans. I noticed some heavy bruising on her elbow crease, but thought nothing of it other than she may have some blood work done. After some awkward silence, she opened up.

 “I haven’t been well. I have some health problems. This is why I have so many bruises on my arm,” my friend said as she fought back tears. 

“Oh no, I’m sorry. Is everything okay?” I said sympathetically with a concerned face. What could it be, I thought to myself? 

She looked me in the eyes and said: “No. I have cancer,” as tears came down her cheek. 

Small Acts of Kindness

In utter shock, my heart dropped with sorrow. I was speechless. How could it be? My beautiful friend who is my age has cancer. How and why? With my eyes swelling with tears, I gave her a big hug of comfort and offered my support.  

My friend has now completed four rounds of chemotherapy. She has four more to go, plus radiation and mastectomy. We hope this battle will be a distant memory next summer when we can have a pink party to celebrate her being cancer-free. I admire her strength, courage, and positivity throughout this deeply personal fight against breast cancer. 

We all have our own ways to show our kindness. For me, I show love through food. We often drop off homemade baked goods and pesto sauce for my friend and her family. We also organise relaxed lunches and playdates for the girls at my house ahead of her bi-weekly chemo sessions. Her lady gang have rallied around her, helping with errands, going for walks, and keeping her company. These small acts of kindness go a long way, and will never be forgotten. 

For anyone affected by cancer, my heart goes out to you. Stay strong and stay positive. In the spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, ladies please check yourself regularly as part of your own self-care. Together, we will beat cancer.