Navigating the Storm Together: How My Family and I Faced Cancer

As I continue to focus on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, my heart is with every person and family touch by this disease. This week I want to share how we navigated my cancer journey as a family. I hope that by sharing what helped us, I can offer a little light and support to anyone in the throes of their own journey.

Facing a cancer diagnosis is a lonely and frightening experience, but when you have a family the weight of it feels immeasurable. My first instinct was to shield them, to protect them from the fear and uncertainty that had become my new reality. However, I quickly learned that we had to walk this path together. I stumbled my way through and along the way, we found what worked for us. Here are some of the things that helped us survive.

Keeping the Lines of Communication Open

From the beginning I chose to be open with my children. They were teenagers and young adults, so we could have candid conversations about my diagnosis and treatment. This wasn't easy, but it replaced fear of the unknown with facts and a shared sense of purpose. Every family is different, and you must choose the path that feels right for you, but for us, open communication was our anchor.

Building Our Village of Support

Leaning on our support network was one of the most important things we did. I was blessed with incredible friends who checked in on my kids (you know who you are) offering them a space to share their worries. My partner had mates who would drop by with a meal or just to have a beer and a chat. These simple acts of kindness reminded us that we were not alone. We hosted a dinner to thank them after I was through the worst of my treatment. We also used the free app Gather My Crew which was a life saver. It allowed our friends and and family to see what we needed - whether it was a cooked meal, a lift to an appointment, or just someone to sit with me - and they could pick up tasks they were able to help with. It took the pressure of us to ask for help, and it empowered our crew to support in practical ways.

Finding Comfort in Routine

When everything feels chaotic, the predictability of routine can be incredibly grounding, especially for younger children. We tried to keep mealtimes, homework, and bedtime rituals as consistent as possible. It wasn't always easy, especially with a schedule of medical appointments and the sheer exhaustion that come with treatment. On the hard days we learned to let go and allow others to help us and maintain that sense of normalcy, and sometimes, the most important thing on the list was to rest.

The Life Changing Power of Self-Care

As mothers, we are notoriously bad at putting ourselves first, even when we are sick. I knew I had to make self-care a priority. For me that meant, a daily walk or spending time in my garden, and journaling. Writing everything down - my fears, my hopes, the big worries and the small ones - helped me to stop ruminating and find a sense of peace. It allowed me to process my emotions and get some much needed sleep. If you want to learn more about this you can read my blog on the Unlocking Inner Calm: Why Journaling is Mumma's Best Friend. You don't need a special book for this, any notebook will do. However, if you are like me and love the smell of new stationary..... you can find lots of options on Amazon, like One Day At A Time

Seek Professional Guidance

There is no shame in asking for professional help. I found a psychologist who had experience in supporting people on the cancer journey and it made the world of difference. I didn't have to waste precious energy explaining my treatment or the side effects- she already understood. She knew the right questions to ask and provided me with strategies to cope with the emotion of it all.

Celebrating Every Small Victory

In the midst of struggle, we made a conscious effort to celebrate the wins, no matter how small. A good report from the doctor, a day with a little more energy, or simply a beautiful sunset or sunrise - it was worth cherishing. These moment of connection and love were a powerful reminder of what I was fighting for. It also reminds you to make the most of your time together by engaging in activities that strengthen family bonds—whether it’s a games night, a movie, or simply a walk in the park. Presence, love, and connection can offer immense comfort. I watched a lot of movies with my youngest kids and walks around the block or in the park with my Mum. I also found comfort in reading books that lifted my spirits. A couple of my favourites that I will keep forever are - Phosphorescence by Julia Baird, Love Stories by Trent Dalton and Life is Tough, But So Are You by Briony Benjamin

Every family’s cancer journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. I hope that by sharing a piece of my story, you might find a strategy or two that resonates with you. For anyone on this journey, know that you are not alone. You are stronger than you think.

You got this!

Chelle ❤️❤️

 Special Education Complex Supports and Family Support Specialist … and cancer survivor.