A Story Of Faith, Resilience And Healing

As I sit down to recount my journey through breast cancer, it’s June 2023, and the past year has been a whirlwind of emotions, challenges, and blessings. However, my cancer journey didn’t start in June 2022; it began years earlier, a silent alarm my body was trying to raise—a tale of neglect, Faith realise, and eventual empowerment.

In 2018, amidst the hustle of building a business, I ignored the signals my body sent, pushing myself beyond limits and neglecting self-care. Even as late as 2019, aboard a cruise with my husband, a casual remark about the size of my breasts went unnoticed, the lump growing silently within.

The pandemic lockdown halted life’s pace, allowing me to introspect. It was then, in 2022, that a routine NHS letter urged me towards a mammogram—an appointment I initially resisted due to fear. However, an inner voice guided me, and I’m grateful I listened.

The subsequent tests revealed a reality I wasn’t fully prepared for—a cancerous lump deep within my breast. Yet, armed with faith, a conviction in the power of healing, and an unwavering resilience, I faced the diagnosis head-on. The journey through surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy tested my resolve, but with unwavering support from loved ones and the medical team, I persevered.

My approach to treatment was wholistic, drawing from both modern medicine and traditional wisdom passed down through generations. Inspired by my Caribbean roots, where food is seen as medicine, I embraced a diet rich in cancer-fighting properties, aiding not only in my cancer battle but also in managing other health conditions.

Throughout this journey, I’ve come to appreciate the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. As a survivor and a wholistic health coach, I offer my understanding and support to those traversing similar paths. My journey continues, but with each step, I’m empowered by the resilience within and the love that surrounds me.

If you’re navigating the complexities of cancer, know that you’re not alone. Reach out, connect, and embrace the journey—one of courage, hope, and eventual triumph.

Together, we can navigate the storm and emerge stronger, healthier, and whole.

Here are some specific aspects and highlights of my journey that I believe can provide you with some structure  and overview 

• Self-Reflection And Realise :
  • Ignored signals of distress from my body during busy periods in 2018.
  • Overlooked comments about my health in 2019.
  • The pandemic lockdown provided a moment for introspection and self-awareness.
• Facing The Diagnosis:
  • Initially resisted a mammogram due to fear.
  • Grateful for inner guidance leading me to pursue medical testing.
  • Received the difficult news of a cancerous lump with strength and determination.
• Wholistic Treatment Approach:
  • Embraced both modern medical interventions and traditional healing practices.
  • Adopted a diet rich in cancer-fighting properties inspired by Caribbean cultural traditions.
  • Recognized the importance of nurturing mind, body, and spirit in the healing journey.
• Resilience And Support:
  • Endured the challenges of surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy with unwavering resilience.
  • Found strength and comfort in the support of loved ones and medical professionals.
  • Continued to persevere, fueled by inner determination and external encouragement.
• Empowering Others:
  • Now, as a survivor and wholistic health coach, I share understanding and support with others facing similar challenges.
  • Encourage connection and community among those navigating the complexities of cancer.
  • Offer hope and triumph to inspire others on their healing journeys.

Much Love and Light

Verna

Helpful Links:

• Cancer Research UK: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/ 
• Macmillan Cancer Support: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/?gclsrc=ds&gclsrc=ds 
• Maggie’s: https://www.maggies.org/cancer-support/ 
• Shine Cancer Support: https://shinecancersupport.org/ 
• Cancer Support UK: https://cancersupportuk.org/ 
• American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/ 
• International Cancer Foundation: https://www.internationalcancerfoundation.org/ 
• Black Women Rising: https://www.blackwomenrisinguk.org/nurse-support-line
• Black Women Rising Online Support Groups:https://www.blackwomenrising.uk.org/whats-on