For those of us fighting cancer, I found encouragement listening to the song “You Still Have A Chance” written and performed by Leonard M Williams Sr. from the album Leonard Williams and gardening. For me initially, it was colon cancer then advanced staged triple negative breast cancer. There was no time for sorrow, instead a fierce battle to live.

I am thankful to my husband/caregiver for his love and support because cancer requires a lot from caregivers as well as the person facing this demon. When I gained enough strength by the grace of God to be able to once again walk on my own unassisted and go outside, I was like a kid in a toy or candy store, wide-eyed, giving no thought to the evil demon, cancer, roaring inside my body.

I envisioned a garden with vegetables, herbs and blooming fragrant flowers. Praying for continued strength, I put my vision into action and began learning gardening. My husband was amazed because I was never one for outdoor things and concerned because he thought I was overdoing it.

When I am working in the garden, the thought of cancer vanishes. The rewards are great. I get fresh vegetables, green peppers, and herbs to cook and flavor dishes without the need for salt and ground pepper. Gardening isn’t everyone’s thing, but there are other ideas that can be just as rewarding.

In between doctor follow-ups, chemo, radiation, etc., when you feel up to it, find one that interests you. Fill your feel-good moments learning how to! It will leave less time for thought of the big C. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your hobby. If everything I tried to grow had thrived, I would have an orchard. Try! If the hobby you’ve chosen seems to not work, study ways to improve it. Consider the part that didn’t work the first time part of an experiment.

I pray that you find encouragement from my journey from pain to progress. We must never give up nor give in to cancer. FIGHT!

ABOUT Billie

Bio

• Jackson, MS

Diagnosis

• Colorectal Cancer
• Breast Cancer

Primary Treatment

• Surgery

Primary Cancer Center

• Other

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