Blog 5: Klara – In seeking help, I also found strength

Dear readers,

I hope that through my previous writings, you’ve begun to see the bigger picture of my journey and experience with breast cancer. Every word I’ve shared with you has been heartfelt and deeply personal. Today, though, I want to open up about one of the most painful and defining moments of my life—the loss of my mother while I was undergoing treatment.

When I received my diagnosis, my mother was faced with the same harsh reality. We both fell ill in the same year, a coincidence that only deepened my belief that nothing in life happens by chance. I believe the universe guides us along a path that aligns with our life’s purpose, and this experience was no exception. The illness brought my mother and me closer than words can express. We forged a bond stronger than ever before, where pain and fear gave way to profound love and understanding.

I vividly remember the day when both my mother and I had appointments at the Institute of Oncology at the same time. It felt like an incredible coincidence, but I saw it as a sign that we needed to support each other in that moment. My mother was an extraordinarily strong woman; despite a grim prognosis, she never lost hope. Instead of surrendering, she fought fiercely for nearly a year, even though she was only given weeks to live. I will always believe that her spirit remained indomitable, even as her body weakened. Her passing wasn’t a defeat; it was the natural conclusion of a life lived with strength and dignity.

When my mother passed away, I was in the midst of my radiation treatments. Her death hit me like a blow to the heart, something I struggled to fully grasp for a long time. Accepting this loss was incredibly difficult, especially while I was fighting for my own health. But through the grieving process—moving through stages of denial, anger, and deep sadness—I gradually began to understand that her journey had come to an end, and that I needed to focus on my own healing.

During this time, I recognized that I needed support. I reached out to professionals because I didn’t know how to handle my emotions or how to remain “okay” for myself and my daughters. But in seeking help, I also found strength. Strength to confront the pain, to accept the impermanence of life, and to live each day with greater awareness and gratitude.

My mother taught me that health is our greatest treasure, and that every day we have is an opportunity to live fully. I learned that we should never hold onto what burdens our hearts, that we must let go of resentment, and release everything that doesn’t bring us joy. We should live each day as if it were our last, because we never know when that day will come.

Every challenge in life comes with a lesson. For me, this was a lesson in the power of love, courage, and the importance of cherishing every moment with those we love.

This post has been quite emotional, so for now, I’ll say goodbye, and I look forward to sharing with you again soon.

And always remember the most important message: a positive mindset 😊