Women of Substance

In my opinion, there is no greater test of character than when a woman is diagnosed with cancer.

I am incredibly inspired by those around me who are facing the manifold challenges of this disease, applying bucket-loads of strength, dignity and good humour to withstand their treatment. Having walked in their shoes, I know how important it is to dig deep to face the daily onslaught of symptoms, the mental challenges and the management of the feelings of those around you. It is impossible to describe how one day you are living a 'normal' life and then in an instant, your world has turned on its axis and you just have to completely re-orient. You have no choice over what happens to you after a cancer diagnosis. What you do have a choice in, is how you deal with it. So this brings me to five amazing women.

I met Kate at my first chemo in Jan 2014 when she was already an old hand and took the whole thing in her stride. Her hair had long gone and she was on chemo for life. I was struck then by her emotional resilience and watched in awe (and great sadness) as this impressive woman took blow after blow from her vicious cancer which has stolen her career, her life and her future. It was devastating to hear that recently she was told that she could no longer drive and would be confined to a wheelchair. And, whilst she was facing this mammoth situation, both her parents went through cancer themselves. This is a feat of endurance that would break the rest of us. She is a courageous woman and is still with us despite everything that has been thrown at her.

As I was celebrating my 'cancerversary' (five years since diagnosis) in October of last year, my beautiful oldest friend, a clever, witty, warm-hearted person, accomplished wordsmith and narrowboat-dwelling free spirit was there to celebrate with me. She was overflowing with love for her partner and radiating happiness. One day later, she was taken ill and eventually diagnosed with lung cancer (she has never smoked). She has handled this horrible news with grace and humour, her usual sunny disposition and all-round loveliness (fuelled by fabulous vegan meals cooked by her partner). I am humbled to see how she is dealing with cancer and I am praying for a full recovery.

The first of Dean's friends I met when we started going out was Josie (who made me so welcome when we were attending a wedding in Florida). A warm, intelligent and funny person, she is the heart (and soul) of Dean's group of friends. She is incredibly generous and throws a fabulous party. I was extremely shocked to learn that she had been diagnosed with cancer in her head and neck, including her tongue. However, despite the intensity of the treatment ahead, I knew that Josie would tackle this with the strength and no-nonsense attitude I always associate with her. It's been arduous so far but Josie is ploughing on and I respect her greatly for her fortitude and spirit.

Another of Dean's friends (and mine too), Gill, has also been diagnosed with cancer. One of the most gentle and delightful people I have ever met, she is approaching this with such dignity and patience that again I am in awe. Already facing unpleasant side effects from chemo and losing her beautiful hair (which must be even more unpalatable as she is a hairdresser) she maintains the brightest of smiles despite everything.

Finally, a church friend who welcomed me when I was new to the congregation has been valiantly facing cancer second time round. Yvonne is an inspiring and incredibly strong woman who has tackled many challenges with her powerful faith and indefatigable courage (even enduring the woeful Stoke City season that has recently passed). Testament to her character is that she is still standing despite countless blows, stints in our local hospice, her foot in a cast and pain throughout her body as a result of the spread of her cancer. After all that, she maintains a great sense of humour and supports other cancer sufferers with her empathy and understanding. She is an incredible example of God's work in her life and I pray for healing for her.

Well, if you have had the perseverance to read to the end of this blog post, then you have a tiny fraction of the strength of these inspirational women. I am proud to know them and place them all in God's hands to guide them through this perilous journey.

Amanda