Paula Schneider and her daughters
When Paula Schneider was diagnosed with breast cancer, her world changed instantly, but one thing that remained constant was her love for her daughters. She’s written a book entitled “Love Stays Strong,” coming out soon, with 100% of author proceeds going to Komen. The book is designed to help talk to kids about breast cancer and other diseases.
In honor of Mother’s Day and all the women out there who provide support, hope and love, we’ve asked breast cancer patients to share what their moms – or kids – mean to them.
Marianne: Grateful to Have My Mom Beside Me
My mom has through all of my treatment called me her sparkly warrior princess, even on the days I didn’t believe it. She was there through mostly all of the chemotherapies, holding my hand. I love her very much and I’m so grateful for her.
Debricca: Mom Celebrates My Breast Cancer Milestones with Me
My mom is the strongest woman I know. As a mother, I’m not sure that I could have kept it together in front of my boys if I ever needed to cater to them the way she did for me. For two weeks straight, she was measuring fluid from my drains, helping me to the bathroom, making sure I kept up with my pain management and, most importantly, requiring that I got rest when I was trying to fight my sleep.
I recently celebrated having no evidence of disease for three years and my 45th birthday four days later. My mom expressed just how blessed she is to be able to celebrate those milestones with me. She thanks God every day that I am healthy and now using my experience to educate others.
Heather: During Breast Cancer, My Mom Was in the Trenches with Me
When I was battling cancer, my mom didn’t cheer from the sidelines. She was right there in the trenches with me, a calming force in the unpredictable chaos. After my double mastectomy, we’d make the long drive together — an hour and a half each way — to every follow-up appointment.
No dramatic pep talks, no pressure to process it all. Just coffee, a shared eyeroll at traffic and her steady presence beside me. She didn’t try to fix it. She didn’t have to. Her steadiness made space for my fear. Her strength gave mine permission to rest.
When chemo wiped me out and I needed a break from it all, I’d fly to Florida to be with her and my dad. Their home became a landing place, a reset button. She never told me to be brave. She didn’t have to. Just showing up the way she always has, made it easier for me to keep going.
Shanise: Everything Shifted When I Was Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
When I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, everything shifted. The air felt heavier, the days felt longer and fear took up space in every corner of our lives. But what never wavered was the love and resilience of my family. My daughters, Naomi and Shadè, are young adults navigating their own journeys and even as they managed their own responsibilities and emotions, they showed up with a grace that left me speechless.
Russell, my son, was just 15. The day we sat down as a family and told our children about my diagnosis, he crumbled into his sisters’ arms, asking if he was going to lose me. That moment shattered something in me. As a mother, you want to protect your children from pain, and there I was, watching mine break. But even in the midst of his fear, he found small, beautiful ways to be brave.
Siana: My Mom’s Life Lessons Helped Me Through Breast Cancer
My mom passed away from cancer when I was in my early 20s. Even though she wasn’t physically here with me through my journey, she taught me through hers to live, love and move even in the hardest times, and I carry that with me. I have always taught my children when they get hurt or have a booboo that it’s all good because booboos and scars make you strong. When I finished radiation, I was burned completely on my left chest. I was in the bathroom changing my bandages from the burns. My kids walked in and patted me on the leg and said, “It’s okay momma, booboos make you strong.” In the moment when I felt so defeated, my kids reminded me how strong I was!
Monica: Grateful For My Mom
My 85-year-old mommy is my best friend, my girlfriend. She is always here for me as I am for her. We talk every day about anything and everything without any judgement. She is my strength through my struggles. During my breast cancer journey, my mom said, “Everything will be alright. You will get through this. We will get through this together.” I am so blessed to have a mom like her in my life.
Laurel: Helping Me Stay Nourished During Breast Cancer
My mom reminded me that one of the best things I could do after surgery was to rest and sleep and that in order to rest, I needed to stay on top of my medications. She said if you are hurting you aren’t healing and if you aren’t sleeping you aren’t healing. She made sure that I stayed nourished and my side effects from surgery were being managed.
Learn more information about support after a breast cancer diagnosis, including talking with your children about breast cancer.
Komen also has information about supporting someone with breast cancer.
Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their healthcare provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
