October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. In my previous blog, Post I, I started sharing a little bit about my breast cancer journey. It’s a glimpse into some dark days of my life, that by the grace of God, I was able to get to the other side. Pulling out my “breast cancer journey” diary and reading through it has brought back so many memories. Some good and some bad. Breast cancer diagnoses and struggles affect more than the patient. It affects families and friends too.

I have one sister and four brothers. My sister and I weren’t very close growing up because she is five years my senior. Now, as adults, we have become closer; and, she really evolved into one of my biggest cheerleaders and has always there for support; and, I hope that I reciprocate.

My sister’s best friend fought breast cancer for years and had appeared as though she had beat it. She was going on her 6th year of surviving when I was diagnosed; a year later the disease overcame her and she died. My prayer through those early days was that God wouldn’t take my sister’s best friend and me too. I thought that would be too much for my sister to bear.

Here is one of my earliest entries that I would like to share with you, there is no date indicated but captured the period prior to my first surgery:

“My mother and sister came up during this time and it allowed us to bond with Christ being our central focus. We read scripture and each prayed on the eve prior to the surgery to remove the tumor. I hold onto the thought this is only a trial to make me a better child of God; that I will not die from the disease but will survive and be able to draw others closer to God.”

I read that entry and remember the wonderful time that my Mom, sister and me fellowshipped, prayed and supported one another. They both stopped their lives and came to New York City to be with me. My mother stayed even longer. I appreciated that network and knew that it helped me get through a difficult time. For example, the friend I mentioned in the previous post that took me shopping at Costco also sent me flowers on my chemotherapy days. (She is now the godmother of my daughter)!

Since my family was far away, I was thankful for my friends. They would bring lunch to my chemo treatments and sit with me while the medicine was being administered into my body. Others would meet me at the end and make sure I got home and make dinner for me. Others would call just to check on me. I was thankful for their acts of kindness; and, grateful for their time.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I will continue to share my breast cancer journey in the next October blog post. In the meantime, please start making it a habit (if you haven’t already) to self-examine your breasts at least every month. Please encourage the women and men in your lives to do the same thing. If you feel something, do something and don’t put it off. See your doctor. Early detection makes a huge difference. Be aware and celebrate the remarkable women in your lives – those that you have lost to this terrible disease and those who have survived.

Sonya Ruff Jarvis, is the Managing Member of Jarvis Consultants and the Founder of the eRetailer Summit and JC Event Group. An expert in her field, Sonya has been published in numerous retail industry b-to-b publications. Sonya shares her experiences in her book series Mindful Minutes: A Marketer’s Journey Through Business. In addition, Sonya collaborated in publishing an anthology, Mentoring Moments: 14 Remarkable Women Share Their Breakthroughs to Success. Purchase Sonya’s books here.

Sonya has a M.B.A. in Marketing. She is married and has a daughter and they live in Trumbull, Connecticut.

Follow Sonya on twitter at @jarvisconsult or @eretailersummit