The concept of a Victory Garden began during World War I and continued throughout World War II. People were urged to grow their own food, saving resources for the war effort. Victory Gardening was well received during the World War eras and recently we saw a revival of gardening that occurred during the Covid Crisis.

I personally have always enjoyed gardening. Growing flowers, herbs, and sometimes the occasional vegetable to add a dash of flavor into our lives. Fresh cut flowers are a wonderful addition to any space during the Gardening season as well as vegetables. I always hate to see the end of the garden season come to a close as colder weather approaches. Over the years, I have learned, as a gardener, I don’t enjoy weeding the garden! Ugh!!!

Weeds, the unwanted earthy material we desire to rid our flower & vegetable gardens of, forever. Weeds can somehow creep into your garden and appear almost overnight. Weeds steal valuable water & nutrients from your growing garden. And before you know it, your once gorgeous garden is chocked full of weeds and struggling to survive amongst the weeds. It only takes a few warm days of consistent rainfall, for those weeds to take root.

Usually around late February or early March, folks begin to search for their favorite garden seeds… The dream of the new garden begins in earnest once those tiny micro seeds are planted. The ultimate test of faith and hope, growing them inside from the seed starts. Eventually, these seeds will emerge as a small green plant… Ready to transplant once the weather permits. Hmmm… No one ever dreams about growing weeds 😂?? Right?

One of my cancer doctors recently used a “gardening analogy” to describe my experience with cancer. Upon further reflection, it was a clever way to describe everything that has happened thus far, and it just clicked. It is definitely worth sharing.

Stay with me for a moment, I’m going to share a bit of background information:

1. Breast cancer is caused by damage to the DNA of a cell, a mutation.

2. When healthy cells are damaged, those same cells lose their ability to repair themselves, and can continue onto the path of Cancer.

3. Cancer cells have the ability to exhibit uncontrolled growth. They never stop dividing, and these cells don’t die out!

4. The entire process of tumor formation from cancer cells takes on average 8-10 years. This process doesn’t occur overnight.

5. It is also worth mentioning that some Breast Cancers can double in size very quickly from a span of 29 to 200 days. Some Breast cancers grow much slower, like mine. Thankfully!!!

Obviously, other factors can influence cancer, like genetics. But the knowledge that we can control a portion of our own cancer battle is empowering !!! As the saying goes, “Reap what you sow”. Taking care of your garden, can benefit your ultimate harvest….with the outcome of focusing on wellness, physical activity, and good foods can make a difference… in your overall physical health… achieving Victory!!!

Cancer treatment will vary depending on the key characteristics of the cancer itself, just like your garden. Each garden is unique to its surroundings, and what is cultivated in the garden space.

I have met several new medical professionals in this cancer journey. Each one of these individuals has a specific role in defeating the cancer. This is where the garden analogy comes into focus. Consider the human body as the garden as you continue to read on.

One of the first doctors I met was my Surgical Oncologist. The role of the Surgical Oncologists, using the garden analogy… She Pulls the “weed” (cancer) directly out and also the areas around the cancer “weed” (gaining clear margins) to ensure that the entire weed root system isn’t left. My cancer was fairly small, 14mm for a nasty little weed.

Next up, my Medical Oncologist. She does “weed pollen control”. My medical oncologist addresses the whole body systems to prevent “weed pollen” from spreading by using medications that can assist in fighting the cancer or help prevent a reoccurrence. I will spend many appointments with her in the future because of the medication (5 year cycle)that is recommended for me after the radiation treatments.

Pollen is the fine, yellow, powdery substance produced by plants and yes, even weeds! Spring pollen season isn’t always a pleasant experience for many who face allergies. But, pollen can play an essential role in the garden. Often plants rely on certain insects, bees, or birds to transport the pollen, while common weeds distribute their pollen by wind. My medical oncologist is trying to prevent the “weed pollen scatter”.

I recently met my Radiation Oncologist. She is the one who used this garden analogy to describe my experience with cancer thus far. In her role in my cancer care, she targets the area around where the cancer was. In essence, radiation therapy will be the “weed killer”.

Often when you pull up weeds from the garden, especially the big, testy ones with strong roots, you might come behind with a targeted weed killer to ensure that those weeds do not come back. No one wants to do all that weeding work to find several more new weeds in your garden just a few days later!

As she continued with her explanation, Tiny microscopic cancer cells can be left behind even after surgery, the goal of radiation therapy is to kill those cancer cells that might be left behind and help prevent a reoccurrence of cancer.

As I prepare for the next phase of my cancer treatment, Radiation therapy, I find myself full of anticipation… waiting for the next major hurdle to pass. I’m scheduled to begin radiation treatment in early March.

Yet, the desire to grow my garden hasn’t waned. I realize that our personal garden is our own personal story waiting to unfold. Cancer has become a part of my story and a part of my garden that I didn’t expect to grow. Trust me it hasn’t been “all roses and flowers in my garden”. I have found myself recently, deep in the weeds and thorns. My immune system has been weakened due to this cancer and I have fought off Covid for the last two weeks. My own mind’s timeline of healing hasn’t matched my sickness. The rate of recovery has been a bit longer than I anticipated. But I shall continue pulling through the weedy path in my garden.

Thankfully, planting a garden is a definitive expression of hope, and resilience… And our forefathers got it right… the concept of a Victory Garden. I will bloom where I have been planted and turn towards the sunshine. Facing this new path where the weeds are, and begin anew in Victory!

Footnote: Please say a prayer for all who are “deep in the weeds” with any type of cancer treatment. My heart is heavy for others who are battling cancer or any other serious illness. This is a battle that no one willing wants to fight but sometimes prayers can provide that strength. Those prayers are often felt at the moment they are needed… that is a victory!