For many, home is a sanctuary—a place of comfort, safety, and peace. For me, this sentiment rings truer than ever. After enduring months of treatments, countless doctor visits, and the emotional roller coaster of a life-altering diagnosis, I transformed my home into a haven of healing, resilience, and hope. My story is a testament to the power of personal space in reclaiming one’s life after cancer.
“And for countless survivors like me, my home is more than a place—it’s a lifeline, a quiet triumph, and a daily reminder that even in the darkest times, peace can be found within four walls.”Barbara Jacoby
After a double mastectomy. it felt like my body wasn’t my own anymore. I needed a place where I could feel human again. That place was my home..During treatment, I couldn’t control much and my future felt uncertain. But I could control my surroundings.. I wanted my home to feel like a hug. Over time, I made small changes and over time these evolved into a full-blown mission to create a space that nurtured my body, mind, and spirit.
One of the first things that I did was to swapped out harsh lighting for warm lamps My bedroom became the heart of my haven. I filled my room with angels, all types and sizes. This created a “cozy corner” with the addition of a wicker chair and bed linens, etc. that provided me with a sense of warmth and comfort. Some days, I’d just sit there and stare as I thought about everything that happened or was happening but other days, I’d write about how far I’d come. That corner held all my emotions—it was sacred.”
The kitchen, too, played a pivotal role in my recovery. Once a place for quick meals, it became a hub of nourishment and experimentation. With the help of a my husband, I embraced anti-inflammatory foods. Cooking gave me purpose, It was something I could do for myself when so much had been taken away.
Home wasn’t just a physical retreat; it was an emotional anchor for us. We had nights in the living room, where we piled under blankets. It was our way of staying connected when everything else felt chaotic. Those moments of togetherness reinforced my belief that home wasn’t just walls and furniture—it was love, laughter, and resilience.
Now, more than 17 years into remission, my home remains my haven.Cancer took a lot from me, but it couldn’t take my home. This is where I rebuilt myself. And for countless survivors like me, my home is more than a place—it’s a lifeline, a quiet triumph, and a daily reminder that even in the darkest times, peace can be found within four walls.
Barbara Jacoby is an award winning blogger that has contributed her writings to multiple online publications that have touched readers worldwide.