An estimated 27,700 women and 260 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Canada, and in 2022, I was one of them.

I found my tumor after rolling over in my sleep one night, and feeling enough pain that I woke up saying, “Oww!”, and feeling around for a rock in my bed.  The next morning when I woke up, I went straight to my bathroom mirror, and found out why I thought I rolled onto a rock in my sleep.  It was a large, very hard lump in my left breast, and I knew I was in trouble.  A couple of weeks later, another lump appeared in my armpit.  It turned out that I had a 10 cm. tumor in my breast, and a 4 cm. tumor in my armpit.  CHECK YOURSELF - you know your body better than anyone!  

My self assessment was confirmed when I diagnosed with triple positive invasive ductal carcinoma on July 25th, 2022, which had advanced to stage 3 or stage 4.  They couldn’t be certain, but I showed signs of cancer in multiple lymph nodes, some of which could not be reached easily for a biopsy to confirm.  I am very happy to report that 25 months later, I remain cancer free!   HUZZAH!!

My 14th (and final!) round of chemo was on September 8th, 2023, and after 13 months of active treatment that also included radiation, targeted therapy, and surgery, the only treatment I am currently on is the hormone therapy drug Letrozole.  I will likely taking this drug for several years, so I’m doing my best to navigate the challenges it creates, as I know it is working to prevent any recurrence of breast cancer.  I’m trying to “love my dragon”, but it is hard to do some days!

At this stage of my journey, I am focusing on showing my body all the love and patience it needs as we work together to deal with the physical and emotional changes of the last 2 years.  It really did take a pounding, and yet, here I am, working on figuring out what my new “normal” is.

This will be my second year of participating in the Run for the Cure, and I’m walking for myself, and all the extraordinary women I have met along the way that gave me shots of light and support when I needed it.  I can only hope to do the same, and be a lighthouse for others in their time of need.  WE GOT THIS!!  

If you are able to make a donation, in any amount, I would be so grateful!  Every dollar will be put towards this very worthy cause, and one that is very near and dear to my heart.  

To show my support for all Canadians impacted by breast cancer, I am participating and fundraising for this year’s Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure on Sunday, October 6, 2024.

With your help, I can reach my fundraising goal and make a life-changing difference for so many people. Every dollar I raise will fund groundbreaking breast cancer research and support programs and services for those impacted by this disease.

Please donate today. I believe better treatment options and survival outcomes are possible. Together, we can give Canadians impacted by breast cancer a reason to have hope. And we can help change the future for all.

Thank you! I appreciate your generous support.

P.S. Did you know? Fundraising $300 can fund help provide healthy home-cooked meals for guests at a Canadian Cancer Society lodge during their stay. Lodge guests receive wholesome foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, and meals customized to their dietary needs – including those arising from cancer treatment, like liquid and soft food diets.