It was a cold, dreary day in March 2022. I sat alone at the office. It was dark as I had not yet asked security to turn on the lights, which was protocol during the covid pandemic.

“Are you alone?” the voice repeated in the distance. “Treatment options are excellent . . . you’ll hear from the surgeon in the next day or two . . . Lisa . . . Lisa?”

All I could think was, “wow . . . isn’t that something.”

The call ended.

I had no tears,

no words,

no one to hug;

just silence

in the darkness

that surrounded me.

Fast forward through a year of IV treatments, physically alone with pandemic restrictions until my very last IV session in May 2023.

The truth is that I wasn’t really alone. Family, friends and colleagues reached out in the most spectacular ways. I received frozen meals, Uber gift cards, hats and headscarves, comfy pink clothing, a wonderful list of movies and TV series to watch, the most beautiful flowers and, from my boss, a simple text during every chemotherapy treatment saying he hoped everything was going ok.

Canadian Cancer Society. What can I say? As a cancer patient, before you even know you’ll have a need, the Canadian Cancer Society has a way to get it to you or to help make the arrangements.

The final cancer-related procedure in my journey is scheduled for November 12, 2024. 

I’ve changed a lot since 2022 and people have noticed. I wear the badge of ‘Survivor’ very proudly.

When you’ve been delivered from much, you celebrate much. I live from the inside out with a percolating joy that seems to endlessly overflow. I laugh and I dance at every opportunity. Life is good, and I’m so very grateful.

I’m delighted to join a group of friends in Running for the Cure on October 6. For the first time since March 2022, after seeing my friends' Run for the Cure fundraising pages, I finally had the tears I expected two years ago (and lots of them). Simply stated, many of my CIRO team are running for me. Wow . . . isn't that something.

If you are fighting, I would be honoured to join you in your fight. You are not alone, ever.

For help:

Canadian Cancer Society

Look Good Feel Better

Wellspring Cancer Support

Restore me after Breast Cancer

After Breast Cancer

The Breasties

Prayer Team at the office (yes, we have one!)