In 2018 I was diagnosed with stage 3 HER2 breast cancer. I had never felt a lump but had an area of smooth skin in the crease under my breast which I initially attributed to wearing underwire bras. When I got around to showing it to my doctor, he quickly made a referral to the local breast health clinic.

I received excellent and timely care at the cancer centre, and was eventually discharged at the end of 2021.

In the Spring of 2022 I lost my voice for a few days, then remained hoarse for 3 weeks. A return visit to my Family Physician who recognized this as potentially problematic. True enough - diagnostic testing resulted in a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer in my lungs. Stage IV, no cure. In early 2024, I found out the cancer had spread to my brain as well

Around the same time, my daughter Claire in Alberta was having her own challenges getting medical attention for a mass in one of her breasts. Then she was diagnosed with stage III HR breast cancer. A bit of a nightmare to say the least. Her youngest child was just going to be starting school. There is no good timing for a cancer diagnosis, but this was definitely a worst case scenario.

So Claire and I started treatment around the same time, thousands of kilometres apart. My other daughter, Blythe, flew out to AB several times to accompany her sister to treatment while her first-class husband stayed home with their own young child. Sad to say, Claire had several friends - all young women - who were going through their own trials with breast cancer at the same time.

So as it stands, Claire is looking towards brighter days. I am in never-ending diagnostics and treatments. It's been a truly humbling experience.

However, I like to look for the silver lining. I think this experience has taught us to truly appreciate the little things. 

 Save Our Coconuts 

An estimated 27,700 women and 260 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Canada.

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 1, 2023.

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.