I was 47 years old when I was diagnosed with double positive, invasive ductal breast cancer. 
My diagnosis was found by accident, in the late summer of 2022 I had seen my family doctor for another health concern. I had been having trouble with my right shoulder, I had booked an appointment with him to see if we could get some imaging done, while I was at my appointment he said “let’s get all your physicals and scans done”. I completely agreed. 

It was the end of September by time I had my mammogram done. The very next day I had a phone call from the imaging department of the hospital where I had my mammogram done, they had some concerns and wanted to book me for an ultra sound to have another look. I waited about two weeks for the ultrasound, the results came in around Thanksgiving. On Thanksgiving day I was with family about to sit down for our family meal. When  I had received a call from my doctor.  The results from the ultra sound were concerning and I needed to have a biopsy, but not to worry as sometimes the biopsies turn out to not be anything, but it was important to have done. I was to wait for the appointment from imaging. 
On October 22nd after a returning home from work and preparing supper, I received another call from my doctor confirming I had breast cancer. A tumour approximately 2.5 inches in diameter. During that call he Inquired as to which surgeon I wanted to see to have the tumour removed, and he would send the referral. 
A short time later my husband and I met with the surgeon who then requested several test, and many scans. A very in depth check over to be sure the cancer hadn’t spread anywhere else, and to help determine what path of treatment was needed. 
From heart scans, abdominal ultra sounds, bone scans, CT scans, blood work  and bone density tests, we had the all clear! The first of the best news we had heard in months. 
From there surgery was scheduled for January 12th. Surgery was a success, having the tumour removed with clear margins and two sentimental lymph nodes removed, my surgeon was amazing being able to do it all in only one incision sight. Knowing it was only one incision I was hopeful things had gone very well, but wouldn’t know the full outcome for two weeks, at my follow up appointment at the breast cancer clinic. At my follow up appointment we learned the tumour was slightly bigger then they thought, putting me at stage three, instead of the original stage two invasive ductal  carcinoma, here we learned I would be sent onto the the Windsor cancer centre where I would meet with oncologist and determine next steps. 
We met with oncology in mid February and decided it was best to have more testing done on my tumour and send it away for ONCOTYPE test,  and we would have to wait four more week for results. More good news followed with that testing determining that with  4 rounds of chemo and 20 rounds of radiation would have the best outcomes of a 6% chance of reoccurrence. 
Mid March was first chemo, lost all my hair only a couple of weeks later, leading me into late May for completion of chemo. 
We had a four week break to reset and get ready for radiation starting. 20 rounds of daily driving from Chatham to Windsor for a mere 5 min appoint. July 9th was my last treatment HURRAY I’m done!! 
With family and friend by my side the whole way, making all this possible. The CK surgeons, Windsor oncology and radiology, the amazing nurses on the chemo floor. I am proud to say I am a warrior/ survivor, now approaching my second year of being cancer free! 
PS, I had my shoulder surgery only 5 weeks post radiation, the shoulder affected was the same side as the cancer. Leading i to 12 month more of recovery. I returned to my full time job on October 25th on modified days till after the Christmas break, when I resumed full time work schedule. 

I run with CIBC and fundraise to help all the fighters out there.  This will be my second year with my team, and I plan to continue, I know how vital it is to have the funding for research and medical supplies. I was the recipient of financial help on one treatment as my medical coverage wasn’t going to cover one of my injections without a pre authorization  from the benefits company. The cancer centre set me up with services and took off a huge heap of stress, thinking I was going to be delayed starting treatment.  I am truly great full  of all the hard work  and dedication of all the people who make this all possible. 

Thank you! 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 2, 2022.  

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? A $75 donation can fund a clinical trial for someone with breast cancer to test new treatments to save lives and give hope to countless others.