My name is Anne and I’m a SURVIVOR!!!! I was diagnosed 5 years ago and I’ve been fighting through this terrible disease. Breast Cancer runs in my family. My mother and her sister did not survive but my sister and I have. My sister is undergoing her 2nd diagnosis now. She had a mastectomy and chemotherapy 14 years ago the same year our mother died. She is fighting again and has been undergoing Chemotherapy for the past 2 years. She’s so strong.
5 years ago I discovered a lump which did not show up on my annual mammogram. At my yearly check-up my doctor advised that I should have this lump looked at by a surgeon. That was in July and by the 1st week in September I had a Lumpectomy. Then 5 days before my 45th birthday, October 25th I had my 1st of 4 Chemotherapy treatments. In March I had a month of Radiation. It all seems like a nightmare or maybe a dream now.
My co-workers attended the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure in the pouring rain that year. I was so impressed that they did that. I’ve had great support from my family and friends over the past 5 years. They put up with my pink breast cancer symbols and support me in any way possible. My only daughter who was only 12 at the time of my diagnosis was very strong for me and helped my husband & I with her caring attitude.
It is so emotional for me to see that sea of pink on Run Day. Tomorrw in Charlottetown I’ll be among those pink t’s once again. I’m just so grateful and proud to be a SURVIVOR!
Anne MacArthur
Charlottetown, PEI
Ann.. I am sitting here eating my ceral and I am full of tears…. I can’t even see my cheerios anymore…I wonder somedays how people have such strenght to overcome and live with things they can’t change..You take my breath away, I just can’t even understand the mental power that you and your family must have… I have lost a dear friend and a aunt cause of this Breast Canser.. I have a aunt that has surrived and another dear friend on her last round of chemo.. It has been along emotional journey being on the other side.. watching and listening.. for the longest time I was Mad.. I mean really mad… I didn’t want anything to do with the “Run” or donations or anything elese to do with canser.. I was just so mad and couldn’t understand why…why… why.. is there not enough money to cure this…why do so many have to suffer.. My body just hurt from crying somedays.. I hope I never truely understand, but I feel like I do somewhat from the other side of things.. Your strength and courage keep people like me from getting mad.. You give us the strength to feel things in a different way and HEAL.. my out look on Brest canser has changed soooo much this year cause of having people like you in my life.. Thank you for that gift!! your smile and courage is something I will always have with me.. xo…
all i can say is i love you, you are an inspiration to me and i am so glad that i have you in my life.
Thank you so much for all your kind words. It’s amazing how things have changed for the good in the last few years. My sister is proof of that. If we all support one another wonderful things.