On May 31st, 2005, after several tests while home in Cape Breton, I received the call that I had Adeno Carsenoma; the beginning stages of breast cancer. I was 27, and I had cancer. There was an influx of emotion that ran through me but after a 30 second cry, I looked at my mom and said; mom this is it, “I am kickin’ cancer in the ass with my stilettos”. From that day forward I made it my number 1 goal in life to create awareness about breast cancer.
Cancer can strike anyone and cancer is not easy. I’ve had the ups and the downs. I’ve had the sick days and I have lost my hair because of chemo. I have been hospitalized in isolation because I caught a common cold and to a cancer patient….that can be extremely dangerous, but I never once lost my spirit. If your spirit fades then it makes the battle twice as hard and cancer will never get the better of me.
I know in my heart that I have been given this challenge because I am a strong woman and that I have the power to help others in the same situation. But Cancer has also brought the meaning of passion back into my life. I believe that cancer has been a blessing and I have been given a 2nd chance in life. I now live every moment to the fullest and find the beauty in everything around. I’ve learned that it is very easy for us to get caught up in everyday life with the same routine and doing the same things. I’ve learned that every morning I wake up is a blessing knowing that I can see, I can walk, I can feel, I can love and I AM ALIVE.
The love and support from family and friends and my partner has made this challenge easier. The day of my diagnosis I decided that I would temporarily move back to Cape Breton to be with my family throughout treatment. This was a hard decision as I have a wonderful companion, wonderful job and a wonderful life in Ottawa but being through a cancer experience with my dad, I knew I would get wonderful treatment in Cape Breton. Because of the many inspirational survivors I have met, I have had the strength everyday to wake up and face whatever challenge will hit me that day.
The road has not been an easy one. It’s been hard on those close to me especially my parents who have had to wake up every morning to look at me and know that their little girl has to battle cancer… And it has been especially hard on my partner Christian. As a young couple starting out, we are not in the financial position for him to just be able to leave everything and come to Cape Breton with me; bills do not care about cancer. But I can’t imagine going through this with anyone other than him. He has been my laughter, my tears and my strength.
If I was in the same position at the same age 10-15 years ago, I probably would have had to have my entire breast and most of under my arm removed. Luckily, research and development continues to progress. And because of your support research has felt the impact.
I get so overwhelmed when I walk through a mall and see stores with breast cancer ribbons or signs showing support for the cause. To me, it means I’m in good company – I am not alone in this fight.
I am a strong supporter of this foundation. Cancer runs in my family and has taken three people from us. As long as we stay strong and positive we will find a cure and this will no longer be affecting our communities.