Natalie's family and friends will be walking in this year's CIBC Run for the Cure.
My journey began May 2011. I had found a lump in my breast and was scheduled for my yearly mammogram. I had a feeling that the news was not going to be good. I was 47 years of age, had two grown children and thought this wasn’t supposed to happen to people my age. I was sent for further tests and biopsies. In June 2011 my wonderful husband (my rock) and my Mum came with me to the oncologist for the results of my biopsies. Yes it was confirmed that I had stage II ductal carcinoma and it was also in some of my lymph nodes. The tumour was over five centimetres in size and an aggressive type of cancer.
I thought, “OK, what is the treatment and when can I get started?” I knew that I would beat it but it was going to be a long battle. I was to have eight chemo treatments, 17 Herceptin (chemo), 25 radiation treatments, and a mastectomy and lymph nodes removed. I started my treatments right away every 21 days.
The doctors and nurses soon found out that I was a challenging case. Every possible side effect a person could get with chemo, I got. Normally people get one or two side effects but I got all 10, and I didn’t even get a gold star.
Natalie in Kona before her surgery.
Time seemed to move along quite quickly with treatments and then off to Kelowna Mum and I went for radiation. I am truly blessed to have my faith, and the support of my wonderful family and terrific friends. Having a positive attitude and support helps one get through the days. I could not have done it without everyone’s help and sacrifices they made for me.
After chemo and radiation we went on a holiday to Kona (The Big Island) to relax, before having surgery in June 2012. I am so happy and grateful that I am now officially cancer free. I still have side effects from the chemo but I sure appreciate life more and take more time to enjoy it.
Last year my friends organized a team at the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure to walk in honour of me because I was too sick from chemo. This year my daughter and even more friends will be all walking together to find a cure.
Natalie Spence
Congratulations, Im a 42year old single mom of two young kids (6 n 7 ) and was diagnosed August24 of stage1 ductol carcinoma. I can say I am cancer free this year…I will be walking the CIBC walk for cure this year but I understand what you went thru and all I can say Im proud of you and I hope one day there is a cure..
Congratulations from me and my two kids…
Hi Natalie;
I am glad you beat cancer! I love hearing the survivor stories! This year I will be doing the run for the cure in honor of my Mom who was taken seven years ago from cancer!
I’ll be thinking about you while I walk the 5 km!
God Bless
Caitlin
Your positivity and bravery have truly touched me. As the Run Director in Brandon Manitoba, I came on here today for inspiration before the Run Sunday – you have given me that. I volunteer because of all the wonderful ladies like you in my life, but I will be keeping your story in mind, too. Have a beautiful Sunday with your daughter and friends – should we all be so blessed
Your story inspires me. My mom was just diagnosed 2 days ago with breast cancer and the fear is overwhelming. Her journey is just beginning but she has the same outlook on life as you. Your courage and strength give me hope that we can fight back. Thank you for sharing your story.
I was diagnosed last June had surgery chemo radation,I finished radation this feb.2012
Could not have done it without My husband & Kids.I walked the 5 klm walk today Run for the Cure I was so suprised where I got my strenth since I have 2 herniated disks in my back.
Something was telling me I was Strong enough.Good luck everyone going through Chemo right now Stay Strong.