Finding Hope Blog – The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

Molly with her niece.

This year I participated in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure because I have been personally affected by breast cancer.

On Oct. 2, 2010 I found a lump in my right breast. It was by absolute fluke. I had a simple itch and scratched something that did not feel right. This is when things changed. Quickly. I booked an appointment to see my GP who felt that this was nothing but a cyst, but got me booked for an ultrasound to be sure. The ultrasound results came back in about two days, stating that a “suspicious” malignant lump was found. I was then booked right away for a biopsy. This was scary, painful and the beginning of quite a journey. The waiting period was the worst. I would jump at each ring of the phone. Just over a week later the call came in while I was at work, asking for me to come to my GP’s office. I lost it. Totally broke down. I made my way to the office with my amazing sister, Megg. I walked in circles around and around while my doctor told us that it was indeed cancer. I barely remember that day, yet it is forever etched in my mind. I cried and cried and cried while the doctor explained things that I simply could not and did not want to hear. Thank God for Megg who was able to take it all in. From here, I met with a surgeon, went for an MRI and mammogram and then more waiting… The waiting during this time was just torture. Not knowing if I was going to lose my entire breast or not. Coming to grips that I did indeed have cancer. The surgeon told me that they found something “suspicious” in the same breast that needed a biopsy. More waiting. We learned that the other lump was not cancer but did need to come out. I was told I would have two lumpectomies. This was my happiest moment since Oct. 2.

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Barb and Stan at the finish line at the 2011 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure.

Our family has a history of breast cancer. My mom, her sister and her brother’s daughter (now a 33-year survivor) had mastectomies in the 1970s. I had my first lump (a cyst) when I was 34 years old. I had fibrocystic breast disease. I was diligent with self-examination and annual mammograms. I started having breast screenings, as I was advised. After my screening in 2007, I was sent for a mammogram — everything seemed to be OK.

On July 17, 2008, I felt a painful egg-sized lump in my breast. I went to my family doctor and he referred me for an ultrasound. Although it showed nothing, he referred me for a mammogram, which also showed nothing (I have a pathology report stating “not shown on mammogram”). My doctor then said to me, “Let’s get off this roller coaster,” and referred me to a surgeon. I had a biopsy on Oct. 12 and returned to the surgeon for the results on Oct. 30. My husband, Stan, and I were stunned when I was told, “You have breast cancer.” We had other scares, needle biopsies, etc. But each time, I was OK. My surgeon told us the five-centimeter tumour had been there for a long time. I was part of the 25 per cent wherein breast cancer is not detected by mammogram.

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Madena and her family at the 2010 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure.

Well, where do I begin to say all the things that I need to?

I am a SURVIVOR — four years on Oct. 26, 2011! This will be our fourth year doing the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure: the most amazing, emotional and inspirational event that I have ever taken part in. Our team, the Reimer Warriors – headed by my husband (my rock), children, family and friends — has been there for me every step of the way.

Why run you ask? I run for us all, I run for hope, and I run for the cure. When I look at my daughter’s face, she gives me all the inspiration I will ever need, knowing that I never want her to hear those words.

To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe. I believe in the power of togetherness, of reaching out to build bridges of hope and to find that cure.

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Lynda will be participating in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure this year.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36, full blown in my left breast. My children were young and it scared me to death that I would not be around for them. My family and friends were always there to support me. Three years later, they found another lump in my right breast, and I had another terrible surgery. For almost 15 years I felt inhuman. I was unable to wear a bra because the implants I had did not match. I hid myself in baggy clothes hoping no one would notice. I was able to have a surgery this past winter to correct the issues.  My doctor gave me a life again. He gave me the confidence I needed as a survivor. I can now dress normally and I feel like a human being again. I pray for all the women who have gone through or are going through breast cancer. I know with everything I have been through that you can survive. I have the opportunity to participate in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure this October and I am very excited to be on Team Gloria as a survivor.

Sincerely,

Lynda Martin

16-year survivor

Sandra at the 2010 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure.

I was diagnosed in 2006 with breast cancer and I am still fighting it five years later. It has been a long journey but I will never give up hope for a cure.  We have been taking part in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure for four years now. My family and friends have shown love and support for me every step of the way. I couldn’t have done it without them. On Oct. 2, 2011 I ask everyone to come out and walk or run for the cure.

Sandra Desautels