My personal story of hope & triumph with Breast Cancer started 4 years ago. I had always been in the habit of doing my 'monthly checks' and annual appointments with my GP since my high school years. There was no particular reason for doing so, just part of being who I was.

At the beginning of 2002, I noticed what I thought to be a small lump or strange hardness in one of my breasts. I first put it off to being part of my monthly cycle, but when it was still there a couple days later, thought it best to check things out, and made an appointment with my GP. Being a good friend & professional, he suggested that this was probably nothing, most likely a cyst, but let's check it out to be sure. We set up a mammogram for the following week, and recommended an ultrasound & core biopsy while I was there if needed. .

I had made plans to visit my sister out of town, so my GP advised they would call when the results came in and set up an appointment for this, regardless of the news. In the meantime, I went home and talked with my husband. Up until this point, I had kept this to myself, for fear of causing him unneeded worry. On Valentine's Day 2002 we both went to the Dr's office and received the news that I had breast cancer. This was no shock to me; I had confirmed it to myself earlier in the week, based on reading and different materials I had researched. The hardest thing at this point was finding a way to tell my parents … so many feel the diagnosis of cancer to be a death sentence, but we were not going to accept this fate. We were fighters, and knew that between the medical professions, our faith and general spirit of being would beat this. .

What a chain of reactions this now set in motion, I would be recommended to a surgeon later in the month, and to save time my Dr. set me up with the additional tests that would be required before surgery. On March 7th, my husband, mother and other family members reported for surgery at Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) in Barrie. My stay was short, just overnight and resulted with a lumpendectomy and removal of some lymph nodes. I took a few days off work for recovery, and then prepared for the Chemotherapy that would commence a month later. We attended the orientation sessions at our local hospital who corrected a few myths people have about Chemo. .

Chemo reacts differently to everyone, not all lose their hair and not all become sick through the process. We re-evaluated our lifestyle and eating habits and corrected those areas where we had slacked. We also decided that we (my husband and I) were going to work through this process. Many take time away from work, to ensure a better healing process, but in my case we were both workaholics, so being at work was healing for us. As well, it helped maintain some form of routine. .

At the same time, we made an appointment to look at wigs, knowing that my type of Chemo would result in hair loss. One was chosen, and put on hold in case I needed it. A month later, when my hair began to thin I picked it up. It's amazing the many styles and colours you can get now .. much better than those we saw as kids in magazines at my grandmothers. The first day I wore it, I received so many compliments ... how my new hair style suited me … how people were shocked that I would get my hair highlighted, and so on. At this point, I hadn't ollied up that it was a wig. It would come out in conversation 6+ months later. .

Six months later (September 2002), my chemo was finished, and we began plans for radiation. We would have to go to Toronto for this, so we were given the option of daytime or evening clinics. We chose evening as this would have the least impact on my husband's work day. We began radiation on October 29th at Sunnybrook Women's Health Centre and would return for a total of 25 visits. I chose to take a short leave from work as I wasn't sure how the day-to-day visits would impact my strength. I am forever thankful of the support I received from my employer and peers at work for their understanding and ease to balance around my needs. .

One event I could not have predicted was the passing of my father at the young age of 63 half-way through my Chemo. A month before his passing, he and Mom met me at work, and went out for lunch to celebrate my 35th birthday. This is the only time I can recall my Dad coming to my workplace, and one of few occasions we went out for lunch together. Being a close family with 6 kids, his death came as a shock and hit us all hard. I personally went through a daze for the balance of my treatment period, not fully absorbing the impact it would have on my life. Yes, I did recognize that he was gone, and tears were shed, but I held my emotions tight thinking it would keep me stronger for healing. .

My final radiation was truly a night for celebration, and much emotion. The only real thing I recall was lying on the table when it was complete and saying "Hey Dad .. we made it!" Naturally, tears welled up in my eyes, as they still do. My husband and I probably did something to celebrate, but to this day I cannot recall what that was. All I remember is the wall coming down, and the emotions running. Finally, I allowed myself to realize the totality of my year. .

Summer 2002, RVH in Barrie (where I received my chemo) was beginning to formalize their plans for a full cancer centre and looking to put together some newspaper & TV articles. I'm not sure what caused my name to land on their list, but being in the media felt that this would be a good thing, and so put myself into their spotlight. The newspaper article was followed up with a series on our local TV that ran in their news for a full week. I was only featured on one evening, but it must have been the one evening many of our friends and family watched. We received phone calls and queries from many who were unaware as to my status. When I was diagnosed, we shared with immediate family, but only told friends & co-workers on a need-to-know basis as we did not want to burden anyone. There were also other local newspaper articles the following April for Daffodil month, and follow-up news stories when news worthy announcements surfaces that TV wanted comment on. In the spring of 2004 RVH participated in a radio-thon with B101 & the NEW CHAY (two local Barrie radio stations), and I was one of the many candidates whose story was shared on the air. .

Today, 4 years later, I still go for bi-annual checkups with my surgeon and the local oncology clinic, as well as annual follow-up tests to ensure a clear bill. I have met many friends who have walked a similar road, and hope have been a support and encouragement for both them and those around me. I have even joined a local breast cancer dragonboat team, and that in itself is good for both my physical & mental well-being. Our message is that cancer is not something that is a final mark on your life, for many it's a wake-up call to take charge. It's a point of evaluating what is around you and make your life count. Our motto is 'to inspire and educate others, while celebrating survivorship beyond breast cancer.' My faith is stronger, I feel better about who I am, and am taking charge to ensure my life means something. Sure there are days you feel set-back, but that's when you look around you and realize all the many gifts and blessings that God has really bestowed upon you. .

Sandra