When I first met my surgeon on March 11 to hear of the results of my biopsy and learned I had breast cancer, he made two comments: it was going to be a rough journey to recovery and my sisterhood of women will be very important to get me through it.

As it turns out, it’s not only been my sisterhood that have kept me grounded, focused on getting better, and ensuring there is more to life than just living with cancer. There have also been a goodly number of guys who likewise mirror similar support to that of the women.

Early on in this blog I named the sisterhood of supporters “The Women Warriors of the Amazon Tribe” who soon were followed by my male warriors “The Action Heroes.” They are my anchors in fighting the cancer battle.

The circle of supporters around me have been phenomenal in this cancer journey, as are the associated concentric circles of caring people that have been supporting my husband, son and daughter-in law, daughter and son-in law, and other extended family members since my diagnosis. I am amazed by the ripple effect cancer creates in the lives of those who journey with me in this disease.

From the earliest days of living with cancer, a group of cancer survivors from amongst family and friends emerged and surrounded me with sage advice on how to armor myself for this battle of life. They have inspired me, and sustained me. Most of all, they uniquely understand the highs and lows of this fight in ways no one else can unless they’ve walked on the cancer battle lines.

Then there is the legion of medical caregivers who have been the guiding lights in my fight for life. Always patient, kind, and caring they have given me a wealth of information and tools to battle cancer mentally, physically, and emotionally. They keep me alive in all aspects of my being.

Today, I am humbly thanking all of these people for the parts they each play in traveling with me in this cancer journey. I learned early on that no one person has the capacity to be all things to a cancer patient. It takes a community of supporters to fill in the many multi-faceted needs a person living with cancer has in their journey to wellness.


My Family of Women Warriors and Action Heroes

Joe, Josh and Jill, Marissa and Bryan: words can never aptly describe your daily love and presence in helping me with all of the emotions and struggles of fighting cancer.

The extended family of Women Warriors and Action Heroes faithfully fill in when there are gaps to fill. Mom, Jen and Mike, Tim and Lorraine, Pat and Jocelyn, Mom Emily, Walter, Theresa, Nestor, Christine, Veronica, Bernie and Lorna, Carolyn & Jordan, Andrea and Benjamin your love and support in all ways is precious.

Aunt Sonia, and cousins Bev and Dave, Kim and John, Lori, Adele and Mike, Myrt and Bob, Lyd, Linda, Pat, Don and Susan—your contacts by phone, email, cards, and visits have boosted my spirits time and time again.


Cancer Survivor Mentors

Friends and family who are cancer survivors hold a special place in my heart. They have been my constant inspiration as they walk with me in this fight for life. They understand the struggles in this battle in ways only cancer patients who have traveled ahead of me can fully comprehend.

Shawnda, Andrea, Jim, Dale, Ron, Barry, Cec, Rosa, Lyd, Adele, Linda, Darlene, Dave, Don and classmates in my Cancer Art Therapy program and cancer yoga class have kept me sane at moments when my world feels likes its falling apart. I know that all I need to do is make a phone call, send an email, or visit with them to keep me grounded and focused in my cancer battle.


Friends, Co-Workers and Colleagues: the Additional “Women Warriors” and “Action Heroes”

This large army of supporters has impeccable timing on when to step in as they walk with me in this cancer journey. My heartfelt thanks go out to all of them.

Friends: Linda and Dave, Marianne and Bert, Jennifer, Luba and Stan, Juliana, Vivian and Izzy, Mike and Anne, Kathleen and Craig, Nicki, Jeannette and Rick, Peter and Joan, Isabel and Wally, Joan and Henry, Lilly and Jim, Derek and Barb, Ray, Jean, Susan, Cathy, Sandy, Kim, Bohdan, Frank, Val, Don & Darlene, Dale and Claudette, Jim, Ray, Diane, Elvia, Chris and Gord

Co-Workers: Shawna, Laura, Zdenka, Laurel, Johanna, Lalie, Monique, Debbie, Audrey, Aileen, Laurel, Jane, Sheila, Rhonda, Alida, Janet, Christine, Eveline, Guizzy, Jan, Lori, Deborah, MaryAnne, Dave, Ernie, Dan, Brian, Brian, Clif, Susan, Holly, Stacie, Jo-Ann, Reagan, Tricia, Oscar, Pam, Gary, Peter, Val, Julie, Jack, David, Ron, Denise, Nancy, Darlene, and Leslie

Colleagues: Lorraine, Norva, Chris, Jeff, Candy, Regan, Rick, Shirley, Ana, Stephanie, Dawn, Jerry, Jacqueline, Doris Mae & Cam, David, Nigel, Keith, Gus, Shirley, Jorge, Marsha, Reis, Gerry, George, Tara, Trudy, Wendy, Adrienne, Kim, Lori, Liz, Sheldon, Steve, Diana, Lisa, Annette, Susan, Barb, Jan, Carol, Cathy, Carolyn, Chris, Dawn, Lesia, Linda, Lori, Lisa, Lori, Marnie, Maria, Kevin, Priscilla, Christa, Robert, Eric, Gay, Sheri, Joyce, John, Sandra, Debbie, Dennis, Glynis, Heather, Terry, Richard, Joanne, and Kara


Concentric Circles of Supporters, Medical Caregivers, Blog Readers and Anonymous Others

Colleagues, co-workers, and friends of family members have formed circles of support around my loved ones. I don’t know many of these supporters but they keep my family members surrounded with care and compassion. To these known and anonymous supporters, thank you for being there for my family. They all speak highly of the help you give them each day as they cope with being family members of a cancer patient.

My medical caregivers number over 20 people from many disciplines. They are the knowledge keepers and practitioners in treating me physically, mentally, and emotionally. They all work together as a team to keep me living.

There are many blog followers and even more readers of this cancer e-journal. Most are well known to me, others are not. I know that the number of readers of this blog is continually growing and the entries are followed from around the world.

Anonymous others range from people who silently support me through prayer groups, blog referrals from readers, and friends of friends. I am continually surprised and humbled in how this cancer diagnosis touches lives far beyond my family and me.

Staying strong in my cancer journey cannot happen without the support of so many people who touch my life daily. They give me the Strength, Courage, and Determination I need to fight so hard to live. I owe them all much gratitude.