Just when I was finally starting to feel more like my old pre-cancer self and slowly preparing for returning to work this summer, I had another potential cancer scare.
A couple of weeks ago, I found a small breast lump in the area near my mastectomy incision. I have been out of cancer treatment less than six months.
In an emergency visit with my surgical oncologist this past week, it was determined that this lump needs to come out quickly. We don’t know if this lump is benign or malignant.
Yesterday afternoon, my surgical oncologist performed an emergency lumpectomy to remove the growth. It will then be sent for a biopsy to see if the cancer has returned. Results of the biopsy should be known on June 29.
At the time of my cancer diagnosis, the surgical oncologist forewarned me that the cancer I had is aggressive and likes to return. He stressed that for the rest of my life I have to be vigilant in monitoring my body for any possible recurrence, as my form of breast cancer has a recurrence rate of 50%. Areas of recurrence can include the breast or the area where the breast used to be, the other breast, the chest wall, the lymph nodes, the bones, the lungs or around the lungs, the liver, and the brain.
I know that cancer is a disease that one has very little control over. I am comforted knowing that I am doing all that I can to prevent a cancer recurrence. I have lost over 25 pounds to lower the fat content in my body to reduce estrogen levels, as my cancer is estrogen driven. I work out a minimum of five days a week, never smoked, quit my light social drinking, and changed my diet to be even more healthy than previously. From genetic testing results, I know that my breast cancer is not hereditary.
In my March follow up visit with the radiation oncologist, I was cleared of cancer. No cancer was found in my torso’s MRI scans in April. In May, I had pelvic MRI and bone scans that were normal. May blood tests were cancer free. So if cancer has returned, I know it hasn’t been in my body for very long.
The last few days have been anxious ones waiting again for the lump removal and biopsy results. The fears and emotions are the same as those of last year’s initial diagnosis. Being drawn to staying busy with my time is familiar. I don’t want to think about what may lie ahead as I am now intimately familiar about the potential next steps. I will breathe a huge sigh of relief if this lump turns out to be just an annoying cyst. If it is cancer, then I will work through the next steps with my medical care-giving team as they arise.
As a cancer patient you are taken through your journey by dealing with only what is required of you at any given moment, as thinking too far into the future can be overwhelming. I am working hard at trying to stay focused on the present moment. I do so with Strength, Courage, and Determination.
Yesterday was Cancercare Manitoba Foundation’s 20K Challenge for Life Fundraising walk. To say that walking in the event as a cancer survivor was fun cannot aptly describe the victorious experience.
Seven hundred walkers raised over $1,000,000 in support of patient care and services at
Cancercare Manitoba. I am elated to have raised $5,300 for the cause. It was an amazing opportunity to be one of 700 walkers at the event who were supported by over 14,000 donors.
The walk was more than just a chance to raise money for a cause that cured me. The event was an opportunity to reach a post-treatment goal of completing the walk and having some sense of normalcy in my life after months of difficult and life-threatening treatments.
It was pure joy and delight to walk with my daughter, brother, brother-in-law, and four dear girlfriends—one of whom is a breast cancer survivor who walked alongside me throughout my cancer treatments. My personal team of family cheerleaders and son/photographer stood alongside the walk route or hopped on bikes traveling from walk stop to walk stop. Their love and support boosted my spirits as high as the clear blue Manitoba sky.
Thank you to over 90 donors who believed in me throughout this journey, who cheered me on during the down days, and who endorsed me to walk on behalf of other cancer patients who have conquered or continue to fight this dreaded disease.
The cancer experience these past 15 months has been one of fear, anger, loneliness, gratefulness, and joy! Yesterday’s walk with other cancer survivors and hundreds of Manitobans was one of the happiest days in my life of living with cancer.
There are so many happy moments from yesterday’s walk that are imprinted in my memory that I will treasure…
• At the opening breakfast an unknown breast cancer survivor “Leslie” recognized my pink t-shirt, introduced herself as a fellow survivor and invited me to join her and a girlfriend of mine on the “Chemo Savvy” rowing team comprised of other women who have conquered breast cancer. The physicality of the sport does not scare me as I am in great physical shape. But, I have to ponder this invitation as I have a fear of water being a non-swimmer…
• The “Zumba” warm-up to get us limber for the walk. It was energizing and great fun. I will have to find a class to learn more of the dance moves.
• Hugs from my family who sent me off on the trail, then cheered for me and at the finish line.
• At the start of the walk “walking” into one of the race organizers whom I’ve known for over 20 years, who hugged me and kissed both of my cheeks and welled up in tears saying my participation in the walk made her day.
• Walking on the trail and being stopped by a lovely young woman who works for one of the local legal firms who’s personal mission that day was to collect signatures from each cancer survivor that participated in the walk as identified by their orange sashes.
• Catching up on the lives of family members and friends who walked with me for the duration of the event.
• Receiving “high fives” and applause from countless volunteers and fellow Winnipeggers who lined the streets and front yards to cheer on the walkers.
• Hugs from business colleagues whom I have not seen since I have been on sick leave.
• Hugs from volunteers at one check stop who stopped every survivor, congratulated them, and encouraged them to finish the last four kilometers.
• Passing a local fire hall that was beside a check-stop with all of the on-duty fire fighters standing in front of their trucks waving and cheering on the walkers.
• Meeting Dr. Dhaliwal, CEO of Cancercare MB and Sir Michael Richards, a U.K. cancer specialist who was knighted in 2009 for his work to reduce wait times. Sir Michael was at the walk cheering on walkers after being present for a major provincial government announcement on the previous day to reduce wait times for cancer patients in Manitoba.
• Crossing the finish line and ringing one of the many colored bells—each erected to represent the various forms of cancer experienced by Manitobans who are fighting the disease.
• Collecting my “badge of honor” t-shirt at the end of the walk.
• Meeting other walkers who were cancer survivors or currently in treatment that assembled at the end of the walk to lead all of the walkers into the closing ceremonies. The kinship of survivorship was truly special as survivors introduced themselves to the other survivors, shook their hands, and shared in celebration of living and beating cancer.
• The celebratory family barbecue at the end of the day where we enjoyed the beautiful summer evening, fabulous food, and the warmth and love of my family and extended family.
Yesterday was a rewarding and heartwarming day. It was so because of the presence of others in my life that have helped me stay on the cancer fighting trail with Strength, Courage, and Determination.