Stories of Hope
Tell us your story of courage in the face of cancer and we'll post it here as inspiration to those who are fighting, have fought or are walking. Please submit your story to Chad@butterflyofhope.ca
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Sandra, Alyssa & Caitlin |
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In September 2008 I participated in my first Weekend to End Breast Cancer 60Km walk. I walked to honour my Mother who passed away in 1998 at the age of 49 from Cervical/Uterine Cancer.
I had no idea how my life would change 8 weeks later.
At 33 years old and almost 23 weeks pregnant, I received the shock of my life. On October 21st the results of a biopsy came back positive for Breast Cancer. I was told that the tumor was very large and very aggressive. I knew that my best chance was to start treatment quickly but I had one BIG question.
How can they do anything while I'm pregnant?
My surgeon assured me that my circumstances were fortunate despite the horrible news I had received. She informed me that surgery in my second trimester was the ideal situation if it was required. On October 30th I underwent a Modified Radical Mastectomy of my right breast. The doctor removed an 11cm tumor and 30 lymph nodes. The size and aggressiveness of the tumor led to a diagnosis of Stage 3 Breast Cancer. This was just the beginning of my journey.
Post surgery, I was referred to the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton , ON. Here I met a wonderful Oncologist who assured me that he and his team would do everything in their power to ensure that my baby and I would receive the best and safest treatment possible. Initially we discussed a premature delivery of my baby so that I could receive Chemotherapy as soon as possible. However, after more research and consultation with the High Risk Pregnancy Clinic at McMaster Children’s Hospital, it was decided that I would begin Chemo while I was still pregnant.
On December 5th I began my first of 8 bi-weekly Chemo treatments. I would be receiving something called a “Dense Dose ACT treatment” and I was assured that I would almost definitely lose my hair. On Christmas Eve, shortly after my second treatment my Husband and 5 year old daughter helped me shave my head because I’d lost most of my hair. I now know why you always see Cancer patients wearing hats... a BALD head gets very cold!
It was decided that the best time to deliver my baby would be between my 4th and 5th Chemotherapy treatments. On January 26th, 2009 I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl weighing 5lbs 8oz. Just one week later I received my 5th Chemo treatment.
4 weeks after my last Chemo treatment I underwent radiation therapy. This time it was 5 days a week for 5 weeks. Sounds like a job doesn’t it?
I walked again in the 2009 Weekend to End Breast Cancer, this time with some of my family & friends who supported me throughout my fight. Jointly we raised $26,000 for the Princess Margaret Hospital .
Is has been 15 months since I was diagnosed and I am cancer-free! I am looking forward celebrating my daughter’s 1st birthday this month and to many healthy years to come.
Sandra Dion