February 6th is my own weird version of Groundhog Day, except that it doesn’t necessarily repeat the same cycles… It just throws major events in my way. I fear the day, because it often represents the start of a monumental change. I was christened on February 6th, 1966. The church later burned down, which really…
Category: Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Karma
Warning! If you have dealt with a profound hurt or loss, this might be a difficult read. I am just exploring my beliefs and ideas, but I don’t have the answers. This is my “what if?” experiment and you are allowed to disagree (politely, please). My spiritual self likes to challenge my scientific self…
poetry ~ one in two canadians
I submitted this poem to CBC’s 2018 poetry competition, but it wasn’t selected. Instead I’d like to share it here with you … one in two canadians my breast whispered i am one in eight i can’t do this i reply back to lay awake poking at the lump staring at my white popcorn ceiling…
The Meaning of Life
If you happened to see someone dancing on the street this morning as she walked her two dogs … that was me. Headphones and iPhone, two bewildered dogs and a dozen cars honking because I was just that happy! I hope I made someone’s morning. But I am also content to beat my own drum…
Scanxiety
I was back at the Cancer Centre last week for my six month post-treatment checkup with my oncologist. Just over a year ago in April 2017, I had never set foot in the (old name) Oshawa Hospital, or what I have affectionately renamed as the Lakeridge Health Oshawa Spa. The Ajax-Pickering Hospital was closer to…
Cancer Wars
Imagine the opening scene of a dramatic television show … the beige double doors to the hospital’s Chemotherapy Unit swing open … slo-mo filming crunches time to jarring seconds, allowing you to take in the chaotic landscape before you. Row upon row of sick people sit in blue vinyl recliners while hooked up to IV…
Haves & Have Nots
“I might have cancer.” It was nine months ago on March 6th when my GP called me to say I had an appointment with a surgeon ASAP. They didn’t say the “C” word, but that was the huge thought bubble in everyone’s head. I poked mine with a pen and burst it, putting off…
December 1st
I am determined to cherish each day of one of my favourite months … December. While I don’t scrapbook much any longer, I want to use Ali Edward’s class to help me refocus on living each day as it comes. December Daily Last year at this time, I was frantically busy raising thousands and thousands…
Venus, Mars or the Storm on Jupiter?
Caution! This blog post contains photos of my breast burned by radiation. Radiation from the Sun. Radiation Oncology. Radiation burns. I have almost completed 20 rounds of radiation to my right breast … the final steps in my Triple Negative Breast Cancer treatment plan. The first 16 rounds of dose dense radiation were beamed into…
Collateral Damage
I guess now is a good time to discuss the changes cancer has made to my skin. It’s been 55 days since my last chemo infusion. Some studies suggest that I have been kicked ahead in time 10-15 years at the molecular level. These studies conclude that markers of ageing, such as decreased leukocyte telomere…
The Power of Positivity
We’ve all heard the message. Every doctor I’ve had during my Pink Dot Detour with Triple Negative Breast Cancer has told me. Your attitude is everything. Your perception matters. You are what you think. Why does it matter? It changes your outcome. People CAN and DO die of broken hearts. People can wish themselves ill. …
I Can’t Get No Satisfaction … While in Radiation
I saw the Firefighter this morning … watching all those muscles pop made my day! Rugged. Strong. Big. Sigh. He is honestly the hottest guy ever. Makes me weak at the knees. Am I not allowed a little bit of male adoration as I head to the Durham Region Cancer Centre for Radiation number 5…
Fox Diaries 