Writing about my experience with breast cancer has felt good. It’s like digging in warm soil in the spring with my hands. Thank you! God’s blessings to you.

I would never ask to be part of this “club” that I found myself in... but what I am proud of is knowing that I am part of a group of women who show courage, great fortitude and a sense of humor... women who can love and care for others... women who have learned life’s greatest lesson that it doesn’t matter what you do to earn a living, it’s how you treat people and what you do to earn the respect, love and caring of others. This is what really matters.

It’s just a hard thing. Use your resources. Your best friend in this can be yourself. While parts of your body may self-destruct, there are other parts that can never be taken away, the essence of who we are. My body has changed, but if anything, I am stronger. I won’t even pretend that I am grateful for the experience but the experience is real, and I am going to take from it everything I can. It has offered me a wealth of stories, food for the imagination, and it has allowed me to know strength that I would never have known I had.
(Deborah, diagnosed in 2002 at age 46)

It is so important to surround yourself with positive people. Stay clear of those that have terrible stories to tell, they are not you. I remember the first person I told after being diagnosed, not because she was my best friend, but because I knew she’d say, “So? We ran a marathon together, this will be a piece of cake”, and she did say just that. My best friend would have cried, and I did not need that at that moment; we did that later.

One of the most important things for me to know was that women could live more than a few years after a diagnosis of breast cancer. I was enjoying a cup of coffee with a friend when a beautiful, poised older woman sitting at the next table interrupted our conversation. She had been diagnosed 40 years earlier with breast cancer and was now celebrating her 75th birthday. I have since met women who have been diagnosed over 20 and 30 years ago. By sharing their stories they give hope and inspiration to others. Ask for what you need physically, mentally and spiritually from your physician, family and friends. And if you can, try to share your thoughts with them as they are on the journey with you and most likely want to help but may feel helpless. Make certain that your young children and teens are given counselling so that they have support and guidance to help them deal with what is happening with you and to them... Keep your focus on healing. One of my most favorite sayings is: “While the sick man has life, there is hope...” (Cicero 43 B.C.) I have learned that time is a gift that I cannot hold or keep so I’m grateful for any additional days I have been given. Having faced death, I realize living is not about having or not having “things”— it’s the
actual journey and the people on it that give me the richness of life.
I have a life rich with a variety of experiences. Five years after the diagnosis, I held my first precious grandchild in my arms after thinking I may not live long enough to do so.

Whenever my children used to complain about a big school project, or other large task or seemingly unattainable result, I would ask them, “How do you eat an elephant?” And they would answer, “One bite at a time.” I dealt with the cancer elephant one step at a time. Each step was the size that I knew I could handle at that particular time. Consequently, some, such as coming to grips with the diagnosis, were tiny baby steps taken slowly. Others were huge and faster such as scheduling appointments, setting up and getting what was needed for my complementary therapy regime. I believe that one can be and stay positive when you feel that you have at least some control in what is happening in you life. So, it is up to you to take control of all that you can, physically and emotionally, and then tackle that elephant, one step at a time.

When I reached my 5-year anniversary from cancer, I held an “Earth Angels” party for about 80 guests. They had done so much for me and it was a pleasure to give something back. I chose a popular restaurant and decorated the room with pink balloons and with pink roses in table vases. The guests were required to wear their wings, no matter what type. I wrote a speech to thank everyone for all that they had done. It was a wonderful event. If it weren’t for all the prayers and good wishes and positive attitudes from this group of people, my healing time would have been longer. I love all the people that were there that day. They are very special to me, and I will always remember their kindness, concern and prayers.
(Kristina, diagnosed in 1995 at age 39)

It was real nice during my journey when friends would just call to talk about ordinary life and not about my cancer.
(Carolyn S. Olson, diagnosed at age 37)

I climbed the Aconcagua, 6959 meters (www.BeyondTheWhiteGuard.org about seven women with breast cancer climbing Mount Aconcagua). During our climb we often talked about how we would feel if we didn’t get to the top. Everybody said they would not be disappointed. I did not say anything, as I knew within myself that I had to get to the summit. When the team left base camp and I was left behind due to a severe stomach infection, I knew I was going to join them even though everybody told me stomach infections and summits do not go well together. 24 hours later with 6 litres (quarts) of muddy boiled water, 2 cokes and antibiotics, I packed my things at 6 AM, joined a carrier who was going up and met my team for a breakfast at Camp Canada, 4800 meters. From there we went on to Camp Nido de Condores at 5300 meters. I was well again. You see, cancer, chemo and stomach infections cannot beat me! When I got to the summit, I was pleased and felt, “Let’s get the pictures taken and get down!” I was very excited about getting to the top; the climb up is hard but the climb down (3 days) is just as hard. You have not finished before you are standing in the shower 14 days after you were there last.

Even though it was the worst thing that could happen, positive things came out of it. I learned about love and friendship and family. I love my family, friends, doctors, breast cancer support group and church.
(Cordelia Styles, Quesnel, BC)

Always remember, where there is life, there is hope! My father always said, “Yesterday is gone, forget it. Today is here, live it. Tomorrow may never come.” (Jack Caslin) In my worst moments, I always remembered that and tried to live today. And I remembered that there were wonderful friends and family in heaven watching over me and that if I died, they would be there for me.
(Marie, Co. Mayo, Ireland, diagnosed in 1987, recurrence 13 years later)

Watch your weight. Exercise, walk, whatever, with upbeat music to lift the spirit. There’s nothing wrong with having a good cry in the bathtub once in awhile. You release tension. Then go out and treat yourself to some chocolate, a coffee, whatever. Dancing alone in the house to loud upbeat music helps when you start to feel sad.
(Laura, Navarra, Spain, diagnosed in 1998 at age 41

Live for today, smile a lot and remember. . . when the sun comes up, you can do anything. We all have choices and decisions to make so make them wisely, and enjoy every moment you have. Life is wonderful.

It was a good experience for me but I don’t care to go through it ever again!

After a while it becomes difficult for people to keep hearing the same fears but sometimes we need to keep voicing them. After writing all this down, I can see I am moving on somewhat, which is encouraging.
(Catherine, Pointe Claire, QC, diagnosed in 2001 at age 39)

Breast cancer isn’t a death sentence, and whatever changes you have to make, make the most of them. Take advantage of the good things and get rid of the bad things. I love my life and enjoy everything that it has to offer, even the jerk that just cut me off.
(Jacqui, Courtenay, BC, diagnosed in 2002 at age 38)

Thank you for letting me tell my story. I found it to be a very cathartic experience. I hope others will find hope and strength in the pages of your book. Thanks for the opportunity to share.
(Rita, Santa Clarita, CA)

Writing this brought back many memories and tears. Hopefully some of my comments will help others.
(Sharron, diagnosed in 2002 at age 62)

Blessings to the caregivers of the world! Without them, a breast cancer patient cannot survive. Being a caregiver unto ourselves is very, very important to remember. Nurture your emotions of self-worth, and don’t let fears run your life. Let love be your steering mechanism. What we feel is what we are. When you feel sick, remember that by getting quiet and even meditating you can pretend to feel well. It is in the feeling that our cells pay attention. Feel yourself powerful and strong and courageous. Feel yourself well, in the small moments. As you lay down to sleep, imagine yourself feeling better the next morning. Blessings to the caregivers, may we each be one.
(Beverly Vote, Lebanon, MO, diagnosed in 2002 at age 37)

Thank you for giving me the chance to go back along my journey...
I haven’t done that for a long time. I’m absolutely positive my life is better now. I only have good dragons now.
(Joan Fox, Victoria, BC)

Doctors need more training in how to deal compassionately with patients and if they can’t, at least have a nurse present at the start when the diagnosis is given. Nasty, bitter secretaries should be replaced or transferred. Oncology department should be decorated, light and happy; we’re not all dying! Diagnosis should not be given over the phone. More information and guidance should be offered about going back to work.
(Lorraine Zakaib, Kirkland, QC, diagnosed in 2002 at age 49)

Breast cancer wellness has come a very long way but unfortunately has a long way to go. I was petrified to have to wait a week for the biopsy results. It is a cruel and unusual punishment. If I could change things at this moment for women, it would be from start to finish of these first moments of terror to move expeditiously. Don’t make the patient wait for the biopsy, biopsy results, and further surgery if necessary. It takes 10 years off your life waiting and not just yours.

I feel richer for having gone through these illnesses. I am usually the one that takes care of others; they now know that I am only human and can get ill also. I know how I react to being ill, and I know how lucky I am to have so many wonderful friends and family.
(S.R., Columbus, OH

One day maybe we won’t know anyone who’s getting diagnosed with breast cancer as maybe it’ll be gone from this world. Wouldn’t that be nice?
(Cheryl Otting, Elkford, BC, diagnosed in 2002 at age 53)

Thanks for doing this book to help others with breast cancer. It was therapeutic for me just to write about this.