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The Toronto Weekend to End Women's Cancers -> Your Weekend to End Women's Cancers Experience -> My story...
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ltldvl74


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My story...
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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 Ovarian 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 tumour 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 tumour and 30 lymph nodes. The size and aggressiveness of the tumour 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 Childrens 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 Id 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. As I sit here and write this, I am only days away from my 6th treatment and only partly through my journey.

Shortly after my last Chemo treatment I will begin radiation therapy. This time it will be 5 days a week for 5 weeks. Sounds like a job doesnt it? But if it is, I know one thing for sure... I will be adding the title Breast Cancer Survivor to my resume.



-- Edited by ltldvl74 at 14:02, 2009-02-18

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Nini137


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Every day I become more and more impressed by the women and men on these boards! It is because of people like you that I have faith in the future. . We have all seen some rough times, sometimes people react negatively and criticize what "the world has become". .

Yet sometimes it is getting through them with the help and support of others that makes me proud to be "only human". . except it isnt Just human. . we are awesome and strong and have the opportunity to realize things we never knew about ourselves as soon as times get tough

I wish you the best of luck. . And support is always here when you need it!

Congratulations on your newest addition . . . You and your children are beautiful!

Keep Smiling. . .

Christina

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Doc


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Thank-you so much for sharing your story.  I am so impressed by the strength that you and so many others show through your battles with cancer.  It is to encourage this strength and unified purpose that I'm participating in this walk for the first time this year.  I hope as much research funding is given to the prevention of cancer as to the cure.  Wishing you and your family strength for your shared journey.  My thoughts and good wishes are with you.

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grannyp


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Your story reminds us all of why we are here participating in this awesome event.

The first time I heard the radio commercial for the first WEBC event in 2003, I knew it was something I had to do. After walking for 5 years, I crewed last year and will be a crew member again this year. I have also crewed in Vancouver and Ottawa. I tell you this because I do it all for women like you, many of whom are my own dear friends and have had to fight this terrible disease as well.

Thanks for for sharing your story. And all the best for a fit and healthy future.

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motorcyclemohawk


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Wow!!! You are an inspiration to me and yes as others said the reason we are all here!! To end Breast Cancer in our lifetime and ensure that no one else will lose a mother or daughter or sister to Breast Cancer.

I am a crew member now (after walking for 3 years) this is my 3rd year on the Motorcycle Safety team and I want to thank all the walkers for the inspiration they give me not only during the weekend but the whole year thru!!!

You guys rock!



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Melanie aka Motorcycle Mohawk
Ashley Costa


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This is an incredible story - and thank you very much for sharing!

Like grannyp said, you are the reason why we walk. Why we choose to walk and why we raise money for research and education.

I am currently at work and this, "I know one thing for sure... I will be adding the title Breast Cancer Survivor to my resume" made me cry!

I hope you and your baby are doing great !! :)

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Ashley Costa   /    ac_144@hotmail.com    / 5th year walker
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