As I'm sure all of you know, October is breast cancer month. There are so many ways to support the research for the cure, and you always see a lot of it in October (I even bought mushrooms the other day in a pink ribbon logo-ed package). My friend Sharon does quite a bit better than me and raises money and participates in the run. However you do contribute, bravo! I'm not just writing about this today, though, to remind you of this worthy cause for financial support. I'm reminding you to feel your boobs (or to talk to the women in your life about selfchecking).
Diane, first noticed something was wrong last fall. Being only 28 at the time, her doctor kind of blew her off, she was too young to worry about this. "Sometimes it can be normal" he said, "everyone's different". Come December she knew something was wrong and insisted they check further. January they started doing testing... it was May before she was diagnosed. By the end of June she was meeting with her oncologist for all of the results and a treatment plan. The breast cancer had progressed, and they needed to start chemotherapy that day.
I am so proud of how she has dealt with this, and the battles she has had to fight as she's gone through it. Her strength, humour and grace have beaten out every little indignity that treatment has thrown her way.
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| Diane, far left, with her father and twin sister A. |
She's still got a few hurdles ahead (after her chemo, as she gets ready for family to come visit at Christmas, she will also be getting ready for her surgery) but I can't wait to celebrate this milestone with her.
So many people are affected by this, and I know there are many survivors that have faced this with the same strength and courage.
We can beat this. Give what you can, and Ladies, Trust Your Instincts, and Check Yourself please : )
Learn more here: Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
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| There's nothing like sisters. |
**Update: Diane went in for her last session this week, and finished it off by ringing the 'end of chemotherapy' bell at the clinic. Her adoring, devoted husband Ken took a photo of it, and I can't even tell you how great it is to see!
I'm so glad for both of them. This could have made anyone feel defeated but it's incredible to see their strength. You can't help but see how much they adore each other when you're around them, and how deeply they love and support each other.
Here's a favourite from this summer.
