I have much to be grateful for; as a year and one week ago today my mother underwent severe surgery removing both breasts with a tram reconstruction due to the finding of stage 2 breast cancer from a mammogram last year. After much poking, testing and lumpectomies, she was asked if she would like to participate in a study. Having a daughter and wanting to help the future generations; she agreed  to "donate" her lump to research by testing a new Cancer medication.  She agreed to multiple days of testing and driving to and from Sechelt to Vancouver.  She kept her lump inside her body for a whole extra month while this drug flowed through her body.  At first she seamed okay, but after week 2,,,, OMG, id never seen her so sick.  I imagine it to be like the effects of chemotherapy. She was so weak!  she painfully and courageously took the test to the very end all in honor of the women of tomorrow and after her surgery, she now lives cancer free! she is a warrior; i am so proud to call me my mom!

The BC Cancer Agency is an amazing group of dedicated professionals. The service was prompt, staff were kind. and the nurses at Mount Saint Josephs Hospital where she had her surgery became like family with every daily visit.  My mom had many complications with her healing and is still not up to par, but is labeled cancer free (which is the most important part). She dealt with relentless infections, ripping of internal meshing, abnormal blood levels and a hemorrhaged disc in her back she swears is due to the pulling of her abdomen.  The doctors will not go back in to do further surgery due to the severity of her complications; at least not for now. She struggles with her abdominal region being consistently swollen; more so then when she was pregnant some 30+ years ago, tight and pulling around her chest and stomach and arms are often always sore.... But she is Cancer Free! She went through a stage where I was having to inject her with Wolfrine and the blood level issue is still not resolved. She developed a problem in her leg and had to walk with a cane and can not wear closed in shoes due to the severity of pain and swollen foot. They are going to do more scans to address this issue soon. ....

She now embarks on a better part of the "journey" to a new way of living,  accepting herself and her scares as beautiful and empowering for getting through such an awful, life changing event.  Living the best she can with what she's got and aiming to take care of herself with love, healthy food and exercise. She is such a strong woman, as every person dealing with Cancer must be!  The "journey" is not fun; but with a supportive network of friends, family and loved ones, the spirit of the one who walks can be lifted and given hope for a day of being Cancer Free.  To live longer, to laugh longer and to love yet another day along with all those that care so much!

LOVE YOU MOM!! - thank you for everything! 

You give me so much strength. You are my superstar!

I hope all of you will take the time to donate to a Cancer Agency near you this month to support the great help that is there for those that need it most! ~ bless - (Safeway has a great program you can donate while you shop... and get 5 bonus air miles everytime too!)

A great book was passed on to me during this troublesome year and I highly recommend it! | THE CHINA STUDY by. T. Colin Campbell, PhD and Thomas M. Campbell II

PEACE, JOY & LOVE TO ALL ~