Changing cancer outcomes

In December 2018, when my two boys were just 4 and 6 years old, I had been busy working on 2 major infrastructure projects, and then that lump that I had been quietly dismissing thinking it was nothing, and kept putting off a Mammogram appointment because I was too busy... It quickly turned into a fastest series of doctor appointments I had ever been privy to: mammogram, biopsy, Surgical Oncologist, MRI, Plastic Surgeon, Mastectomy surgery, Surgical Oncologist, Oncologist, Radiation Oncologist, CT Scan, Radiation, Radiation Oncologist, Oncologist... Within 2 months of the mammogram I underwent a mastectomy with reconstruction, followed by radiation, and hormone therapy, which I continue to receive to this day.

It was in those first few days of cancer diagnosis when my world got super small. All that really mattered were my two little boys and my worry for my husband and the future of our family. The 'what ifs' were BIG and there were too many unknowns. I didn't want to tell anyone. I didn't want others to worry. I managed to quickly compartmentalize and focus on my family's needs and distracted myself with client work while I waited for biopsy results and the surgical oncology appointment that would provide more clarity and a treatment path going forward.

I was super lucky. I had a slow growing, common form of breast cancer, and after the mastectomy, was easily treatable with radiation and hormone therapy. I was lucky that I had a very proactive family physician who obtained necessary referrals immediately (and right before the Christmas holidays.) I was very lucky to live in a major urban centre and have access to some of the best cancer treatment in Canada. I am very lucky to be receiving cancer care through BC Cancer Agency (the recipient of BC Cancer Foundation) where I receive free monthly hormone blocking injections, free medication, and semi-annual check-in appointments with my oncologist. I am grateful to be living in a country where we have free access to healthcare. I am especially thankful to be in excellent health today, where I can train to participate in a ride that funds research and supportive care that saves and improves the quality of lives for too many undergoing cancer treatment and living with metastatic cancer.

This year I've initiated Team CJI again! I will be riding in support of my Dad (prostate cancer survivor), my Mom (breast cancer), in loving memory of my Aunt (a non-smoker who passed from lung cancer), my friend Cindy (living with metastatic cancer), my friend Terry (who successfully navigated bone marrow transplant), friend's husband Mike (who has successfully navigated treatment for stage 4 non-smokers lung cancer), and in loving memory of Judy (a colleague who passed away from Pancreatic cancer in 2018), and Ian (our friend's Dad who passed away from Mesothelioma 2021), and way too many others to count.

So please join me, and Team CJI reach our fundraising goal. Your incredible support will be my reason why we ride 200 km from Surrey to Hope, British Columbia on August 24 & 25, 2024 in support of cancer treatment and research.

Thank you for your generous support.

With much gratitude and love,

Jennifer

Did you know that BC Cancer Foundation funds world-leading cancer research and is home to some of the worlds top ranked scientific minds? Some of the huge scientific advances that BC Cancer has garnered, include:

• Development of an advanced form of radiation therapy now used world-wide
• Discovery and deployment of the first effective prevention strategy for ovarian cancer
• Being the first cancer centre to effectively treat a patient based on DNA of their cancer
• Has proven that cancer evolves over time and in response to treatment
• Has launched Canadas first population based lung cancer screening program