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A Tribute

Today, I am sitting on my Bestie's couch and writing. We are together celebrating her 10 years from diagnosis. It is not the celebration we planned, but that is a very small detail, we are spending much needed time together. 

I feel empowered to write this tribute to her and all the women out there that have been told they have breast cancer. I look at Breast Cancer Survivors as warriors. These women have fought a battle; some have won others weren't so lucky. I have heard so many stories about a chemo journey. Being nauseous, throwing up and weak are things I don't like in my life. But for many those symptoms and many more were part of the battle. I can't imagine sitting in a chair watching toxic medications go into my body. But that is what may need to be done for a chance at survival, also part of the battle.  

The statistics are staggering in that one in eight women will have breast cancer. The weather lady, who is breast cancer survivor, says there are over 50 different types of breast cancer. I have to say it is remarkable the advancement that has been made and continues to be made for early detection, and treatment. Everyone gets their own individual treatment plan, thankfully one size fits all, is not the case anymore.  

I recently had a quick conversation with a 45-year-old former colleague who is currently receiving treatment for cancer. It was the first time I had seen her since she started treatment, and of course, I asked how she was doing. She said, "I'm doing okay, I mean no one wants breast cancer, but I do, and I'm getting there". She bravely stood there with her cute little hat to cover her bald head. Her color was off, she looked exhausted, and she commented on her nausea. But she was not at home feeling sorry for herself, she was out with people. 

There are a couple of profound thoughts that have stuck with me from my career. When something bad happens to us, often we will think, "why me?". I have heard people with cancer say, "why not me?". "What makes me so special that I can't have cancer?". The other thought is about a lifestyle that develops when given a cancer diagnosis. People either embrace a lifestyle in which they are "living with cancer" or sadly they live like they are "dying with cancer".  

It is at a time like this that I reflect on the mystery of who gets cancer and who doesn't. So many people I know lead a very healthy lifestyle, yet they aren't spared. Anyone that knows me, knows, I put zero emphasis on living a healthy lifestyle. I find taking supplements and medications daunting. Sleep has never been something that I do, and the Canada Food Guide is for other people. Don't get me wrong, if your choice is healthy, you are doing what is best for you. For me, it is just too many rules. I know this seems weird coming from a person with such a long career in healthcare. Unless I come down with something and then I give myself an almost lethal line up of medication and alternatives. It is simple for me; it is all about my mindset. Medication is for three things: curative, symptom management or preventative. Clearly, I only do symptom management. I realize that with the aging process, my mindset will be forced to change.   

In closing, I want to tell all the warriors out there, you got this girl. You are one of the reasons that I am so proud to be a woman. Just remember, never, ever stand in the way of a women when she is taking care of business. 



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