Facing Cancer Together

How a Young Mom is Handling Cancer After Giving Birth

After giving birth to my second child I found out that I had a malignant 5 cm tumor in my breast that would likely require a mastectomy. I went through all sorts of emotions while experiencing the hormonal rollercoaster ride, I was already on from giving birth. I found it all unfathomable. 

June 18, 2020 | by Alison Kidd

What's in My Chemo Bag?

I figured showing what all I bring to the hospital each chemo session might be interesting or helpful to some of you. So here we go!
 

Jan. 2, 2020 | by Stephanie Dawn Cansfield

When mother and daughter face cancer together

Diagnosed with cancer one month apart from each other, Marie-Paule, and Mélissa find their strength in each other.

Last May, Marie-Paule received her ovarian cancer diagnosis at the age of 64. It came as a shock to the entire family as  she was the first person diagnosed with cancer in her family.

Against all odds, her daughter Mélissa was also diagnosed with cancer only a few weeks later – breast cancer, stage 2. She is 30.

Dec. 13, 2019 | by Suzanne Aranda

Know that you are never alone

This May, a year after she first heard the words ‘breast cancer’ from her doctor and underwent a lumpectomy, Laura was devastated to learn that she had been re-diagnosed – stage 4 triple negative.

Her best friend Jess had gone with her to the appointment, which was Laura’s one-year screening.

Dec. 9, 2019 | by Allie Wiebe

A single gift can support two women facing cancer

Last year, Katie and Karie were sitting in a room with eight other women of various ages and backgrounds – all who had recently been diagnosed with cancer.

Katie and Karie had never met before, each travelling from different treatment centres to attend a Look Good Feel Better workshop. Both young women had just begun losing their hair during chemotherapy and were eager to learn how to manage these changes, before the hair loss affected their eyelashes and brows.

It’s easy to forget how much of our identity is related to our physical appearance – but at such a …

Nov. 21, 2019 | by Allie Wiebe

Katie's Story: "I share so that others can receive the same support."

Last spring, Katie was playing soccer when she got elbowed in her left breast. Reacting to the hit, she brought her hand to her chest – instantly feeling a lump. At only thirty-years-old, cancer was not something that crossed Katie’s mind. She was concerned about the lump, but she assumed it had formed because of the trauma to the area from her soccer injury. 

Over the next couple months, the lump grew larger, harder and had started to feel painful. At the urging of a friend, Katie went to the hospital to get it checked out. Within a few hours …

Sept. 27, 2019 | by Allie Wiebe

My LGFB Workshop Experience: "Tales of a Makeup Rookie"

This was the first time I had been in a room with a group of other women with cancer. Although cancer is a club you wish nobody needed to join, it was reassuring to see people so positive at various stages of their experience. Beside me sat a woman with no hair who was radiantly smiling and looking beautiful. I began to realize that this event was not about looking good by someone else’s standard but about and feeling comfortable in your own skin. I immediately felt it was going to be okay.

May 24, 2019 | by Shawna Potje

"The first steps to the old me": My first walk post-treatment and what I did to prepare

In my last blog, when I talked about my own recovery and “taking sickness to fitness” post-treatment, I credited my first walk for being the first steps in getting back to the old me. I also shared how scary those first steps can be - I hope that this story inspires someone to have the confidence to take theirs.

May 16, 2019 | by Adriana Lombardo

“Take it day-by-day. Do what’s best for you.”

One year ago, Jennie had just returned to her hometown of Napanee, Ontario, after a year teaching English in the UK. She was 25-years-old and was supply teaching locally when she came down with what she thought was the flu. Living in a town without a walk-in clinic, she made a trip to the ER after becoming concerned with how tired and short of breath she was feeling. 

March 29, 2019 | by Allie Wiebe

How I Overcame Cancer Fatigue

During my two and a half years of weekly chemotherapy, I had no energy. Like I’m sure many of you can relate, getting out of bed was a struggle; the idea of getting dressed made my head hurt. I forced myself to get up, get washed and dressed and move my body to the couch. Although I had been an active person before my diagnosis, the possibility of anything remotely close to exercise felt so far away from me at the time.

March 22, 2019 | by Adriana Lombardo