While October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I personally became "aware" on June 16, 2016.
My name is Ella Johnson, 53 years old and an Innisfailian. I share my breast cancer story with you to show hope and say, ‘we must never give up!'
My routine mammogram, led me to an ultrasound, which progressed to a biopsy and finalized in a room that had an odd sign on the door that read, “Comfort Room.” The doctor with whom I had met earlier in ultrasound, kindly reappeared and said, ‘I'll let your doctor know we talked.'
And ... my mind heard little more, ‘Talked about what?' I was in denial and total disbelief.
The phone calls from the cancer support teams started immediately. It was apparent that things were moving fast. And they only got faster when I heard the test results, ‘you have triple positive, Stage 3 breast cancer. It is aggressive so we will have to pick up our game and fight hard'.
This was a life-changing diagnosis.
Though harsh and heartbreaking, research quickly answered the question that went though my mind over and over, Why me? Why not!
One in seven Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. While the treatments are very similar, the orders in which they are carried out are not, as there are more than 200 kinds.
After a meltdown or 10, lots of tears and research, medical staff and tests, I made the decision - I was going to follow the treatment that western medicine offered. Feeling strong and confident like that of a warrior, I was going to put my mind on one thing only - survival. This is the first commitment of two that I made.
After discussing options and survival stats with the wonderful team at the Central Alberta Cancer Centre (CACC) my protocol was decided. I would undergo surgery (double mastectomy - my choice), six rounds of chemo that would take 18 weeks, 20 rounds of radiation and 17 treatments of Herceptin, which would take 42 weeks but only start after the first 12 weeks of chemo were completed.
Now, 16 months later, I am feeling more thankful and blessed than I thought I could ever feel. The team at the CACC have been understanding, compassionate and very supportive.
We are so fortunate to have this centre in Central Alberta. Driving to Calgary or Edmonton for treatments would have been an additional challenge. I currently have three treatments left and I am feeling better each day as the chemo brain lessens, the joints loosen and the hormones and emotions find their balance. Plus, I'm getting hair!
As I complete my last two months of treatment and get thinking about reconstruction, my second commitment comes into play - moving forward, I must take time for me. I count my blessings daily, monitor my food source, live in the now, keep active and appreciate all that each day offers.
If the good Lord be willing, and I don't win the Lotto 649, I will update you next October when we once again give our month to the awareness of all women and men who experience this awful disease.
