Anka - Thriver Profile

I was diagnosed October 1991. Yikes, that's 19 years ago! I know that it's a long time ago but I remember it a if it was yesterday. One day I was healthy as a horse and the next day I had CANCER!

I had a lumpectomy and 25 radiation treatments.

I try to live life to the fullest. I'm so gratefull that I have my health and am able to retire and enjoy life with my husband and family and friends. Who would ever have thought that I would one day go kayaking with the manatees in Florida or hike up Tunnel Mountain in Banff, Alberta. Life is good. God is good!

To read about other women who are living full and meaningful lives after a cancer diagnosis, click on the label Thriver profiles below or on Cancer Heroes under labels on the right.

Buyer beware - Shark Vacuum from Canadian Tire

OK, here comes another rant!

This time it’s about a Shark/Euro-Pro vacuum I bought from Canadian Tire and the non-existent customer service I received from both businesses.

You can read my full rant, but if that’s too much information, just beware. The product sucks and response from Canadian Tire and the manufacturer’s customer service has been non-existence.

The short: DO NOT BUY A SHARK VACUUM FROM CANADIAN TIRE -- unless you want a headache (and dirty floors).

Photography Not on Skis

Our Photography on Skis course turned out to be Photography Not on Skis because the trail was too icy. We had a great time just the same, testing out what we learned along the trail.

Dianne took this great shot of Jean & I lying in the snow.This is what we saw from our position. And this is what we saw when Dianne's head wasn't in the way. The workshop was offered by the Ammas for Grammas and taught by Jo-Anne, Musician on Skis. Her photo for March 4th is of the group that attended.

What I’m grateful for today: Free coffee at McDonald's until the 14th.

The prodigal son returns in: 65 days

Status quo

I had blood work done through my port at 8:30 this morning and then had to go back again at 11:00 to see the oncologist. The good news is that there’s no change. The bad news is that there’s no change.

I would have liked to hear that the remaining spot (tumor? parasite lesion?) is gone, but I am happy that things are stable and nothing new has popped up. That means I go ahead with my Faslodex injection tomorrow morning as planned.

I was going to go to An Evening in Research at the cancer clinic tomorrow night but decided that the whole cancer thing can be such a bore. So I'm going to the Photography on Skis course put on by the Ammas for Grammas instead. We’re going to get instruction and then head out on our cross-country skis at dusk to take pictures.

What I’m grateful for today: That the annoying cough I’ve had for 2 months is just an annoying cough.

The prodigal son returns in: 67 days

Peggy - Thriver profile

Time since diagnosis…25 years this July…Yea!!
Type of Cancer: I can’t remember that long ago – or maybe I never even knew.
Treatment – Lumpectomy and 30 sessions of radiation.

Before I had cancer, my opinion of myself was that I was rather a mouse. I had a significant “No, I can’t” attitude’. After diagnosis and treatment, my attitude became “Yes, I can” and I started trying to live my life accordingly. I’m still a work in progress.

What motivation do I have for others?

I can only say what motivates me, and if it works for you too, great! Here are three ideals that I try to follow.

1. My Mom always said that it was my responsibility to use and develop whatever skills, abilities, gifts and talents I was given, making a contribution whenever possible. I try to direct my focus toward that goal, and find that it gives me positive energy and attitude. Also, it keeps me really busy!

2. Walk through doors that open and present opportunities. I find that great surprises happen when my heart and mind are open to new experiences. I also love to learn new things – art, technology, ski instructing … whatever crosses my horizon. With learning, often new challenges arise, and, when I face and succeed at something that I didn’t think I could do, I feel empowered and alive.

3. I seek to be alone and quiet for a few minutes every day. I want to let my soul listen to the music and the messages that are there.

When I stay focused on these ideals, there isn’t much time in my heart or mind to go to the ‘ Crazy Cancer Fear Place ’, also known as ‘The Dark Side’. Instead, I find myself surrounded with positive people, positive attitudes and a peaceful soul.

True confession

I'm embarrassed to admit it... but I had marshmallow fluff on toast for dinner tonight. The marshmallow fluff was an impulse buy during a quick run to the store for milk.

I think I’m just feeling unsettled because I see the oncologist tomorrow. A little over a year ago there were more spots on my lungs than they could count. Three CT scans ago there were no spots. Two scans ago there were two. My last scan showed that one had disappeared and I was down to one.

It feels like I’m riding a CT scan result roller coaster. I’m one tumor away from either being declared NED (no evidence of disease) or starting chemo again. I’m trying not to live from one set of results to the next, but I must admit that today I’m feeling a bit anxious. That probably explains the marshmallow fluff.

What I’m grateful for today: An unexpected ‘chat’ via Facebook with Adam this afternoon. We were both logged on at the same time so we texted back & forth about everything from Canada’s Olympic hockey win to tomorrow’s appointment.

The prodigal son returns in: 68 days

A dime a dozen

I was at Camp Fortune with Lynn this morning and we ran into another cancer 'thriver', Tracy, a friend from Lynn's support group. It seems that everywhere I go I make connections with other women who have had breast cancer.

A friend once joked that we're a dime a dozen. It made us laugh but it's sad just the same. Because unfortunately it's true.

What I’m grateful for today: That I know so many breast cancer thrivers who are doing well and living full, messy, adventurous, ordinary, interesting, bold and active lives.

The prodigal son returns in: 69 days