It was Joanne Stacey’s 49th birthday, when she received a surprise she never wanted. That was the day she was told she had breast cancer.
Joanne, whose mother had just battled breast cancer three years earlier, was always vigilant about her breast exams. So when she felt a lump, she immediately went to her family doctor and was scheduled for a mammogram.
Doctors discovered Joanne had stage three breast cancer and that it had spread to her lymph nodes.
"Everything felt as though it was spinning out of control," said Joanne. "I knew I needed to deal with this immediately because the anxiety of waiting was killing me."
Joanne had an aggressive form of the disease and, in consultation with her surgeon, agreed to a mastectomy. Following her surgery, Joanne received radiation and chemotherapy treatment at the Juravinski Cancer Centre.
"Everyone there is wonderful," remarks Joanne. "They give you structure and a plan which made me feel more in control. They were thorough but not overwhelming."
Joanne took advantage of all the resources and education offered by the Juravinski Cancer Centre. "I went to the orientation and was saddened to see the room filled with women of all ages battling cancer too. I found the information to be really helpful and got to know some of these women very well. We shared little pieces of advice to help make things easier, whether it was a suggestion of what to eat to curb nausea, or where to find the cutest caps and wigs. We were all going through this together."
Joanne is now cancer-free, but still returns to the Juravinski Cancer Centre for follow up visits and knows she may be at higher genetic risk due to her family history.
"After both my mother and I survived breast cancer, you can bet I will ensure my 20-year-old daughter gets checked regularly."
Joanne has been involved in many cancer-related fundraising events in the past. "It’s so different though when it’s you going through it. I’m so appreciative to all the donors who support the JCC."
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