My story with breast cancer started in 1997, as I sat in a doctor’s office listening to him tell me I had Stage II cancer that was growing. As I was still grieving and in emotional pain from having suddenly become a widow a year and a half earlier, I really didn’t care about my welfare. But I do recall the disbelief, the emotional agony, and the fear that enveloped me.

    My story is one of hope because of early detection. I needed no chemo, no radiation—just monthly, then twice yearly, then yearly mammograms. Having been diagnosed with breast cancer, I started to listen to my body, to what I wanted for my own sense of well-being, instead of sinking into an attitude of “poor-me.”

    When an article appeared in our local paper asking for breast cancer survivors to start a dragon boat team, I called. That was in 1998; I first stepped into a dragon boat in 1999, wondering, “What the hell am I thinking?” I faced personal fears when I had cancer and I faced many more while dragon boating: sitting near the waterline in a tippy boat; paddling in very rough water; getting very cold, numb, and thoroughly wet. Yet by facing these fears, I began to feel brave and confident.

    Being a breast cancer survivor, I have met incredible, funny, courageous women all across Canada and overseas, and we have shared our experience, strength, and hope with one another. I have become more fit and more open-minded, putting aside the thoughts of “What if it returns?” to live more fully today. Although I'm ever mindful of having had breast cancer, I have become grateful in knowing that I can only be the best I can be and can only handle what comes my way in the best way I can.

    Do I still get anxious, apprehensive, fearful? You bet, but then I remember that I have a wonderful group of survivor friends, team mates, family, and friends who love me, pray for me, and support me in whatever life brings my way.