It seems that every time I turn around, I hear about someone being affected by the diagnosis of cancer. Is this because I am getting older and my circle of friends is larger, there is increased incidence of cancer, or are the diagnostic tools more advanced so cancer can be detected earlier? They say that approximately one in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life. I can't help but think that in the future, I may be facing this diagnosis. If that does happen, it is encouraging to know that there are so many people dedicated to research, prevention, treatment, and helping women return to "normal" both physically and mentally.
One good nursing friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer and has given me permission to publish her story.
I met Franca in 1990, while working in the operating room at a local hospital. She was married to Ron, an obstetrician who worked at the same hospital. They have two beautiful boys, Alex and Anthony. When the kids were 1 and 3 years old, Ron was diagnosed and eventually lost his battle with pancreatic cancer at the young age of 35 years. Her whole world had come crashing down, but Franca knew she must remain strong and positive for her two young boys. Eleven years ago Franca remarried a wonderful man, Mike, who I believe Ron sent to Franca to help her raise her boys and bring happiness back to Franca's life.
When Franca was 21 years old, she felt a lump in her breast and was diagnosed with fibroadenoma. In August 2010, Franca's worst fear happened. She was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer with lymph node invasion.
Franca underwent a modified radical mastectomy with auxiliary node dissection at Princess Margaret Hospital on October 12, 2010. She completed her sixth and final round of chemotherapy on March 18, 2011. She then started her series of 25 radiation treatments, which she completed in August. The next step in her journey is to prepare for reconstructive surgery.
Franca's positive attitude and strength has been a true inspiration for those affected by breast cancer. Two weeks after finishing her radiation treatment, Franca participated in the 60K walk for the Week-End to End Women's Cancer on September 10, 2011. She is also volunteering her time at the Princess Margaret Hospital. "I want to give back and help people who are battling cancer. I want to be able to tell patients it will be okay, you are in the best hands."
Here is part of her story.
Cancer ... no one on Earth wants to hear the word.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at Princess Margaret Hospital on August 27, 2010, I was in disbelief ... devastated ... and dismayed ... I simply had no words to describe the feeling of shock. It just can't be ... was my reaction! Just graduating from nursing school at the age of 21 years, I felt a plum size mass and was then diagnosed with a fibroadenoma. Since then I have faithfully monitored my breasts with routine examinations, mammograms, and ultrasounds. I did everything according to my surgeon's recommendations for years. I felt secure and followed his suggestions: clean eating, no drugs, no alcohol, no smoking, no family history of cancer, and exercised 4-5 times a week. What more could I have done to prevent it all? I remained very puzzled and angry for months until my surgery in October 2010. In the interim, I was so afraid to continue on with life when I thought I did everything right to begin with. Oh my God! How would I tell my two teenaged sons, Alex and Anthony? They already have lost their father, Dr. Ronald Kum-Pui Mok, who passed away at the age of 35 years with pancreatic cancer, when they were 3.5 and 1 years old, respectively. I never thought I would be reliving this nightmare one more time.
I have shed many countless tears with all the fears troubling my mind. I have showered my dear husband, Mike, unlimited times. Although with the encouraging support from my family, they have given me the strength and power to deal with this rocky journey. One day at a time was my frame of thought. I simply could not hide the diagnosis from my family, friends, and coworkers. It was written all over my face and they can read that something was not quite right with Frank Franca. Therefore, I could not stress the importance of being open and sharing my story.
I realized I had to take control. Losing my breast, which I was so repulsed with at the time of my diagnosis, meant feeling so free and alive once more after the mastectomy. I felt that the cancer was all gone. I believe the single most powerful thing that I did to get through my breast cancer diagnosis was to concentrate on living well and enjoying every day to its fullest. Presently, I am in the process of completing my journey with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy has been very unpleasant as I am very sensitive to the drugs. In the future, radiation and more surgeries are waiting. I have learned that whether it is a good day or bad day, I just have to live in the moment and appreciate the fact that I am alive. Hence the journey continues but one baby step at a time...
I am praying every day that I will conquer this journey as I keep my hopes alive that one day this disease will no longer hold us in its grip of fear. Hoping to raise enough funds with all of the public participating, we can all help find a cure for this prevailing disease. Cancer can strike anyone...anyone can be a victim. I am so proud that I can choose to be a part of this movement to save lives. I ask you to join my Circle For Hope and please be a part of my personal journey. (Franca Tomasino Mok [Dizonno])
LIFE = LIVING IN FULLNESS EVERYDAY
BRA Day
Women who undergo a mastectomy may wish to restore the breast to a near-normal shape and appearance. The decision to have breast reconstruction is not for everyone, but I feel that women should be given an opportunity to explore this option as part of their journey. On October 19, 2011, Canada launched the first National BRA Day-Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day. This initiative was designed to promote education, awareness, and access for women who may wish to consider postmastectomy breast reconstruction.
Breast reconstruction involves several options and is dependent on the characteristic and stage of the breast cancer. These options are best discussed prior to the mastectomy procedure but I am sure many women just want to deal with one surgery at a time. The vision of BRA Day is that before undergoing breast cancer therapy, all women will be offered information about the options for reconstructive breast surgery and be provided access to breast reconstruction in a safe and timely manner (http://www.bra-day.com).
I think that the word cancer is the most feared word for someone to be faced with. There have been major advancements in early detection and treatment that the prognosis of "cancer" has greatly improved over the past decades. Last fall, Janice, a neighborhood friend, was diagnosed and treated for ovarian cancer. When her doctor told her that she had cancer, she did not hear anything else she had to say that day. The word cancer just kept repeating itself over and over again. Her doctor told her to stop thinking of it as cancer but as bad cell disease. Using visualization, Janice could see her chemotherapy destroying her bad cells, allowing her healthy cells to get stronger and restore her health and energy.
I have chosen to put my energy into hosting a neighborhood fundraiser in Support of The Week-End to End Women's Cancer. This year The Thornhill Neighbourhood Event sponsored Franca and raised $5,000.00 to help push her beyond her goal of $8,000.00. Her final total in donations was $11,876.00. Our group also sponsored a second walker for $2,000.00.
Keep healthy and live in LIFE.
Respectfully,
Tracey Hotta, BScN, RN, CPSN
Editor, PSN