Before my cancer diagnosis, I was a full-time caregiver to two of my four grandchildren.
Then in the winter of 2023, I felt a pain in my right breast. Given my family’s history of breast cancer – my mother and two of my sisters had it – I was already receiving annual mammograms, so I waited for my June appointment. The 2D mammogram showed nothing, but I had a gut feeling something was wrong. By the end of summer, I returned to my nurse practitioner, who ordered an ultrasound at Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH). That’s when they found the mass.
I was referred to Dr. Eileen Sacks for a biopsy in the fall. As I sat knitting in the waiting room, Dr. Sacks walked in, noticed my knitting and told me she was also a knitter. We immediately connected. I knew I was in good hands. Dr. Sacks is absolutely fantastic and our community is so fortunate to have her. She shared all the information with me in a way that I could easily understand.
After the biopsy, I received the news on December 1st – I had breast cancer. After weeks of waiting over the holidays for further out-of-town tests, a 3D mammogram and MRI revealed lumps in my left breast as well. Rather than undergo another biopsy, I chose to have a double mastectomy.
I’m a private person when it comes to my health, so when I received the diagnosis, I only shared the news with my family and closest friends. But when the team at GBGH told me about the new MRI program – and adding much-needed mammography services – I felt compelled to share my story in hopes that you’ll help by investing in these vital services. Having advanced equipment like the MRI and 3D mammogram right here in Midland would make such a difference, allowing us to get results and begin treatment faster, while easing the stress and anxiety of waiting for appointments and results from other hospitals.
This is a cause I have to stand behind – not just for myself, but for everyone in our community facing similar challenges. With cancer running in my family, my hope is that my daughter and granddaughters will have access to everything they need right here at GBGH if needed.
These days, I focus on taking life one day at a time and treasuring the moments I share with my family. We recently celebrated my husband’s 70th birthday with our children and their families, and it’s those little moments that mean the most to me. I’m incredibly grateful for your support of GBGH, and because of it, I can start looking forward to a brighter future.
Make a donation to support Mammography at Georgian Bay General Hospital.
