Niagara Region - Ontario, Canada

PerAngusta

I live in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 48. I am a happily married (23 years) mother of three, beautiful children aged 11, 13 and 23. I am retired from Federal Public Service (25 years). I was the epitome of good health and good living. 5'9", 130 pounds, strong woman, tall, long straight (sandy) hair to my waist. Regular periods! Not a drinker. Stress free life as a home educator. Happy girl, in every way!! Today? Well, today I am still 5'9"....but with all that I've been through this year, I am now 155 pounds!!! My hair? Well, the hair was donated to wigs for children with cancer and after chemo and total baldness...it's starting to grow back GRAY, FUZZY AND CURLY. My breasts? Those beauties are all gone now. And once they took 24 lymph nodes from my body AND after 25 sessions of radiation....yes, I now have lymphadema. I don't recognize myself in the mirror....but that is NOT the toughest part for me. I am a high risk for recurrence and have been told that, if cancer comes back in my body, there is very little that they can do for me. I am an agnostic. So prayer is not something that offers me comfort - wish it did!! I recognize the attempt at kindness and appreciate it whenever anyone offers to pray for me or cross their fingers....but I feel completely afraid and alone these days. Lost. And I don't seem to fit in anywhere. Not among the bc folks....not among the charmed and healthy. Nowhere. I could sure use a friend or two. They say that I will feel much less anxious once I have been cancer-free for a number of years. In the interim? I'd love to find a healthy, productive, local way to connect with others who might need the same help and support? Diet and exercise has helped some. Friends and realistic approach will also help. So, I am reaching out!! Anyone in this Niagara area ready for or in need of....a get together?

208sandy

Hi PerAugusta - I am in Burlington, not exactly in Niagara Region but pretty close I'd say - I've been known to attend a get together or two or three - it's fun to see one another and break bread together. I am sending you a PM.

PerAngusta

Hi Sandy!!! Burlington is a hop, skip and jump away!!! Thank you for answering my call for community and a possible get together group!! I am sure (sadly) that we are not the only ones in this region. It will be nice to get together once we have identified a group to call our own, here at home. I tried this forum, but I am exploring other options as well. Whatever I learn, I will share with you!! Have a great day. And know that you are not alone...we can definitely support one another through this difficult process.