Proclamation From City Hall

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Today we were at City Hall for the proclamation of Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. I got an opportunity to meet Larry O'Brien, the mayor of Ottawa. It was another very exciting day ... heading home, later today.

... blogging from my smart phone.

A video from our friends....

Burlesque Against Breast Cancer friends, Jimmy Cairney of the Bobby McGees and Kate Kamikazie have gotten together and done this...

Breakfast on Parliament Hill

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

This morning we had our breakfast on Parliament Hill. It was an amazing experience. Afterwards we got a tour of the Parliament Building.

All this has left me quite tired ... so it's back in my room for a rest.

... blogging from my smart phone.

Media Alert ~ Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Event on Parliament Hill

Monday, October 4, 2010


~ Ottawa Will Become First Canadian City to Proclaim Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day ~ 

OTTAWA, Oct 1 CNW - To launch Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Canadian Breast Cancer Network will be at Parliament Hill on October 5 to raise awareness of metastatic breast cancer and the unique needs of women with metastatic disease from those in the broader breast cancer community. Metastatic breast cancer, an advanced breast cancer that appears in other parts of the body, is developed by an estimated 30 per cent of women (globally) who are first diagnosed with earlier stages of breast cancer. 

To educate and advocate for specific needs such as psychological support and access to treatments, CBCN will host an event where Canadian women will share their personal and compelling stories with metastatic disease. The Network will also urge Parliament to recognize October 13, 2010 as the first national Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Note: Ottawa will become the first city in Canada to proclaim October 13, 2010 as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day at an event on October 6, 2010. 

Media are invited to attend the Parliament Hill breakfast event, or to arrange interviews with the presenters. Additional metastatic breast cancer survivors are available for interviews in Burnaby, Edmonton, Bolton, Mississauga and Dartmouth. 

Speakers Include: 

• Cathy Ammendolea, President, Canadian Breast Cancer Network
• Carolyn Stewart Olsen, Senator
• Dianne Hartling, 7-year metastatic breast cancer survivor
• Alice McClymont, 2-year metastatic breast cancer survivor
• Daria Maluta, 2-year metastatic breast cancer survivor

When: Tuesday, October 5, 2010
7:45 am to 9:00 am 
Where: Room 256-S Centre Block (Parliament Hill) 

About Metastatic Breast Cancer and the CBCN 

• Metastatic breast cancer, stage IV, or advanced breast cancer, occurs when cancer cells travel from the original site of the cancer to other parts of the body. When breast cancer cells leave the breast, they often migrate to the bones, lungs, the liver, or to the brain;
• Women with metastatic breast cancer often report feelings of isolation from the broader breast cancer community, whose public focus and advocacy efforts are largely directed toward early stage disease;
• The Canadian Breast Cancer Network is the national survivor-driven and survivor-focused organization that exists to voice the views and opinions of breast cancer survivors and to promote the improvement of services as a strong advocate for access to optimal care for breast cancer patients. 

For further information:
Melissa Milk, Communications
Canadian Breast Cancer Network
(613) 230-3044 ext. 227

Wartless Once Again!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Last August 23rd I wrote about how I developed this wart on the top of my right foot. I had resigned myself to the fact that it would probably be with me for a very long time because any sort of treatment was out of the question while I was on chemo. Well believe it or not, yesterday I was idly picking at it and to my surprise this thing just fell off. Ok this is gross and probably too much information but I am so happy to be wartless. 

I’m not sure exactly what is going on because I have another spot. This time my thumb that is acting up. For the last month the top of my left thumb has been so itchy; especially first thing in the morning. I actually put a big ring on my thumb to prevent me from scratching it … I’m thinking that if I irritate this spot too much it will only make it worse.

Suddenly I Have Fewer Hat Days

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Even tho I only have about a 3/4 of my hair, it still needs to be cut once in a while. So yesterday I went to the cancer clinic for a free trim. I asked the stylist for a special cut for a special day. I told her about my trip to Ottawa and she said, wow, why you don’t try one of our wigs? I proudly said … no thanks, I going as is... no wig.

I was planning on wearing a hat on my trip but that changed when Maria the clerk at Sears said, no, don’t wear a hat, you look fine without one. I remember just about crying thinking wow what a revelation … I don’t need to wear a hat? … I am lovin’ that idea.

My hair looks not too bad from the front and the sides but not the back. There is a thin spot caused by rubbing my head on the pillow. My hair is weak and thin and it breaks off easily.

I’m not ready to give up my hats completely but now I am way more likely to go without one.

Livestrong Day 10/2

Friday, October 1, 2010

Saturday October 2 is Livestrong Day … a day recognized around the world to bring awareness to the global cancer crisis. It marks the 14th anniversary of Lance Armstrong’s cancer diagnosis and the day he entered the cancer community.

Here is a three minute video about Livestrong Day.



Click here to check the world map on the Livestrong site and see what’s going on in your country and make a commitment to attend.