Sarah’s story
May 27, 2013
By: Sarah Labelle
Hi, my name is Sarah. I am struggling with the big C that as taken over my life. I am a daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, and last but not least, cancer fighter. I was diagnosed in February 2011 with breast cancer. I went through my first rounds of chemo with my head up and a smile on my face even though most days I was cringing inside. I had made the mental decision I did not need to make friends with anyone or become involved in the massive community that was out there in Montreal. I would only be there for 8 treatments and a month of radiation then I would move on with my life like it never happened.
Six treatments in, I was informed about this support group. Not my thing, but maybe I should give it a shot?
I did, and let me say, I met the most amazing group of ladies. They listened to me without judgment, and they got it! I did not need to explain why I was feeling how I was feeling, nor did I need to feel bad about it. This was what I had been looking for and I didn’t even know it! They are now my closest friends and I love them, and will keep in touch with them forever.
I also went to a retreat and met more amazing people. We did activities… I went Kayaking for the first time ever, and we had the opportunity to really connect with each other. I started to find my place in this amazing community of loving, supportive people. I brought my four children to a community BBQ to meet all the friends they had heard about. We went on another retreat. The time I spent away from my family that weekend was well worth it. I did many of the workshops, such as anger management and brain fog, to mention a few. I woke up the following morning and went for a beautiful walk with friends I will keep close to my heart forever. As someone who had not really pushed myself since I got sick I was nervous I would need to turn back after 20 minutes, but I did it!!! I hiked for an hour!! What a great feeling that was. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful walk, and something I never would have had the opportunity to do had I not gone on this awesome weekend that I will never forget.
I did it! I was a survivor… I thought I had gotten through my cancer experience with flying colors. My kids had adjusted, and my husband and I were finding our way. I started back at work; things were back to a “new normal.” Then I started having pain in my sternum… that was explained away by being back at work.
Until – a month later – my oncologist confirmed that the cancer had spread to my bone and I was in fact stage 4. What does that mean?
It means that my second time around I had this amazing group of people who were already there for me. I have had chemo treatments three times a month for 6 months, and as of now my treatment plan is undetermined. I will keep fighting, sharing, laughing and loving, thanks to the awesome resources that I now happily reach out to. My only regret is that I waited so long the first time around.
I am so thankful to the help, funding, support… whatever you want to call it that allows me to have this great feeling of being loved, supported, and respected. The Montreal community for oncology patients is made up of wonderful, warm organizations (VOBOC, Hope & Cope, Cedars CanSupport, and others) that have given me something good out of this terrible ordeal. Thank you for reading my overflow verbal spillage!!
Much love,
Sarah Labelle
