In May of 2024, at the age of 40, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma – otherwise known as breast cancer.

It started in April of 2024, when I first noticed the lump. By June of 2024, when I had my first chemo infusion, I’d already had 11 doctors’ appointments. Since then, I’ve had 16 chemo infusions over five months (between June and November 2024).  My first round of chemo sent me to the hospital for three nights. In January of 2025, I had a mastectomy and lymph node biopsy, and I’m undergoing ongoing targeted therapy to inhibit the HER2 protein, as well as hormone therapy.

As I continue my journey, I have learned that this is one of resilience and perseverance. It is also one of support and togetherness – it takes a village and it’s crucial to have a support team around you. Yet no matter how many people you have around you, there are strong feelings of loneliness and anxiety. It’s important for your support team to understand that: no matter how much support you have, there is an overwhelming feeling on isolation. You alone are dealing with the incessant thoughts of mortality, the steroid induced insomnia, the exhausting chemo infusion sessions, and the painful surgeries.

What helps? Let me count the ways!

• Being a part of the Diagnostic Assessment Program (DAP) at the Betty Wallace Women’s Health Centre at Trillium’s Queensway location.

• Having a patient nurse navigator for a single point of contact, to help me with any questions, concerns, or needs.

• Having shorter wait times and expedited testing

• The amazing nurses and staff at the Carlo Fidani Cancer Centre at Credit Valley

• Excellent care from my medical oncologist and nurse – when they are confident, answer all my questions, yet also act like human beings by offering hugs when needed – this makes all the difference

• Friends and family – offering assistance and an ear, receiving messages of love and support, prayers and positive thoughts

• Therapy

Take 5 – Five things Sarah has learned about herself:

1. A positive attitude can take you far.

2. Prioritize yourself.  

3. I can do hard things; I have survived 100% of my toughest days.

4. I am amazing at assembling a fabulous support team and safety-net! (I have the best go-to’s for all the right things)

5. I take my health seriously – I didn’t shrug it off; I sensed something was wrong and I took immediate action to advocate for myself.