Twenty-two years ago, Vi Martens figured she was going to die. A lump was discovered in her breast, followed by an appointment with the surgeon.
“A needle biopsy led to a cancer diagnosis,” Martens said.
After a partial (only part of the breast is removed), there were still suspicious cells so Martens was sent to an oncologist.
“He recommended a full mastectomy,” she said.
“I could have opted for radiation and possible chemotherapy but I chose a full mastectomy and didn’t need any further treatment.”
Back then, Martens said they identified different stages and sites but all were treated the same way.
As a breast cancer survivor, Martens has continued to work with those diagnosed with the disease. As a breast cancer support group facilitator, she’s seen many women go through the terrifying process and said no two situations are the same and treatments are all different.
Research, diagnosis and treatments have changed since Martens’ experience and survival rates have improved considerably. But for most, the cancer journey is still frightening and filled with uncertainty.
After a mammogram discovered a spot on Elvina Charlton’s breast in November 2011, she was sent for another mammogram and an ultrasound within a week.
Within 10 days a needle biopsy by a breast cancer doctor in Prince George caused Charlton to return home and really think about what she would and wouldn’t be prepared to do.
“I told my doctor who relayed that information to the surgeon,” she said.
“He agreed to everything.”
And that included a vacation to Nova Scotia.
On Nov. 16, Charlton had her surgery where she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.
A teleconference with an oncologist explained what TNBC.
She tested negatively for estrogen, progesterone and HER2 which simply means
many conventional treatments for breast cancer do not work in triple negative breast cancer.
“This was bad, but I was encouraged to learn the cancer hadn’t invaded the lymph nodes,” Charlton said.
“However, regular chemotherapy and radiation wouldn’t do any good.”
A few weeks later, she met with the oncologist in person where she learned more about her specific type of breast cancer and they discussed treatment.
But she was soon to learn treatment wasn’t the only specter she faced.
He advised her that 50 per cent of triple negative breast cancer returns and if that happens, it’s often very aggressive and fast growing.
“Not a good prognosis,” Charlton said grimly.
He recommended a course of treatment with a relatively new chemotherapeutic drug Capacitabine, which isn’t covered by B.C.’s Pharmacare program or the Canadian Cancer Society.
“Thank goodness for Blue Cross and the financial assistance from the pharmaceutical company Roche,” Charlton said.
“For two weeks worth of drugs, the cost was $778.37.
“I don’t know what happens to people without extended health coverage.”
The doctor said if the drugs work, her chances of re-occurance are reduced to 20 per cent.
“But it could reoccur somewhere else, possibly bone cancer.”
Charlton has had blood work and X-rays throughout her treatments (two weeks of pills, then a week’s break, times four) and now with that phase over, she’ll have more lab work in three months, then every six months.
“I’m going to live my life, not sit at home and feel sorry for myself,” Charlton said.
“This is just a bump in the road and if it comes back, I’ll deal with it then.”
Martens, who’s known Charlton for many years, shares a new bond with her neighbour and friend.
“You never stop worrying about cancer returning,” she said.
“The bus to normal never comes, you just find a way to move on.”
Martens added helping people going through breast cancer is very rewarding.
“Quesnel is lucky to have a breast cancer support group, so
many community still don’t have them,” she said.
Martens is a member of the Relay For Life team Pink Ladies of Hope which has participated in Relay since it began.
Charlton, a very active member of her Kersley community, says she draws support from those around her.
“We’re lucky to live in such a supportive community. They’re like family.
“My philosophy is to get busy and stay busy.”
Although she’s always supported Relay For Life, Charlton has never participated.
“Maybe this year I will.”
There’s still time to form a team for the May 26 Relay For Life. For information, answers to questions or how to become involved with Relay, contact Michelle Godfrey, 250-983-8815.