ABOUT ME: Hello, I’m Joy, a 57-year-old Southern California native, proud mother of two adult children, coffee lover, and breast cancer survivor. After spending 35 years in the San Diego sun, my Canadian-born husband was ready to return to his beloved hometown of Montreal, and I was 100% on board. Two years ago, we sold our house and cars, packed up a moving truck, and I began the process of immigrating to Canada. There have been some challenges, but in the ways that matter most it has been everything we dreamed it would be.

MY CANCER STORY: I have known since I was in my late 20s that I had dense breasts (although I didn’t understand what that meant from an imaging perspective until more recent years). I was also prone to cysts in my breasts which were at times painful and infected. I had the sense that it was not “if” I would get breast cancer, but “when.” I was fortunate to have consistent monitoring in California with mammograms and ultrasounds.

In March 2021 after a routine mammogram, I received a phone call from my family doctor that I had an abnormal spot in one place on my left breast. I was scheduled right away for an ultrasound and 3-D tomosynthesis biopsy. The results were negative (relief) and I was instructed to come back in six months. After the second mammogram and ultrasound, the radiologist was now seeing not only the first abnormal mass, but the ultrasound showed a second one in the same breast. I then had a stereotactic biopsy and an ultrasound guided biopsy; both indicated cancer. Apparently the first biopsy missed the exact spot of the mass and thus came back negative.

After some further tests, my surgeon called and told me he would need to remove my entire left breast. Up to that point I’d been quite stoic, but when I got that call, it was the first time tears flowed. My daughter, home from school for winter break, was in the room with me. I remember her sitting close to me and resting her hand on my leg in a loving show of support. My husband and I had decided together that if I was going to lose one breast, we should move forward with a double mastectomy. I chose an aesthetic flat closure and no reconstruction. At the urging of a friend, the night before surgery I put on my prettiest lingerie and my husband took photos of what would be the last pictures of me with breasts. We framed one of the photos and it sits prominently on the dresser in our bedroom today. I am grateful that with the mastectomy and ongoing hormone therapy, I remain cancer-free.

CANCER IS A JOURNEY: Patients need more comprehensive information on their condition and
treatment. There are many things I only learned online or from friends who had breast cancer. It is frightening to wonder what information I and others are missing. This is especially true moving to a new country and trying to navigate a different type of health care system. Thus far in Quebec I’ve only been permitted to see an oncological surgeon (confusing since I’ve already had surgery). I don’t know why I’ve been denied access to an oncologist. Having one in the U.S. meant my medication, bone density, lymphedema prevention, etc. was routinely monitored. It leaves me wondering about the usual standard of care here in Quebec. Is it worse, better, or simply different? Will I receive any advice in my ongoing journey, or will I be on my own to figure out what I need? The breast cancer journey isn’t over after surgery and initial treatment. Most of us will experience some type of residual effects that may last a lifetime. This is why we need advocacy organizations such as Dense Breasts Canada for continual education and support.

Thank you for letting me share my story!

DBC Note: Joy, we truly appreciate you sharing your story with us! You’ve raised some excellent questions about the important information that is often withheld from women, as well as the many unknowns surrounding care.