Message to colleagues - Nov. 6

Hi Everyone,

First, I just want to thank everyone for the overwhelming welcome I received this week during my return to work. I have missed you all (not the work!) and coming back just reminds me of the great feeling of being part of a real team of not only coworkers, but friends.  I was excited to come back only part time since my nightmares of carrying a watermelon in my belly and trying to unpack photocopy paper was still a bit fresh. The best part was missing out on team meetings AND staff meetings (no offense, KY)!!  However, things have drastically changed for me in the past 48 hours and I am sorry that I will not be coming back after all.

On Friday morning, as some of you know, I abruptly left work in the morning.  This was because I had received an urgent call from my doctor to see her immediately. I have had a large lump in my breast examined over the past month with scans and biopsies, and it has been confirmed that I have breast cancer. This news is very hard for me to tell since we have all just celebrated Jackie's news of such an incredible recovery and how could we come from such a high to such a low? In a span of 4 hours, I was diagnosed and sent to the cancer agency where I met my oncologist and was given the preliminary treatment plan and a tonne of information.  I might start chemo as soon as this week after further testing.

I am over the initial shock of it all and today have started to tell family and friends. I have an incredible support system since I have a large extended family and Elt is not working (he was just given a year's severance--which he wanted so don't feel bad). I am moving forward now and focusing on what has to be done in the next year. I am fortunate to have two friends to call upon as resources--a good friend, Jenn, who has survived the exact cancer two years ago, and Jackie, both who have proven that cancer can be beat. I will take this one day at a time and look to my kids for inspiration as well as distraction!

Please do not feel that you have to "do" anything.  I know how much everyone cares and I felt the love last week when I saw all of you. Just keep the positive thoughts flowing.

Love, J