OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, October 29, 2009 · 18 Health Oakville Beaver Survivor looks at life beyond the battle By Melanie Cummings SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER After Lynn Theriault, 47, kisses Mike O'Donovan goodbye as he heads out the door to work, then drops off their daughter Kaileigh, 8, at school, she makes her way to a Toronto hospital to face the biggest job of her life -- to battle with those cancer cells that were discovered to be invading her breast tissue and parts of her lymph nodes in March. Monday to Friday for the next six weeks, radiation will be used to penetrate through her skin to zap the mutinous cells. It will overlap with the chemotherapy treatment Theriault is also having. For six hours she is hooked up to an intravenous drip that wages chemical warfare on the troublesome cells. The chemo sessions have been part of her routine since June -- one every three weeks. It all began with an itch on her left breast. "While putting my daughter to bed, I felt a lump at the spot that was itchy," said Theriault. "I didn't freak out at the time Acorn Family Health and Wellness YOU AND YOUR PREGNANCY SIX WEEK PRENATAL CLASS Morning Sickness? Breastfeeding Concerns? Pregnancy and Postnatal Nutrition questions? Labour and Birth Plan questions? Whether you are minutes pregnant or minutes away from delivery, there is important information for everyone! First Weekly Class: Monday, November 9th from 6:30-8:00pm at 410 North Service Rd., E. 2nd floor Seating is limited. Please call to register. Two Great Oakville Locations: 1235 Trafalgar Road, Suite 413 and 410 N. Service Rd. E., 2nd floor Family Chiropractor/Acupuncturist www.acornhealth.ca or email drdavis@acornhealth.ca Dr. Jenna Davis 905.334.0975 because it was way too small." Nevertheless, the next day she called her family doctor who ordered an ultrasound. Another more detailed ultrasound followed a week later and then a biopsy, which confirmed the cancerous lump was three-centimetres and had to be surgically removed. The disease had also reached into her lymph nodes. "I was naïve about cancer," said Theriault who has made Oakville home for the last seven years. "I thought it was just a matter of removing it, problem solved." The avalanche of detail on the types of cancer, treatment, plus the previously foreign nausea, fatigue, worry, anger, fear and depression are now all too real now. Fortunately she has found solace in support from many sources. She counts her partner, Mike, and her friend since grade school days, Annette Sheehan, as well as other family and friends, Breast Cancer Support Services (BCSS) and strangers, as her occasional advocates, meal makers, errand-runners, house cleaners, sounding boards and welcome distractions. BCSS came through with the perfect wig, from a selection of hundreds (and for free to boot) when the chemotherapy drugs knocked out every strand of her hair -- though Theriault said she didn't really wear the wig for long. The regional self-help organization's bevy of massage, Reiki and meditation classes also appeal to Theriault, Lynn Theriault who is currently on leave from her customer service job at the YMCA of Oakville. It was through a customer at the YMCA Theriault first found out about BCSS. "They really go above and beyond," said Theriault, praising the volunteer organization which, since 1988, has reached out to thousands of people impacted by breast cancer. In 1988, BCSS was formed by two women who were diagnosed with breast cancer. Both women realized there was a great need for sup- port for women in the area. BCSS is a self-help organization created by women for anyone who has concerns about breast cancer or general breast health. BCSS is also the only support centre in Halton/Hamilton that deals specifically with breast cancer. BCSS, located at 695 Brant St. in Burlington, is volunteer-based and made up of women and men who have already walked in the shoes of the newly diagnosed and understand their needs. Theriault has also discovered that strangers can shock you with so much support. A YMCA member, where Theriault works, who has done battle with breast cancer -- and won -- often calls Theriault to check on her, offer experiential advice or just an attentive ear. With such a solid spectrum of care: physical, emotional and practical, Theriault firmly believes she'll win her fight. "I have no other option than to be okay," Theriault said. Perhaps this resolve comes from having survived two heart attacks -- the first in her 20s and the second in her 30s -- and a stroke at age 39. While family and friends wrap her in a tight circle of support, Theriault is convinced the worst is behind her now. "I know I am doing all that I can to get the job of ridding my body of cancer done. I will wonder for the rest of my life whether it will recur, but I also know there will come a time when cancer will be behind me instead of in front of me." In May, when she completes her treatments, Theriault plans to celebrate -- she will finally marry her longtime partner and father to her daughter. Taking Steps this Sunday It's time to step up in the fight against breast cancer. Canadian Cancer Society units across Halton have banded together to put on Taking Steps Against Breast Cancer, a fundraising walk set for Sunday, Nov. 1 at Milton's Country Heritage Park (8560 Tremaine Rd.). With the event getting underway at 11 a.m., participants of all ages will take a familyfriendly walk -- choosing from a 3, 4 or 5-km walk or leisurely run -- around the park. Breast cancer survivors will lead the opening lap following registration -- which will include entertainment by the Last Minute Band and Jazzercise -- in the Gambrel Barn. After the walk there'll be games, activities and entertainment in the barn, with a lunch of homemade soup, biscuits, apples and cider. To sign up, visit www.cancer.ca/takingsteps or call 905-332-0060 or 905-845-5231. ErinoakKids helps children with challenges and needs you can hardly imagine. We help their families to cope, and care for their special kids. Please help us help! To donate call 905-491-4437 or go to www.erinoakkids.ca Reg. Charity# 118901446RR0001