And May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favour

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Six months ago I had blood drawn to do a genetic test to determine if it was a gene that resulted in me getting breast cancer. The call came today that the results were in. And in typical Canadian medical system fashion – I have to wait to find out they are positive or negative.

Kicking Cancer Interview: Michelle Pammenter Young

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It was roughly 12 years ago that I knew Michelle from my Squamish days working as a barista in Brackendale (when Bean Around The World was still Eagle Run Coffee Company). Michelle was a regular who often came in with her two small children. We didn't really 'know-know' each other but I knew her enough to say hi and, at the time, most likely remembered what type of drink she ordered. 

So when I heard that Michelle had been diagnosed with breast cancer this year I wondered if she'd remember me or not... Either way I had hoped to meet up and it wasn't long before we connected in Vancouver on a day when we both had appointments. Michelle was in the beginning of her chemo treatments and I at the tail end. 

Having cancer in common I often feel an instant friendship connection with people like Michelle... people who have had to face cancer, who know what it's like to feel truly awful and need the strength of family around them to keep them going.

Please enjoy this interview in which Michelle talks about priorities, support from family and friends, writing, sleep issues and how playing her favourite songs brighten her mood... 

Good Boob / Franken-Boob & My Post-Mastectomy Video

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It's wild to think that it has been exactly one year since this post-op video was shot. I had just undergone the first surgery of my life: Left mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, axillary lymph node removal and a breast reduction on my right side (aka 'The good boob').

Winner Of The Space-Making Giveaway

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A tiny little prayer was said. A hat was filled with names. My fiancé mixed the pieces of paper up in the hat. And a winner was chosen.