DRAGON TALES
September 2011

Dragon Tales by Phyllis Parker
Abreast A River Team Member

Statistics - those numbers that tell the public how many cases of breast cancer exist on a yearly basis. The number expected to live and those who will likely die of this disease are given. Among these statistics there exists a group who have "recovered" from the first experience with brest cancer only to have it return. It returns as breast cancer cells again multiplying. The more common places for the return growth of these breast cancer cell are in the brain, bone, liver or lungs.

After nearly 15 years "cancer free" I am again among the statistics. Mine has returned to grow on one lung.

Those of us who are breast cancer survivors know that its' return is always a possibility. In our support group I can think quickly of seven who are currently in this group. There have also been others over the years - some who sucessfully recovered from their second bout, others for whom the outlook was different.

Life, however, is full of change, Nothing is static whether a person is a survivor or not. Those of us in Women Alike and the dragon boat are a close knit group because we know this.

While I was working my way through tests, I sat one night at the marina watching my teammates stretch and limber up prior to practice. I realized that when I had first dealt with breast cancer It was a subject I knew very little about. It "wasn't on my radar" so to speak. I did my breast self examination (that is how I found it) and that was it.

That May evening, watching my teammates, I realized how much I had learned about the disease and its' treatment since 1996. I also knew, looking at more than twenty of my teammates that I could ask any one of them to do some task I needed done and they would understand and do so. The peace and strength that gives me is overwhelming.

A large part of my spring and summer was taken by appointments, tests and procedures. I no longer drummed.

During Race On The River I returned to drum a boat in the breast cancer final. I was encouraged, hugged and kissed on the cheek all afternoon.The hugs were heartfelt and went right into my spirit. There is nothing that can match that!

My oral medication has begun. I have no side effects. I have gained back the weight I lost. I feel pretty normal and am back to gardening and all my other interests. I am taking my pill and thinking of myself as "normal".

Advances in cancer detection, care and treatment improve daily and women everywhere are benefiting from it.

Lucky are those of us who belong to support groups such as Women Alike and the Abreast A River Dragon Boat Team. We have the medical support but also much moral support.

Thanks Girls!!!!!

For further information on cancer call the Canadian Cancer Society Information Line at 1-888-939-3333