Photos from the Conference are on-line

Please check out some of the terrific photos taken at the 6th World Conference on Breast Cancer. Go to www.wcbcf.ca

Happy Canada Day

Happy 144th Birthday Canada.

The World Conference on Breast Cancer hopes everyone enjoys this this day, whether you are here in Canada or else where on the globe.

Peace, health and happiness.

Resonating Impact

Three short weeks ago, the 6th World Conference on Breast Cancer was about to start. Delegates from around the world were arriving in Hamilton, Ontario. Volunteers and staff were taking care of all of the last minute details that come up. There was the nervous buzz of excitement that one feels before an event of this size.

Now it almost all seems like a distant memory and yet the Conference is having resonating impact. We are already hearing from delegates who are returning to their home countries with stories of optimism and hope.

For example Dr. Shirley Jhagroo was able to attend from the Barbados team. Barbados has a very high mortality rate in breast cancer so it was good that she was able to attend. Shirley writes, "Thank you for inviting us to be part of the ISL (International Support Links), it certainly was a wonderful experience. I have returned to Barbados with such enthusiasm and determination to make things better for our women. I had a meeting with the members of the Breast Screening Program Committee yesterday, and could not contain myself as I was bursting with knowledge and ideas gained from the Conference to share with my committee, thank you for this opportunity."

Life gifts

Well the 6th World Conference on Breast Cancer is now complete and our delegates representing 38 countries are now home or on their way.

Although, my current battle prevented me from make it to Hamilton I have been hearing great things over the past week. I wanted to share one note sent to me from one of our delegates from BC, Lavonne, because I really think it says it all.

"Women going through breast cancer treatment and after must embrace the new life that has now been given to them as their life as now forever changed, but not necessarily in a way that most may think.

You may be surprised to hear it for the better! Many life gift are given to survivors that are theirs that they can hold onto for the rest of their lives - the Conference was one of those gifts. "

Thanks Lavonne. Over the next weeks I will try to get some additional quotes for you and of course we will post photos up on our facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/wcbcf).

Keep checking back.

The 6th World Conference on Breast Cancer is Officially Open

Today is the day that the 6th World Conference on Breast Cancer officially opens.

Hundreds are arriving in Hamilton Ontario for this incredible intragenerational event.

Throughout the next couple of days we will Tweet and update Facebook in between the flurry of events, speakers and workshops. To link to us on Facebook or Twitter go to www.wcbcf.ca and click on the links provided.

Knots

I pray to you,

Please untie the "knots" that are in my mind, my heart and my life.

Remove the have-nots, the can-nots, the do-nots that i have in my mind.
Erase the will-nots, may-nots, and might-nots that may find a home in my heart.
Release me from the could-nots, would-not, and should-nots that obstruct my life.
And most of all, I ask that you remove from my heart, my mind and my life,
All of the AM-nots that I have allowed to hold me back, from truly living my life.
Especially the thought that I AM not good enough.
Because I AM
I AM GOOD ENOUGH
I AM ENOUGH!
I AM.

(Thanks to Kelly who shared this). (Photo source: Shutterstock).

To register for the World Conference on Breast Cancer visit www.wcbcf.ca

Sisters

This was forwarded by one of the WCBCF Board members - enjoy.

A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter.

"Don't forget your sisters," she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. "They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them."

"Remember that 'sisters' means ALL the women... your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. 'You'll need other women. Women always do."

"What a funny piece of advice!" the young woman thought. "Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!"

But she listened to her mother. She kept contact with her ‘sisters’ and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her mother really knew what she was talking about. As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, ‘sisters’ are the mainstays of her life.

THIS SAYS IT ALL:

• Time passes.
• Life happens.
• Distance separates.
• Children grow up.
• Jobs come and go.
• Love waxes and wanes.
• Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
• Hearts break.
• Parents die.
• Colleagues forget favours.
• Careers end. BUT.........
• ‘Sisters’ are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never far away.

When you have to walk a lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end. Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you....Or come in and carry you out.

The world wouldn't be the same without women. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of what would lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

Reach out to your ‘sisters’ at the World Conference on Breast Cancer in Hamilton, Ontario from June 7 – 11, 2011. www.wcbcf.ca

Breast cancer knowledge is a powerful tool

If you have not already registered for the 6th World Conference on Breast Cancer now is your chance. Just go to www.wcbcf.ca

This international conference will help to raise awareness and spread knowledge. Breast cancer knowledge is a powerful tool given many women and men affected by this disease, in some parts of the world, will not have access to timely services once the disease is in an advanced state. Identifying breast cancer early and knowing what to do is an important part of survival. You and others will share information and create long standing networks, while you learn about the newest research, lab developments and discoveries emerging worldwide. Don't miss this opportunity.

Update on your blogger (Kim Tempest pictured above with her daughter): Sorry I have been absent from the blog for awhile. It has taken a bit to get on track with treatments. As you probably know, I am at the cancer thing again, with metastatic breast cancer in my bones and liver. The good news is that the treatments I am on are working. The bad news is that they won't be able to completely get rid of it.

Interestingly enough I did not know that I was even at risk of bone metastases. I figured once I had done breast cancer the first time that was it. My treatments had been so aggressive I figured we had got it all. Turns out I am not alone. Many women who have been through breast cancer are unaware that if their cancer does re-occur that it will most likely come back in the bones. I, like others, also did not know that metastatic cancer in the bones also places me at greater risk of fractures which can lead to further complications. Who knew - you learn something every day. With this knowledge I am able to do things to reduce my fracture risk - like bone strengthening medications and exercise.

Pick up a pin and make a difference

Aleisha Hunter, the world's youngest breast cancer survivor, who was two years old at the time of her diagnosis, and her mom Melianie, joined WCBCF and Scotiabank for the kick off the Scotiabank fund-raising pin campaign on April 1st to support the 6^th World Conference on Breast Cancer being held in Hamilton June 7-11, 2011.

All Scotiabank branches across Canada will sell lapel pins, the proceeds of which will provide financial assistance to participants from around the world who could otherwise not afford to attend the Conference. Scotiabank, which is the premier sponsor of the conference, officially launched the fund-raising drive at its Hamilton Main branch with hopes of surpassing funds raised during the last PIN fund-raising Campaign held in 2008. The Conference is held every three years and Scotiabank has been the premier sponsor since its inception 15 years ago.

This year's conference will include a full day dedicated to building youth awareness and prevention. Conference Youth Day organizer, Lorna Larsen was also on hand at the launch to preview the Youth Day agenda and provide information on the extent of breast cancer among young Canadian and Ontarian women.

"Through our Scotiabank Bright Future global philanthropic program, we are proud to continue its support of this conference because of the high importance our employees and our customers attach to preventing and treating this widespread disease," said Sylvia Chrominska, Group Head and Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources and Communications, Scotiabank. "As a global employer with operations in fifty countries around the world we recognize the importance of bringing people together in one place to exchange information, share experiences, and develop new and innovative solutions."

To learn more about the World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation or to register for the conference go to www.wcbcf.ca

73 days and counting

Yes, only 73 days to the opening ceremonies of the 6th World Conference on Breast Cancer. The excitement is mounting as the finishing touches are being put on planning and the registrations are ramping up. If you have not already registered go to www.wcbcf.ca for details and to access the on-line registration forms.

We got the added bump on our 'excite-o-meter' when we learned one of our key note speakers, Dr. Olufunmilayo Falusi Olapade was named to the US Cancer Advisory Board by President Obama. Dr Olapade is a highly skilled hematology oncologist with proven expertise in cancer risk assessment. This appointment is significant in many ways, as Dr. Olapade not only brings years of specialized experience to the Board but also knows first hand the challenges faced - not only here in North America but internationally.

We congratulate her and look forward to everyone having the opportunity to see and hear her speak in June.

Take a global stand against breast cancer

As many of you know – I am fighting breast cancer (again) – this time it is in my liver and bones (which really sucks – but then that is a whole different conversation – at least my treatment is working – yeah). As many of you also know I am on the Board of Directors for the World Conference on Breast Cancer. I am very passionate about this cause because unlike myself, many women experience this disease do not have the support or resources they need.

The World Conference on Breast Cancer brings survivors together with people concerned and working with breast cancer, including: scientists, medical professional, researchers, suppliers, Governments, and many more. The intention is to reach people who can make a difference in the global stand against breast cancer. Through the conference we can educate and equip women from many nations, especially those developing and in transition, with the tools they need to make a difference in their communities.

As part of our social media outreach we decided to create an awareness video on the World Conference on Breast Cancer to launch on YouTube. Well it is launched. The video brings three culturally diverse drummers and women (survivors) and their families together to celebrate the stand against breast cancer.

One million women are diagnosed with breast cancer world wide each year, 400,000 of these women will die. Today four million women are living with breast cancer on our planet. Help to raise awareness about this growing global health issue and share this link with everyone you know. Our hope is to go viral. If we are able to go viral, we may attract advertisers who could help to support the sponsorship of visiting delegates.

Please copy the link and share it with your friends, family and colleagues. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF2d7toiadc

To learn more about the World Conference on Breast Cancer or to register - go to www.wcbcf.ca

Let's go Viral

Our promotional spot for the World Conference on Breast Cancer is now posted on YouTube. Please share this link with everyone you know. Maybe we can go viral. For more information on the conference or to register go to www.wcbcf.ca

Things are not always as they appear

Sorry for the laps in entries - this week has been a bad one. As I told you the chemo was hitting me rather hard which I found very surprising because it was nothing like this the first time around. Well I was surprised to learn last Tuesday that my appendix decided it would be perfect timing to explode.

When my oncologist told me he thought it was my appendix I just looked at him in total disbelief and said, “You have got to be freak’n kidding me”. Well I gotta tell you – I think that all of the energy, hopes and prayers all of my supporters have all been sending my way have definitely aligned the stars and sent in the spiritual support because the timing of everything lined up so that I am here to write another blog entry. I also am convinced now that surviving this is concrete proof that I still have something to accomplish in this world.

This whole adventure has put my chemo treatment on hold for a bit. The surgeons still feel I am at significant risk of infection so they don’t want chemo plummeting my white cells and neutrophils again until I am fully healed. I will find out on Wednesday when I see the oncologist what they want to do next.

I have to tell you on on day three in the hospital I really felt like I was giving up hope – I was in pain, crashing from all of the anesthetic and so full of meds I could not rally myself. I was sinking into a full blown pity party.

My nurse came into see me who was an amazing individual who got me talking and she shared too – she works part time in the hospital, teaches at a local university and from time to time goes to developing or in transition countries to do volunteer work .

Last Christmas she went to India to spend Christmas with orphans. She wanted these kids to feel loved and special through a time that is so focused on family. It made me realize that in the big picture what I am dealing with is really quite small. There are so many with nothing and I have so much.

I am blessed, humbled and so grateful for all of the support and encouragement my circle provides.

News around the World

As I was surfing the net looking for world developments on the breast cancer front, I came across some articles published by the World Heath Organization (WHO). WHO acknowledges that breast cancer is the leading cancer killer of women worldwide. Here in Canada breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed, but it is lung cancer that is the top cancer killer. WHO also states that tobacco use is one of the main contributors to disease resulting in death.

We have known for some time that smoking is a leading cause of lung, throat, oral and bladder cancers, heart attack and stroke (and numerous other afflictions) but breast cancer was not usually linked to smoking. In my search this morning I also found some recent articles out of the UK that are stating that women who smoke prior to menopause and childbirth, are statistically showing an increase in incidents of breast cancer.

What frightens me most about all of this evidence against smoking is that people still start! What will it take to get everyone to stop lighting up for the first time? I feel horrible for everyone out there who is a smoker because the addiction is so horrific and it is hard (maybe impossible for some) to stop. All I can say to everyone who wants to stop - get medical intervention - you probably cannot do it alone. Trust me, everyone you love will support you in your efforts to stop.

I know that there is huge tax revenue from tobacco and that the tobacco lobby is strong - but how can we allow the tobacco companies to continue to legally produce and sell products that are known to kill. I can't even imagine the cost of treating all of the diseases that are a result of prolonged exposure to smoke. Perhaps that is a rant for another time.

I had a great conversation with my daughter about smoking - she is 13. This is a vulnerable age. We talked about how hard it is to stop once you have started and then asked her why kids start. She said because they are stupid and don't think anything will happen to them. I guess that goes with anything - smoking - drugs - unprotected sex - whatever the risk behaviour.

Unfortunately, when I was 13 and lighting up for the first time my invincibility was not a thought. I did not think of - well - anything. It was just what everyone was doing. There were not the warnings we have now, perhaps it might have made a difference. Boy, was I ever lucky everyone was not jumping into a raging river when I was 13. I cannot remember ever being that stupid.

I guess the greatest gift I can give my daughter now is the confidence to do exactly what she wants, without thought or care about the peer pressures around her. My hope is that she chooses the right path.

Holy C_ _P - was that a truck or Chemo?

Well - lots of developments. Got my port-a-cath; they used staples to close the incision - I am thinking a couple of bolts in the neck and I will be good to go. I did not think anyone used staples anymore, they really do look prehistoric.

Ended up meeting the oncologist on Tuesday. Turns out I am unique (go figure - why can't I just have plain old cancer, why does it have to be fancy). I am in the 25% of the population who's cancer changes. My breast cancer was originally estrogen positive and HER2 positive. The cancer in my liver is still my original breast cancer and estrogen receptive but it has changed to HER2 negative. What they do not know is what is in the bones.

The bone cancer is in my hip, ribs, back, neck and scull. They will give me super duper bone strengthener as there is some proof that it helps to stop the cancer from spreading and reduces the chance of bone breakage.

I also got to start chemo last Thursday or as I like to say, I got to attend a cocktail party at the agency (sounds so much nicer). Unfortunately, the first chemo hit me like a ton of bricks - what not expecting that. Whew! Knocked me down a few notches - I was getting kind of cocky and pretending I was invincible. I think I better listen to my body and try to do a little less.

I cannot help but think of the women world wide and why the World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation is so important. In less than one month, I have been diagnosed, my cancer categorized and I am into treatment. We are so blessed in Canada. We cannot forget that. We also cannot forget our sisters globally who need our voice.

The Conference is only 130 days a way. I want to be strong enough to raise my voice for others.

This is a big week

Lot's happening this week. I will have my port-a-cath put in on Monday. Really do not know what to expect. They are putting me out for it so I am sure I will spend most of the day asleep. For whatever reason I always find it hard coming out of general anesthetic.

Wednesday I get ALL of the news. The doctor will have all of the results back from the pathology of the liver biopsy and the pathology review of my original breast cancer, which they have now tested for HER2 (those are those little receptors that attach themselves to the breast cancer cell - breast cancer was not tested for it when I was originally diagnosed in 2003). So we will know exactly where we stand on the battle field.

The next step is to select the artillery we will use. I sat in on a webinar put on by the CBCN the other day on advanced metastatic breast cancer. I was very happy to learn that treatments can be very specific and targeted based on all of the information collected on the breast cancer cells you are dealing with. The newest treatments are less toxic than chemotherapy of yesterday and are having remarkable results.

The goal is to treat the cancer like a chronic disease like diabetes. It may not be curable but my quality of life can be maintained and survival extended.

Now my personal goal is to extend my life beyond my oncologist's retirement and given he looks like he is ten years old that is a really long time.

Yes - I can!!

Last week was a blur

Well I have to admit last week went by so fast I lost track of all time. I have spent most of it going through medical tests and talking to - well - everyone. The reason is that I have been diagnosed - again.

Yup - it is true - it is back. The doctors are trying to figure out if is a metastasis of my original breast cancer or if it is a new one. Not that it really matters - because frankly I did not want to do this all over again. I thought I was clear. It had been 6 years.

I have to admit that I cannot stop thinking about women else where in the world and that I am so lucky. You are probably thinking - WHAT? LUCKY? Are you crazy?

Yup, I feel lucky because I know that although the news I got is not great - I also know that I still can hold hope because with the technology and available care at my disposal I still have a fighting chance to extend my life. In other parts of the world I would not.

I am glad that I am part of the World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation, because I know that the work we all do is working toward giving all women a fighting chance.

152 days to the Conference

It is hard to believe that in 152 day delegates from around the world will be gathering in Hamilton, Ontario for the World Conference on Breast Cancer. Some will be greeting old friends - others will be meeting new ones.

One thing is certain is that it will be five jam packed days of sharing, enlightenment, inspiration, hope and the building of long lasting fruitful relationships.

To learn more about the conference go to www.wcbcf.ca