“As I am writing this story, I am 1 day away from my 40th birthday. Many may dread the big 4-0! Not me, I am so grateful to be here for this milestone! Aging is a blessing! In April 2021 I noticed a few subtle changes to my breast.
My nipple was inverting and looking back there were shooting pains. My husband noticed as well and encouraged me to see our family doctor. My doctor saw me within a couple days and found a lump and swollen lymph node. She set everything in motion. Mammogram and ultrasound prompted biopsies of the lump and lymph node. She consulted with a local surgeon who also performed a punch biopsy. At that punch biopsy I lightheartedly asked if it’s not Cancer, what is it? That surgeon looked me in the eyes and said Marianne, if this isn’t Cancer I won’t believe the results.
The biopsies confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma and inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). Stage 3 is the minimum staging for IBC. The following days were a blur. I often joked that I needed a full time assistant to answer my phone and schedule appointments. My days were packed full of appointments, scans, consults and online learning with my 4 children! On May 6, 2021 I was sitting in a chemo suite at Grand River Cancer Centre, almost exactly 4 weeks from my initial phone call to my doctor. It wasn’t until months later that I found a group for fellow IBC-ers, that I learned my story of diagnosis was easy! I had no idea others had to fight for diagnosis or the correct treatments because of a lack of information and knowledge about IBC.
I am thankful everyday for the wonderful doctors, nurses and hospital staff I met on this journey. They knew what they were up against with IBC and took action for me. Today I am sharing to get the word out about this rare, aggressive breast cancer and pray it will help someone!”
Marianne’s resilience and positivity are truly inspiring, and we are incredibly grateful for her timely diagnosis. However, her experience is an exception rather than the norm for many Canadians battling IBC. Far too often, individuals face delays in diagnosis and struggle to access the critical treatment they desperately need. We are committed to acknowledging these challenges, raising awareness, and providing the support necessary for every Canadian facing this aggressive disease. Together, we CAN make a difference and ensure that no one has to fight this battle alone.