Choosing how to live with metastatic breast cancer (Janet’s story)

March 1, 2011

In this video, Janet talks about being diagnosed with breast cancer at 40 years of age and where she is now, four years later

Watch as Janet talks about being diagnosed with stage 3a invasive ductal carcinoma at age 40, right after the birth of her second child. She talks about using a relay system of friends and family to share information and being honest with her children.

She also shares how she got counselling for her children, how she has been involved in her care and how wishes she had been an even stronger advocate for herself. She talks about finding hope and choosing how to live. She thinks it’s especially important for a mom to also take care of herself.

Janet passed away in November 2011. She was an artist and a mom of two young boys.

I have and continue to live with an amazing amount of hope that in huge part comes from my amazing family and friends. And I think as a mother there’s also an incredible personal drive to just be here for as long as I can for my kids. It is not always easy. It is OK to be upset about what’s going on.

Watch the video of Janet talking about metastatic breast cancer

The Partnership’s Person-Centred Perspective initiative is committed to improving the patient experience. We are working with partners across Canada to find the best ways to offer a person-centred perspective throughout a person’s cancer journey and to help information flow throughout. The impact of a cancer diagnosis goes far beyond the physical disease. It affects every aspect of a person’s life. The initiative has focused on reporting about the patient experience, and giving health-care providers patient-centred tools and resources, which have been validated and standardized.

Downloadable content