Cancel Cancer for Shannon Breslin

Hi family and friends,

I've struggled for weeks to find the right words for this update, as I am only beginning to share my story.

On December 12th after a routine check up,followed by a biopsy my doctor shared what you are never ready to hear..... "Cancer"..... Invasive Ductal Carcinoma to be exact. As many of you know this created an instant sadness and fear knowing the fight my Dad endured, then my next reaction, it's a different cancer and "F This"

Writing this has proven to be a very emotional journey for me. As a single parent I pride myself in being self-sufficient and have worked very hard over the last 4 years to build the best home possible I could for my kids. As a friend and active parent, I pride myself on being involved and I have always tried my best to help others.

Having our dance family (from 9 years ago) and my best friends come together to help me in my time of need is a very humbling and emotional time and I am so grateful.

My first surgery was completed January 15th with results showing further tests and scans would be required. After a bone scan, CT Scan and a second surgery on February 5th I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer - Grade 3, Stage 3. What does all this mean? Thankful for my computer & research skills as well as a great team of health care professionals to answer all my questions I was well informed to start my treatments.

TNBC is a very aggressive cancer which is harder to treat because hormone therapy is not an option as those receptors are blocked. It means chemotherapy and radiation are the treatment options with the best outcomes. Grade 3 means the cancer cells are very different from normal cells and growing faster. Stage 3 in my case meant the cancer had spread into nearby lymph nodes which was why scans were required. The scans showed no further cancer which was good news! At this time my anger set in which was the spark I needed to start my fight as I had been numb until this time. On March 20th I started chemotherapy with my last treatment scheduled for the end of July. FEC-D chemo is one of the more aggressive treatments administered at the Cross Cancer Institute. I am glad to be 50% complete and thankful to share, I am currently handling my treatments fairly well and have enjoyed my good days with the kids or a quick lunch with friends. In September I will begin 4 weeks of radiation with approximately 3-4 months of recovery. I will require one year to heal before I decide on any further preventative surgeries which I will need to make a decision at a later date.

As this fight has unfolded over the past 6 months I have struggled with how to plan financially for my family's future. I have been very fortunate to have a Short Term Disability which has covered my rent & expenses and allowed me to keep our home and to stay active with the boys while they complete the school year, participating in their activities. My shared time with them is very important to me and keeping our daily life as normal as possible has been a priority of mine. Jordan has been able to continue working with the amazing support of her 2 managers, her schedule flexibility has allowed her to be my primary care giver. Having the extra time at our home has allowed Ashley to take a leave from work as she came home to also help after my surgeries and having some quiet days with her back home was so peaceful.

Unfortunately my Long Term Disability does not allow me the same financial support and I have made the decision to stay in Tofield over the next few months. This will allow easy travel for the boys to join me during their summer vacation as well as a quick drive for Jordan from Onoway and a little closer for Ashley travelling from Provost. As a Mom my goal is to be back in Stony Plain/Spruce Grove for early fall to be around as Ethan starts Gr 12 and Owen Gr 10. Over the last 6 months Jordan has been home and very helpful to me and also taxiing the boys around when I was not feeling well. This move has created a new path for her. I know she will succeed as her positive attitude and amazing work ethic helps her navigate these changes. My move to Tofield will make it easier for Ashley & I to see each other as she now lives in Provost. With her full time career she has been making the 3.5 hr journey regularly to visit on her weekends off which has kept her busy with spring ag season so busy working for Battle River Implements.

I am looking forward to my summer in Tofield with my Mom and many close friends and then to have the opportunity to create a new home this fall. This will also be great to allow Ashley & Jordan space to come home and spend time with the boys & me as while my kids fight this fight with me.

I am looking forward to seeing so many friendly faces on June 21st and want to THANK each and everyone with all my heart for your love, texts, support and prayers. I am reminded daily how amazing my circle is and I continuously count my blessings.