Jodi Boucher: Battling Cancer
Donation protected
On December 19, 2017, I was a busy wife, mother and physiotherapist, enjoying the “hustle and bustle” of life and the pre-Christmas season in Calgary, Alberta. On December 20, 2017, everything changed. I was diagnosed with lung cancer. As a very healthy, 44-year-old, “never smoker” this was a shocking and devastating diagnosis.
My husband Marc and I had just celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary and we were enjoying raising our 3 teenage children: Gabrielle, Alexandre and Maxime. Our life was busy - filled with homework, music practice, shuttling the kids to cross-country ski training & coaching, while both active in our own careers. I was working at the Alberta Children’s Hospital as the lead for the Physiotherapy and Therapy Assistant team and enjoyed my job very much.
Life is precious; take nothing for granted; it can all change in the blink of an eye…
In late October 2017, I had a routine visit with my family physician. I mentioned some low grade thoracic spine pain that had been a problem since earlier that month. I was stiff and sore in the morning, but felt 100% by the end of the day. I thought this was either a sign of middle age or perhaps a rheumatoid problem. My doctor sent me for a precautionary X-ray which revealed an accumulation of fluid on my lungs. I was diagnosed with walking pneumonia, and sent home with 10 days of antibiotics. The antibiotics ran their course and my symptoms, although mild, remained. A second x-ray showed no change. I was quickly referred to a respirologist who ordered a CAT scan and drained some accumulated fluid from my lungs for testing. I had so many questions: “Was this a bacterial or fungal pneumonia? Could this be an autoimmune problem? Was it possible I had TB?”
On December 20, we had a follow up appointment with the respirologist and he delivered the shocking news that I have Stage 4 Metastatic Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma - Lung Cancer. Time stood still.
We struggled to process the news. It simply did not make sense. I had never smoked, and did not spend time around anyone who did. I pride myself in eating high quality organic food, making most meals from scratch. We live “chemical free.” My whole family is active. I love to swim, cross country ski and take long walks with our dog Zoe.
I have since learned:
Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada.
It is the leading cause of death from cancer for both men and women in Canada.
Approximately 15% lung cancers in Canada occur in never smokers. Lung cancer in never smokers (LCINS) is more frequent in younger women.
http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancerinformation/cancertype/lung/statistics/?region=on#ixzz57a3sduzS
http://www.lungcancercanada.ca/Lung-Cancer/Myths-and-Facts.aspx
Couraud, S. et al. Lung cancer in never smokers - A review. European Journal of Cancer. 2012 Mar 28. (Epub ahead of print).
Bryant, A. and R. Cerfolio. Differences in epidemiology, histology, and survival between cigarette smokers and never-smokers who develop non-small cell lung cancer. Chest. 2007. 132(1):185-92.
Months later we are still all in shock. I have had to tell my 3 children that their mom has a terminal illness. The prognosis I have been given is very poor. The life I envisioned for myself has flashed before my eyes - watching my kids graduate from high school and university, attending their weddings, becoming a grandparent, and living a long life with my soulmate - Marc. Marc and I have been together for 25 years. I fully expected another 40 years together. I had planned to grow old together.
Since my diagnosis I have had more CAT scans and a PET scan that showed the cancer is in my lymph and I have multiple bone metastasis. My doctors are most concerned with a 1.4 cm lesion on my C4 vertebrae. They are concerned about the risk of "pathological fracture." A bump on the head, a slip, or a fall could leave me as a quadriplegic. The thought of this is terrifying. In an effort to preserve my vertebrae, I have been prescribed radiation to C4 (10 sessions) and am now half way through the treatment. I have tolerated this well so far.
The other intervention has been a pleurectomy that allows drainage of accumulated lung fluid (cancer driven) 3 times per week. This precludes me from swimming and soaks in the bath which has been particularly hard for me to take. Not only is swimming a great form of exercise, it is my form of meditation. Warm baths are my favourite means of relaxation.
We are in the midst of completing thorough molecular testing. As described by Lung Cancer Canada:
“All cancer cells have mutations (abnormal genetic changes) that allow them to grow and divide uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Researchers have discovered certain genetic changes that contribute to faster growth and spread of cancer, and have developed a handful of treatments to specifically target some of them.”
We are currently testing for all relevant biomarkers and sending some samples to the USA to ensure no stone is left unturned. The costs for molecular testing are significant. One panel of tests in the US cost $6000. We have also pursued additional testing in Alberta at a cost of $1600 which is not covered by Alberta Health Care or our personal health insurance. Having a biomarker would give me options for targeted treatment or clinical trials. It could extend my life from months to years.
For now, I am living life one day at a time. I am educating myself about this disease and fighting for my LIFE.
I will be very intentional in this time to surround myself with positive and optimistic and hopeful energy as it will impact my attitude which needs to stay UP. I am eating very well and focusing on cancer fighting foods. I am also working on being active and still aiming for 10 000 steps a day.
Thank you for your support. I am very grateful for this.
Jodi
Hello,
Since Jodi first shared her diagnosis, friends, family and colleagues have been asking how they can support the family. As Jodi’s friends, we have created this GoFundMe page to lessen the financial burden on the family and free up time for family and friends to spend time together in meaningful ways.
Specifically, now, we are targeting a goal of $15 000 to offset the costs of molecular testing and housecleaning services (for the year). As Jodi’s treatment plan unfolds and alternative treatments or clinical trials become available, our target goal may change to reflect any additional costs.
Jodi is fighting this horrible disease with everything she has. We hope it is a long battle, Jodi, and are here supporting you every step of the way.
Deb, Diane, Kristen and Meaghan
My husband Marc and I had just celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary and we were enjoying raising our 3 teenage children: Gabrielle, Alexandre and Maxime. Our life was busy - filled with homework, music practice, shuttling the kids to cross-country ski training & coaching, while both active in our own careers. I was working at the Alberta Children’s Hospital as the lead for the Physiotherapy and Therapy Assistant team and enjoyed my job very much.
Life is precious; take nothing for granted; it can all change in the blink of an eye…
In late October 2017, I had a routine visit with my family physician. I mentioned some low grade thoracic spine pain that had been a problem since earlier that month. I was stiff and sore in the morning, but felt 100% by the end of the day. I thought this was either a sign of middle age or perhaps a rheumatoid problem. My doctor sent me for a precautionary X-ray which revealed an accumulation of fluid on my lungs. I was diagnosed with walking pneumonia, and sent home with 10 days of antibiotics. The antibiotics ran their course and my symptoms, although mild, remained. A second x-ray showed no change. I was quickly referred to a respirologist who ordered a CAT scan and drained some accumulated fluid from my lungs for testing. I had so many questions: “Was this a bacterial or fungal pneumonia? Could this be an autoimmune problem? Was it possible I had TB?”
On December 20, we had a follow up appointment with the respirologist and he delivered the shocking news that I have Stage 4 Metastatic Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma - Lung Cancer. Time stood still.
We struggled to process the news. It simply did not make sense. I had never smoked, and did not spend time around anyone who did. I pride myself in eating high quality organic food, making most meals from scratch. We live “chemical free.” My whole family is active. I love to swim, cross country ski and take long walks with our dog Zoe.
I have since learned:
Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada.
It is the leading cause of death from cancer for both men and women in Canada.
Approximately 15% lung cancers in Canada occur in never smokers. Lung cancer in never smokers (LCINS) is more frequent in younger women.
http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancerinformation/cancertype/lung/statistics/?region=on#ixzz57a3sduzS
http://www.lungcancercanada.ca/Lung-Cancer/Myths-and-Facts.aspx
Couraud, S. et al. Lung cancer in never smokers - A review. European Journal of Cancer. 2012 Mar 28. (Epub ahead of print).
Bryant, A. and R. Cerfolio. Differences in epidemiology, histology, and survival between cigarette smokers and never-smokers who develop non-small cell lung cancer. Chest. 2007. 132(1):185-92.
Months later we are still all in shock. I have had to tell my 3 children that their mom has a terminal illness. The prognosis I have been given is very poor. The life I envisioned for myself has flashed before my eyes - watching my kids graduate from high school and university, attending their weddings, becoming a grandparent, and living a long life with my soulmate - Marc. Marc and I have been together for 25 years. I fully expected another 40 years together. I had planned to grow old together.
Since my diagnosis I have had more CAT scans and a PET scan that showed the cancer is in my lymph and I have multiple bone metastasis. My doctors are most concerned with a 1.4 cm lesion on my C4 vertebrae. They are concerned about the risk of "pathological fracture." A bump on the head, a slip, or a fall could leave me as a quadriplegic. The thought of this is terrifying. In an effort to preserve my vertebrae, I have been prescribed radiation to C4 (10 sessions) and am now half way through the treatment. I have tolerated this well so far.
The other intervention has been a pleurectomy that allows drainage of accumulated lung fluid (cancer driven) 3 times per week. This precludes me from swimming and soaks in the bath which has been particularly hard for me to take. Not only is swimming a great form of exercise, it is my form of meditation. Warm baths are my favourite means of relaxation.
We are in the midst of completing thorough molecular testing. As described by Lung Cancer Canada:
“All cancer cells have mutations (abnormal genetic changes) that allow them to grow and divide uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Researchers have discovered certain genetic changes that contribute to faster growth and spread of cancer, and have developed a handful of treatments to specifically target some of them.”
We are currently testing for all relevant biomarkers and sending some samples to the USA to ensure no stone is left unturned. The costs for molecular testing are significant. One panel of tests in the US cost $6000. We have also pursued additional testing in Alberta at a cost of $1600 which is not covered by Alberta Health Care or our personal health insurance. Having a biomarker would give me options for targeted treatment or clinical trials. It could extend my life from months to years.
For now, I am living life one day at a time. I am educating myself about this disease and fighting for my LIFE.
I will be very intentional in this time to surround myself with positive and optimistic and hopeful energy as it will impact my attitude which needs to stay UP. I am eating very well and focusing on cancer fighting foods. I am also working on being active and still aiming for 10 000 steps a day.
Thank you for your support. I am very grateful for this.
Jodi
Hello,
Since Jodi first shared her diagnosis, friends, family and colleagues have been asking how they can support the family. As Jodi’s friends, we have created this GoFundMe page to lessen the financial burden on the family and free up time for family and friends to spend time together in meaningful ways.
Specifically, now, we are targeting a goal of $15 000 to offset the costs of molecular testing and housecleaning services (for the year). As Jodi’s treatment plan unfolds and alternative treatments or clinical trials become available, our target goal may change to reflect any additional costs.
Jodi is fighting this horrible disease with everything she has. We hope it is a long battle, Jodi, and are here supporting you every step of the way.
Deb, Diane, Kristen and Meaghan
Fundraising team: Fundraising team (4)
Deb Hamilton
Organizer
Calgary, AB
Marc Boucher
Beneficiary
M E
Team member
Kristen Grovue
Team member
Diane Roylance
Team member
