Introduction - Breast Cancer Survival 101

"Dancing in the Sun - a Breast Cancer Survival Handbook" is a valuable tool for those of you who have breast cancer, or love someone who does. It contains frank discussions of painful truths, during which I offer you my personal "take" on what I went through, along with really practical advice. This web site is still growing (as of Summer 2007), and I invite you to bookmark it and check in often.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Feb 2004, my life changed forever. No one in my very large extended family had ever had cancer, and I had swallowed hook, line and sinker the common misconception that because no one had, then no one would.

As the year progressed, I armed myself with information. I devoured brochures, and each time I entered the oncologist's office, I brought along a list of questions. With his help, and with my spouse's, I took part in life-altering decisions. I took responsibility for my future, because I was determined to have one.

Pam and Suger Please click on “Handbook” to see the current topics, and visit the "future chapters" page to see what is planned. Need help sooner? Email me!

I sincerely hope that the information contained herein will help you, as you Walk the Path.

-Pam

Legal Stuff

Resources

I have been so grateful to have had access to web-based support groups and to breast cancer information. Here's a list of Web Resources that helped me. If you know of other good ones, please e-mail me and I will add them to the list.

Wonderful Books

Here's a short list of books that I found helpful after I was diagnosed with breast cancer. As soon as I can I'll add to the list and I'll post some reviews, as well.

Walk-a-thon 2007

Every year, the Weekend to End Breast Cancer http://www.endcancer.ca raises tens of millions of dollars for breast cancer research, in several major cities across the country. Within each participating city, a carefully selected hospital receives valuable funding for research and facilities. Each Walker raises a minimum of $2000 for the privilege of walking 60 kilometres over a two-day weekend. Thousands of volunteers across the country donate their time, not only on the days of the event, but also on days training for their part in it. I made this Walk in 2005, not even a year after my treatment, volunteered in 2006 and have done so again for 2007.

I strongly urge you to become involved with this event or others like it. They are enormously uplifting, and you will come away with great memories etched into your heart. With each donation from my sponsors, I wondered if this could be the money that would fund a cure, because I do believe that we will find a cure.