Cindy's Story

A Tale of Early Detection and Hope

The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency's screening program for breast cancer, operational since 1990, has played a pivotal role in detecting nearly 3,000 cases in women aged 50-69. Cindy is one of those cases. From the quiet rural landscape of our province, her journey emerges as a tale of incredible bravery.

Accompanied by her daughter Jen, Cindy received the life-altering diagnosis after picking up the mail one day. The emotional car ride that followed was filled with tears, as they grappled with the news. Cindy recalls, "It was a long weekend, and a lot of tears. I had to wait till Monday, so I phoned, and they got me in that very day."

Swift action ensued with a mastectomy on June seventh, followed by chemotherapy starting July thirteenth. Jen vividly remembers the emotional turmoil of seeing her mother vulnerable in the hospital, unsure of how to cope. "Dad and I went up to the hospital to see her, and seeing her in that bed, laying there, being as she's our caregiver, we didn't know how to deal with that."

The Allan Blair Cancer Centre played a pivotal role in Cindy's 17-month chemotherapy journey. Reflecting on the care received, Cindy emphasizes, "I can't say enough about the care that I had at the Allan Blair. It helped to pass the time. That 17 months seemed like a long time after they told me the diagnosis."

Today, Cindy's voice resonates with a powerful message: "Go for a mammogram, it's very important. Even if they find early-stage cancer, it's better than waiting until it's progressed."

Jen, looking ahead, states, "I have a six-year-old daughter, and when she's old enough, I'll tell her to go and get scanned. It's that simple."

Cindy's story, echoing across the prairies, serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that early detection, coupled with the care of the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, can make a life-saving difference.