Hello Everyone:

It’s November 1st again. All Saints Day. Year 3 since the creation and beginning of the club of Winnie’s Warriors. I thank you all for being there for me and for all your support and love during the past 3 years. It’s hard for me to explain and express my gratitude. But I hope you all know how dear and special you are.

At first tonight I was going to go to Centro – now called Vita Sociale – to have a quiet dinner on my own and reflect. After all, this was the place that I shaved my hair off and accepted my fate. However, due to delays on the subway and the flocks of people, I decided to go home. Thinking about things past on the subway, I was almost overwhelmed. That said, I am quite excited to write this update to share this special day with all of you.

As you know, I was in Paris last year, on top of the Arc de Triomphe. To feel close to my favourite city, I went out and made myself some “magret de canard” (duck breast) and seared fois gras. I paired with some Lillet that Chris and Jim introduced me to. And for dessert, a little 1968 calvados and some French Blue and Comte cheeses.  Tres delicieux!

Now for a little update: I went to my annual consultation with my oncologist at Princess Margaret Hospital. I was told that now that it has been 2 years since the end of treatments, that I was going to be discharged to a new After Cancer Treatment Transition Clinic at Women’s College Hospital. I think this is an interesting proposition as this clinic is designed to provide post cancer treatment to those that have already been treated for cancer and will have more time devoted to wellness issues such as diet, exercise, bone health and coping than the usual oncology clinic. I am still receiving hormone therapy – the Tamoxifen. I have been taking it for 2 years. Initially the plan was to take it for 5 years. My oncologist told me that they are considering recommending you take it for 10 years. I will be cared for by a General Practitioner specializing in Oncology and a Specialized Oncology Advanced Practice Nurse who have worked in the breast clinics at PMH. They will review my situation and develop an individualized follow up plan. And, apparently, I’ll get a complete assessment including a physical exam. I think it is good because I always see my oncologist and I sit in the gown and we talk and I don’t really feel that anything is being done when I am there. Actually, their job is done – the chemo and radiation treatments are designed to help reduce the chance of recurrence and that’s it. He told me that 5% of recurrence is found through follow up appointments and mammograms etc…otherwise, you basically find it on your own and by that time, it’s really too late. Kind of scary. I don’t like to dwell or think about it much. So love and live life!!

I wanted to add an addendum to my last update about Winnie’s Warriors on the Run for the Cure. As one of my Warriors was crossing the finish line, the supporters asked her who she was running for…..and then they all yelled out “Winnie’s Warriors”! I still get goosebumps when I tell the story. Good thing I wasn’t there at the time….I’d have probably started crying.

My hair. Still short. I’ve started to wear my wigs again from time to time. I actually quite enjoy it. Sometimes I wear two or three different styles in one week. I have resigned myself to wearing wigs for a long time. I don’t mind so much. Actually sometimes it can be amusing. Sometimes people don’t recognize me right away. Sometimes people say, ‘oh, you’ve let your hair down’. LOL. Someone told me I was brave for wearing them on and off. I’m channelling the retro 60s. The times when wearing wigs were fashionable! That said, as I was on my way home tonight on the subway I couldn’t help but notice all the hair….long, wavy, curly, up-dos, and pony tails (I really miss being able to do that). Le sigh.  Yes, I have hair envy every now and then.

So as I close out my evening and reminisce a little more about what has transpired, I’m watching P.S. I Love You. It’s a sappy feel good love story. Just what every gal needs to watch every now and then. 🙂

Then a nice long bath with lavender and eucalyptus oils and off for a good sleep.

I love you all…..to the end. (Sappy no? They just said it in the movie……LOL!)

Good night!

Winnie xo