My Path Through Breast Cancer – Joanne’s Story
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”—Maya Angelou
A friend shared this quote with me on my last day of work before retirement. It really struck me. I spent most of my career in healthcare, and I always tried to go the extra mile for people. But it wasn’t until I was diagnosed with breast cancer that I truly understood the power of those words in the quote—and what compassionate healthcare really means.
Our healthcare system saved my life. But it was the people at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, and how they made me feel, that I’ll never forget.
In February 2025, I had my routine mammogram through my family doctor. Shortly after, I received a letter in the mail telling me everything was clear. I breathed a sigh of relief.
But just a few months later, I felt something. At first, I tried to brush it off, like so many of us do. I told myself it was probably nothing. A few weeks later, on a Friday morning in June, I told my husband and a couple of colleagues at work. They urged me to call my doctor again, so I did. This time, she referred me to Soldiers’, and suddenly, things moved quickly.
By Monday, I had an ultrasound scheduled for Wednesday. After the scan, the technician told me the radiologist had found something and wanted to do a biopsy on the spot. It was just a few days later when the results came in. I had tubular breast cancer—a rare, slow-growing but highly treatable form of invasive breast cancer.
For anyone who’s faced cancer, or stood beside someone who has, you know how heavy that word feels the moment it’s spoken.
My surgeon, Dr. Monica Chaudhuri, explained everything calmly and clearly—the whole team was fantastic. On July 25th, I had my lumpectomy. Nineteen years earlier, I had worked at Soldiers’, and it was comforting to see so many familiar faces supporting me that day.
Just before the surgery began, when I was lying on the operating table, I shed a few tears. One of the nurses I knew wiped the tears from my face and held my hand. She leaned in and said, “Joanne, it’s okay. You’re going to your favourite island. You’re going to have your margarita. All your friends are with you.” In that moment, I felt so supported.
Today, I’m happy to share that I’m cancer-free! And I’m honoured to be cared for at Soldiers’.
In those moments when fear and uncertainty became overwhelming for me, my healthcare team was there by my side. They were there to listen, comfort, and guide me through each step. I’ll never forget how their care lifted me during the most vulnerable time of my life.
Because of generous supporters like you, I received the care I needed when it mattered most. If you feel inspired to give again today, your support will help ensure the hospital can replace aging equipment and expand critical services so more families can receive exceptional, life-saving care close to home.
Please consider donating today.
Joanne H.
OSMH Grateful Patient
