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# BC Becky: Never Thought I'd Want to be a Breast Cancer Survivor

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://bcbecky.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Writing at Goingeast.ca](https://bcbecky.com/2026/08/writing-at-goingeast-ca/): Following me on my blog and on YouTube are two ways you can help support my writing. Leaving comments and likes on posts are another way to show engagement. This engagement will help me find a publisher for my books.
- [Never Knew I wanted to be a Breast Cancer Survivor: Podcast Episodes 1-5](https://bcbecky.com/2026/05/never-knew-i-wanted-to-be-a-breast-cancer-survivor-podcast/): Never Knew I Wanted to Be a Breast Cancer Survivor, is a candid, story‑driven podcast where I share my experience of navigating a life‑changing diagnosis while searching for who I was, who I was becoming, and who am I today.
- [A Favour – Because](https://bcbecky.com/2026/02/a-favour-because/): I’m launching a new podcast. This is a fully narrative podcast where I tell my story of breast cancer survivorship. The stories interweave chapters from my book with reflections on my second time around, and where I am the day I’m writing the script!
- [Advocating for Oneself](https://bcbecky.com/2026/01/advocating-for-oneself/): Living in the US, I learned to advocate for my own healthcare. Support groups helped me know what questions to ask. They helped me when I had odd symptoms and couldn't reach my doctor. They helped me know what was normal and what needed urgent attention.
- [Free eBook for 2 days](https://bcbecky.com/2025/11/free-ebook-for-2-days/): The eBook version of my book Never knew I wanted to be a breast cancer survivor, will be free to download on Amazon today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday). Also, if you are Kindle Unlimited, you can read it anytime for free.
- [I was certain](https://bcbecky.com/2025/10/i-was-certain/): When you are certain
When you are certain, your emotions run high.
When you are certain, you can easily be triggered.
When you are certain, you can be wrong.
I was certain.
- [Standing Up](https://bcbecky.com/2025/08/standing-up/): I have a knot in my stomach. I'm scared. I feel like an impostor. Will the water be too cold? Can I get back on the board in deep water? These thoughts are running through my mind as I prepare to leave. 
- [More Than Cosmetic](https://bcbecky.com/2025/06/more-than-cosmetic/): Me: Since my swelling is mostly in the areas where I had liposuction, I think a referral to a plastic surgeon would be a good next step. Dr.: You'll need to go to a private clinic for that. Me: No, sorry, the liposuction was part of my breast reconstruction surgery. This might be a long-term side effect of that reconstruction. I'm asking for a referral to a specific surgeon at the cancer centre who is familiar with the type of microsurgery I had in California.
- [Words Matter](https://bcbecky.com/2025/03/words-matter/): Words matter. Certain words sting, and one of them is “prevention.” Why? Because “prevention” suggests we know the cause of something and have the power to stop it. For me, that word lands heavy, almost accusatory. It’s like an unspoken judgment: You didn’t prevent this, so maybe you’re to blame.
- [The end of breast self-exams](https://bcbecky.com/2025/03/the-end-of-breast-self-exams/): This is a story written base on reflections my initial year after diagnosis (2016), with added comments about what I'm thinking after my second diagnosis (2024). The feature image is from Wikimedia Commons. Like my stories? Please subscribe.
- [Avoiding Scanxiety](https://bcbecky.com/2025/02/avoiding-scanxiety/): I am working on a new memoir related to my cancer experience. As I create, I had been sharing stories over on substack, but I have decide to close my substack blog and move my stories back over here. In addition to writing about my ongoing survivorship experiences, I will be sharing stories that are a mix of old and new - that may one day be included in my future memoir. Stories related to the memoir which are historical but written in present tense, will begin with a declaimer like this and a rough date so you know it isn't a new report on my health.
- [Letrozole – so far so good](https://bcbecky.com/2025/01/letrozole-so-far-so-good/): Back in October, when my oncologist and I agreed I was done with Herceptin, we decided I wouldn’t do anything but let my body heal until January. That’s when I’d give Letrozole a try.
- [My first haircut](https://bcbecky.com/2024/09/my-first-haircut/): Last week I had my first post-chemo haircut. This time around, I have taken very few selfies. I really didn’t like how I looked as my hair was coming back. I also didn’t feel the same need to share pictures of me smiling. I didn’t have the same reasons for taking pictures.
- [First day of class – A time of transition](https://bcbecky.com/2024/09/first-day-of-class-a-time-of-transition/): Today is the first day of classes. I’ve been off for a year and I feel quite rusty. In addition to the changes in instructional design, the university has also changed its Learning Management System (the software we use to deliver our online courses). This adds to the transition.
- [A long overdue post](https://bcbecky.com/2024/07/a-long-overdue-post/): It has been so long since I’ve written, I don’t really know where to start.
- [Navigating the Side Effects of Trastuzumab: Finding Balance and Embracing Summer](https://bcbecky.com/2024/05/navigating-the-side-effects-of-trastuzumab-finding-balance-and-embracing-summer/): I’m more than half way through my Trastuzumab (Herceptin) treatments - I’ve actually lost count. I think I might be 10 out of 18. Anyways, I realize that I’m have side effects from it. It is causing fatigue and making my joints ache. The side effects last just shy of a week and then I’m generally fine until the next time.
- [Sunshine and Sunflowers](https://bcbecky.com/2024/05/sunshine-and-sunflowers/): Lori was sunflowers.
- [Rediscovering joy](https://bcbecky.com/2024/05/rediscovering-joy/): Cancer treatment is a gift that just keeps on giving … more like an anti-gift keeps on giving.
- [10 km later](https://bcbecky.com/2024/04/10-km-later/): I planned to go to Santa Cruz to visit a few friends, but it didn't quite turn out that way.
- [California 2024 – Hiking](https://bcbecky.com/2024/04/california-2024-hiking/): I’ve been in California for the last few days. I had great aspirations of hiking the day I arrived, but I was so tired. I hadn’t slept well the night before, then needed to be at the airport for 3:45 a.m. and then didn’t sleep well on either flights, and throw in a 4 hour time change, and … hiking wasn’t in the cards for that day.
- [Forgiving my body again](https://bcbecky.com/2024/04/forgiving-my-body-again/): Back in February 2016, I wrote a blog post about forgiving my body. I just re-read it and it still resonates with me.
- [Accomplishment versus joy](https://bcbecky.com/2024/04/accomplishment-versus-joy/): My therapist asked me, how much time I spend on “accomplishments” rather than joy. I have been so focused on “doing things” that made me feel like I had accomplished something, that I wasn’t spending any time focusing on things that bring me joy. She encouraged me to try setting up my days so that I have a balance of accomplishments and joy.
- [Can I call myself a writer …](https://bcbecky.com/2024/04/can-i-call-myself-a-writer/): if I don't write?
- [Halfway](https://bcbecky.com/2024/04/half-way/): I am halfway through my trastuzumab (Herceptin) a type of targeted therapy drug called a monoclonal antibody. This is the magic drug that kills HER2 breast cancer. I am due to take 18 doses, 3-weeks apart. That works out to a full year. Since I just completed 9 of 18, I will be doing this treatment until sometime in October.
- [Not growing old](https://bcbecky.com/2024/04/not-growing-old/): If you were here you would notice that I’m constantly doing something. Even when my body is hurting, I find something to do. Until I enter a drug induced sleep at night, my mind and my body are doing something.
- [Then and now](https://bcbecky.com/2024/03/then-and-now/): I have been diagnosed with breast cancer twice.
- [Physically, I’m doing well – Mentally, not so much](https://bcbecky.com/2024/03/physically-im-doing-well-mentally-not-so-much/): I wasn't sure what to write about anxiety. It is really difficult to explain.
- [From Fatigue to Fear: The Unseen Battles of Post-Treatment Life](https://bcbecky.com/2024/02/from-fatigue-to-fear-the-unseen-battles-of-post-treatment-life/): With the end of active treatment comes the anxiety and depression that I have been suppressing throughout. The fatigue from radiation has me worried about depression. The nightmares make me concerned about PTSD, and the crying, well, that is the only way I can cope right now.
- [And then there was one](https://bcbecky.com/2024/02/and-then-there-was-one-2/): Tomorrow will be my last radiation treatment - yay. So far I've managed without too much skin irritation (yay again). The doctor did mention that things could get worse or better over the next couple of weeks, but within a month I should be fully recovered skin wise as well as internally, which affects fatigue. She cautioned that it will take time to rebuild my stamina, but that is no different than any other insult to the body.
- [Clearing the brain](https://bcbecky.com/2024/02/clearing-the-brain/): I got some good news today. The results of the CT scan of my head are clear, meaning there is no sign of cancer in my brain. I’m cancer free - actually, I’ve been cancer free since my surgery back in August (August 23rd - I had to look it up). However, without the brain scan there was a lingering question. I have headaches - are they caused by cancer in my brain. The answer is no. That is a huge relief.
- [Intentional Living](https://bcbecky.com/2024/02/intentional-living/): The routine of radiation involves me getting up and walking to the hospital for my appointment. This week, my appointments have been in the morning. It is a 10-15 minute walk which has reminded me how much I enjoy walking in the morning - even when it is snowy - but especially when the sun it out. I am reminded that I used to walk Cali every morning (around the pond or around the block). Since chemo I have not been doing that walk. Others have taken Cali for walks - so she isn’t missing out - but I’m missing out. During radiation, I’ve decided to get out and walk as much as I can before the fatigue side effect kicks in. So far I’ve been pretty lucky, with minimal side effects. When we are in Halifax I’m walking at least 4km each day.
- [Radiation is a mental struggle](https://bcbecky.com/2024/02/radiation-is-a-mental-struggle/): Radiation treatment, in theory, is easier than chemo. It is easier on your body - in that the physical side effects are skin issues and fatigue. You don't need to deal with all the other side effects of chemotherapy. However, for chemo I only had to convince myself to go four times. I had four cycles of TC chemo, so I had to go four times.
- [Radiation and Losing Friends](https://bcbecky.com/2024/02/radiation-and-losing-friends/): Radiation started this week. So far it has only been two treatments. They go pretty fast. Immediately afterwards I find myself wondering if I'm feeling anything. Can I tell that the invisible beam is attacking part of my body?
- [Radiation, Recall, and Lymphedema](https://bcbecky.com/2024/01/radiation-recall-and-lymphedema/): Today I start radiation treatment. It is a 15-session spread over 4 weeks. The first two sessions are this week, then for the next week and the week after, I go for 5 days. For this week, they are putting us up in a hotel that is a short walking distance to the treatment center. They also said they would pay for a taxi to bring me if I wasn’t up for walking. It really isn’t that far.
- [Going maskless](https://bcbecky.com/2024/01/going-maskless/): On Friday I went to a meeting - in person - without a mask. I realized that it has been the first time in at least 4 months that I have been in a room with people without both them and me wearing a mask.
- [All marked up](https://bcbecky.com/2024/01/all-marked-up/): On Thursday we made our way into Halifax for my radiation marking appointment. When I arrived at check in, there was a distinct lack of information. The person at reception showed me where to change and told me where to wait after I was finished changing - however, she didn't tell me how I needed to change. I decided that I only needed to take my top off, as they were not looking at my lower body.
- [Some better news](https://bcbecky.com/2024/01/some-better-news/): After much waiting during the day, my oncologist finally called. He said that next time I should go about my day normally, and if I miss his call he will call back - he makes sure he gets everyone who is scheduled for a phone consult. That is good to know.
- [That dreaded 50%](https://bcbecky.com/2024/01/that-dreaded-50/): Fifty percent was a number thrown out there, related to recurrence after a regional recurrence. This was the first time someone threw a number out there and it had me unsettled. When I meet with my oncologist next week, I will talk to him more about prognosis. I've done some research, and 50% is on the better end of the numbers that I've seen. I've two things going for me - the length of time between my initial diagnosis and recurrence, and my age - both are indicators for better overall survival outcomes.
- [Radiation Therapy](https://bcbecky.com/2024/01/radiation-therapy-2/): The main purpose of our trip to Halifax last week was to consult with the radiation oncologist about radiation therapy. While we were waiting, I picked up a copy of all the various handouts they give when you are having radiation therapy. They provided some really useful information specific to having radiation therapy at the QEII (the hospital in Halifax).
- [Scanxiety](https://bcbecky.com/2024/01/scanxiety/): In my post from Tuesday, I mentioned that the radiation oncologist had ordered a head CT. This is to check to ensure there is no cancer in my brain - which is one of the places breast cancer likes to metastasize to. I’m amused that I can write that so nonchalantly without any emotion.
- [Lymphedema](https://bcbecky.com/2024/01/lymphedema-2/): Yesterday, I summarized the key points from our trip to Halifax to see the radiation oncologist. There were many different things discussed in that consultation and in my blog post that require further explanation.
- [Radiation therapy](https://bcbecky.com/2024/01/radiation-therapy/): Went up to Halifax today to have a consult with the radiation oncologist. I was expecting to be told that they recommended wide spectrum prophylactic radiation for four to six weeks - which would be a more typical treatment regime for someone on original diagnosis who had a lumpectomy and positive lymph nodes. That isn't me.
- [Going out with a whimper](https://bcbecky.com/2023/12/going-out-with-a-whimper/): For me, it looks like the year will be ending with a whimper. I feel like this last dose of TC was stronger than previous doses. It is certainly hitting me harder. I think I got lucky the last two cycles and came to expect it to not be too bad.
- [An Update and Some Chemo Brain Stories](https://bcbecky.com/2023/12/an-update-and-some-chemo-brain-stories/): First, an update. After experiencing stress dreams, I left a message for my oncologist to inquire about the next steps and mentioned that I had not yet heard about a radiation oncology appointment. The following day, I had an appointment with the local General Practitioner Oncologist (GPO), which they referred to as a toxicity appointment, to ensure that I was fit to proceed with chemotherapy.
- [Anxiety](https://bcbecky.com/2023/12/anxiety/): I used to use writing as a way to help process my emotions. I'm finding that I'm writing more about the mechanics of what I'm going through but not tapping into the emotions. I started writing a story about my recurrence, and how I feel so different than I did when I went through my initial treatment. Then I realized that all I had written was the detailed timeline of what happened - there was no emotion in it. It was just, I did this, I waited, I got this result.
- [Ouch my tooth](https://bcbecky.com/2023/12/ouch-my-tooth/): Finished the worst of cycle three. The nausea was under much better control, that I didn't feel nearly as bad. I did find that I tired easily and I slept for 13-hours on Sunday night.
- [Day 16](https://bcbecky.com/2023/11/day-16/): Just when I thought I was in the clear, I got hit by a wall.
- [Days 13, 14, 15](https://bcbecky.com/2023/11/days-13-14-15/): Mostly I've had good energy and been doing a lot of stuff but also taking two hour naps.
- [Days 11, 12 – Nadir](https://bcbecky.com/2023/11/days-11-12-nadir/): I don't use an alarm unless I have an important meeting. Mostly I let my body decide when I should be up - and a normal time is somewhere around 7:30am.
- [Days 8, 9, 10](https://bcbecky.com/2023/11/days-8-9-10/): I have a new found sense of energy that surprises me. Initially, I found that I got tired, but if I sat down for 5 minutes, I was recovered and ready to go again.
- [Days 5, 6, and 7](https://bcbecky.com/2023/11/days-5-6-and-7/): Day 5 is pretty much the most miserable day of the cycle, with day 4 being a close second. I did get out to walk a couple of times, but mostly, I felt hungover all the time. Facebook also reminded me that on November 19, 2014 I had my first cancer surgery. It reminded me this with a picture of a very bald and pale me - looking rather unhealthy! I chose not to share the photo this time, as it is a member I no longer want to be reminded of.
- [Day 3 and 4](https://bcbecky.com/2023/11/day-3-and-4/): Thankfully, I've been sleeping well, which definitely helps how I feel. Day three was a busy day, as I wanted to to a Halifax run to return a few things and pick up a few things. It actually turned into a Dartmouth run once I realized that we could do Ikea, Home Depot, and Costco all in Dartmouth. We also got to use our new Macpass for the car (the toll card for the bridges in Halifax). I can report that it worked very well.
- [Day 1 & 2 Side effects](https://bcbecky.com/2023/11/day-1-2-side-effects/): I wanted to capture with a little more detail the side effects that I'm feeling, so that next cycle I will have something better to compare with. I remember having a really hard time for a few days, but not really sure when that was - and I might have had a cold on top of the chemo so the side effects, in theory, should be less severe this cycle - and I'm hoping to be managing them better (mental note, drink more water - I just poured myself a glass to drink while writing this).
- [It’s a no more hair kinda day](https://bcbecky.com/2023/11/its-a-no-more-hair-kinda-day/): I woke up Sunday morning at 5am to the feeling of hair in my face. If you recall, I had my hair cut really short, so there was no way that it could be in my face and still attached to my head. To me that was the signal that it was time to shave my head - ready or not - the time had come. I couldn't get back to sleep so I watched a movie, then slept a bit longer. When I got up, I actually checked my pillowcase and there was no hair - there was a single hair stuck in my eye mask. That is what I felt, but I had already made my decision. It was time.
- [Making head coverings](https://bcbecky.com/2023/11/making-head-coverings/): When Covid hit, I learned to sew face masks. I used a variety of patterns and watched many videos on YouTube. I decided that since I can now sew, I would try making myself some chemo head coverings.
- [Trying to figure out my thinking](https://bcbecky.com/2023/11/trying-to-figure-out-my-thinking/): I'm still trying to figure out how I feel. What does it mean to be going through this again? What does it mean about the rest of my life? About survival? I feel like I should be feeling something, but I'm not. I feel like I should be processing this information in one way or another but I'm not.
- [A little bit of hair fun](https://bcbecky.com/2023/11/a-little-bit-of-hair-fun/): When I told my friend that I'd be losing my hair again, she said I should do something fun with it before it fell out. I thought that was a great idea, so I asked a neighbour who always has fun hair. She asked another neighbour to help - and the two of them transformed me. Below is the closest to a before photo - although a lot of my hair is pulled back. I clearly needed a haircut!
- [I want to be a sign of hope not despair](https://bcbecky.com/2023/10/i-want-to-be-a-sign-of-hope-not-despair/): I want my journey and this blog to describe what is real - what it is really like to go through this experience. I also want it to provide a level of hope for someone who is going this this experience.
- [Don’t remember it being this bad](https://bcbecky.com/2023/10/dont-remember-it-being-this-bad/): I remember blogging about how day 3 was "just plain hard", but I don't remember feeling nearly has bad as I have felt over the last two nights.
- [So far so good](https://bcbecky.com/2023/10/so-far-so-good/): With this chemo regime I take steriod pills and anti nausea pills for three days - the day before chemo, chemo day, and the following day. This means that for days 1 and 2 I'm pretty hyper. My neighbours and friends notices that I talk faster and move faster - but by mid afternoon of day 2, I was slowing down. but got another boost after a nap and meal and my last dose of evening steriods.
- [I miss my mom – and my first treatment](https://bcbecky.com/2023/10/i-miss-my-mom-and-my-first-treatment/): I didn't really expect that sensation to hit. Last night I realized that one of the things that I was missing this time around is my mom. When I was first diagnosed the recurrence, I was glad to not have to tell her. That was one of the hardest things I had to do. But this time, I realize that what I'm missing is my mom. I'm missing that sense that someone is holding me the only way a mom can. I have a lot more support this time around, but it isn't the same as feeling your mom is there for you. I miss her so much.
- [Dates](https://bcbecky.com/2023/10/dates/): The first time around, I found that I knew every date - the date of my diagnosis (June 12), first chemo (July 7), last chemo (Oct 30), first surgery (Nov 19), second surgery (Dec 17), third surgery (Mar 17) ... this time, I have not been paying attention to dates. They don't matter to me. I cannot remember my surgery date - I think it was in August but might have been September. I would have to look it up on my calendar.
- [Ported](https://bcbecky.com/2023/10/ported/): Yesterday morning, before the sun, we got up and drove to the local hospital (only a five minute drive) for my port surgery. This time, hubby just dropped me off - he came to pick me up in recovery, but there was no point in him waiting in prep as I was the first patient of the day (so much so that when the surgeon came to visit me for the pre-surgery discussion.consent, she didn't have her scrubs on yet!).
- [Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday – busy times](https://bcbecky.com/2023/10/monday-tuesday-wednesday-busy-times/): It is interesting that when I look back on my first diagnosis, I was blogging daily - sometimes multiple times per day. I haven't been doing that this time. Part of it is because I've fallen out of the habit of writing, something that I want to get back into.
- [A surprise diagnosis](https://bcbecky.com/2023/10/a-surprise-diagnosis/): The oncologist appointment finally came Oct 10 - just after Thanksgiving. Since this was an in person appointment, it meant driving up to Halifax. We took the opportunity to book a hotel and spend the night, knowing that we had some shopping we wanted to do in the city.
- [Quality of my remaining life](https://bcbecky.com/2023/10/quality-of-my-remaining-life/): I have been thinking a lot lately about the quality of my remaining life, and how that might be affected by chemo. Please don't say to me "you've gone this before, you can do it again". Those seem to be the worst words I can hear right now. I don't want a repeat of what was before.
- [Self-care and setbacks](https://bcbecky.com/2023/10/self-care-and-setbacks/): I'm staying at a friends place, watching her dog (who is Cali's bestie). It has been nice to be a little bit away from the chaos and I've been sleeping really well.
- [The in-between space](https://bcbecky.com/2023/09/the-in-between-space/): I'm living in the in-between space and it causes me to get anxiety that I sometimes cannot control. It is the waiting time, not knowing what will happen in my short term future. Part of the challenge with that is, when you are diagnosed with cancer, your future becomes your short term future. It becomes impossible to see beyond a three month timeframe - and yet, - don't know what that three month time frame looks like, so I can do is look from one day to the next. I cannot plan anything.
- [Today I went for a hike](https://bcbecky.com/2023/09/today-i-went-for-a-hike/): My friend and I hiked around Indian Garden Farms. We have done it many times - but only once this year. We really haven't been hiking much this year in part because the weather has been terrible, and in part because I've been spending most of my days painting.
- [Lab results](https://bcbecky.com/2023/09/lab-results/): After a slightly frustrating Tuesday, I did receive the lab report first this Wednesday morning. It was really helpful to be able to read the report and process the information - especially given the way the surgeon will rush through things if I don't slow her down.
- [Healing takes time](https://bcbecky.com/2023/09/healing-takes-time-2/): It can be really frustrating to remind myself that healing takes time.
- [Denial is a powerful tool](https://bcbecky.com/2023/09/denial-is-a-powerful-tool/): I'm mostly in denial at the moment - in some ways feeling the "impostor syndrome" that I felt before I had my initial diagnosis.
- [Healing Notes](https://bcbecky.com/2023/08/healing-notes/): I had my surgery follow up appointment with my surgeon Tuesday. Unfortunately, I'm still producing too much fluid for my drain to be removed. This means that I still cannot shower. However, they did remove the dressings over the incision except the steristrips. I now have the magic number - 30mL - when my drain gets to below that amount in 24 hours I can call the doctor's office and they will book an appointment for me to see the nurse in ambulatory care who can remove the drain. At the same time, she will remove the steristrips and clean everything up.
- [Surgery update](https://bcbecky.com/2023/08/surgery-update/): Surgery happened yesterday (Wednesday). I'm doing remarkably well today.
- [I have a date](https://bcbecky.com/2023/08/i-have-a-date/): After another very anxiety filled week, things came together on Thursday afternoon and Friday. I finally feel like there is more of a plan.
- [Anxiety kicking in and a weekend folk festival](https://bcbecky.com/2023/08/anxiety-kicking-in-and-a-weekend-folk-festival/): My anxiety levels are starting to increase, and will likely ratchet up during the week. One thing that is causing me the increase in anxiety is the lack of information coming from my surgeon's office. I don't feel like they have a whole lot of empathy for what I might be going through. There are some assumptions that seem to happen in this system - one of which is that the "other" doctor will share results. The surgeon's office sat on my bone scan results for 2 days. That may not seem like a lot, but as the patient it is literally life or death - that is, me contemplating whether or not this cancer recurrence is terminal or not. It is so very frustrating.
- [A deep breath](https://bcbecky.com/2023/08/a-deep-breath/): Yesterday was a day of breakdowns. It started with a phone call from my family doctor's nurse. She was giving me an update on something totally unrelated to cancer, but all I wanted was the results of my bone scan. She confirmed that the results were in but could not give them to me until the doctor saw them and he was on vacation until Monday. I broke down. There was no way I was going to wait another several days with no information. Knowing that the information was there, but not having access to it was more than I could handle. Three weeks of stress cracked, and the tears started flowing.
- [Sunday, I took a mental health day](https://bcbecky.com/2023/08/sunday-i-took-a-mental-health-day/): I woke up on early Saturday morning from a stress dream. I dreamed about learning more about the surgery and it not being what I expected. What I remember most from the dream was that I was expecting a 2-hour surgery and they said it was going to be a 9-hour surgery. Upon waking, I realized I don't have any real information about my upcoming surgery. I'm going on my experience from the past which was 9 years ago in a completely different healthcare system. It made me realize that I needed to call my surgeon's office and find out when I can expect to get more information. 
- [Local recurrence for now …](https://bcbecky.com/2023/07/local-recurrence-for-now/): I met with the local surgeon for my first consult. I wasn't sure what kind of biopsy we would be doing. She informed me that we are treating this like a local recurrence of breast cancer. That is most likely what we are dealing with, so the initial treatment plan is based on that.
- [Surprisingly calm](https://bcbecky.com/2023/07/surprisingly-calm/): I am surprised at how calm I am - how I'm not totally stressed out or in panic mode. It is so different from the last time.
- [There are scares .. and then there are SCARES](https://bcbecky.com/2023/07/there-are-scares-and-then-there-are-scares/): After you finish your primary cancer treatment, you often go through scares. You discover something or another, and it brings on the fear that the cancer has come back. I went through many of them over the first couple of years. I remember specifically writing about two of them: It’s just a stitch and Things I need to write.
- [Navigating the healthcare system](https://bcbecky.com/2023/01/navigating-the-healthcare-system/): In the beginning I had no understanding of how the medical system worked with respect to cancer treatment. My understanding came only from what I saw on television. Patients experiencing critical or chronic illness have a need to learn how to navigate the healthcare system from a patient perspective.
- [Learning about the disease](https://bcbecky.com/2023/01/learning-about-the-disease/): This post is a continuation on my discussion about Patient Health Literacy. The narrative that resulted from this study has been published on Amazon. See my Memoir page. The original source that I used for my study can be found at https://bcbecky.com.
- [Developing Coping Mechanisms](https://bcbecky.com/2023/01/developing-coping-mechanisms/): This post is a continuation on my discussion about Patient Health Literacy. The narrative that resulted from this study has been published on Amazon. See my Memoir page. The original source that I used for my study can be found at https://bcbecky.com.
- [Patient Health Literacy Themes and BC Becky Book](https://bcbecky.com/2022/12/patient-health-literacy-themes-and-bc-becky-book/): I had originally planned on waiting until December 17 to release my book - that would be the 8th anniversary of the surgery to remove the last of the known cancer from my body. However, when I had the paperback ready, Amazon did not let me publish it on a future date. That meant that the paperback version was ready but the eBook was being held back. And so, I have now released the eBook, Kindle unlimited, and Paperback versions of "Never Knew I Wanted to be a Breast Cancer Survivor". I've ordered some author copies for myself, but they have not arrived yet - however, I have heard from friends that their copies have arrived.
- [Never knew I wanted to be a breast cancer survivor](https://bcbecky.com/2022/11/never-knew-i-wanted-to-be-a-breast-cancer-survivor/): It is hard to believe, but true - The eBook version of first book is now available for pre-order on Amazon. The print version is coming soon - I'm just waiting on a proof before I release it. It has been quite the journey getting this far.
- [Who’s value is it anyways?](https://bcbecky.com/2022/10/whos-value-is-it-anyways/): I realized that I haven't been blogging, but I'm feeling like I need to start doing it again. I need to start sharing more about what I'm doing with Treehouse Village and how I'm coping living in a small town in Nova Scotia. I feel like I'm a completely different person than the person who started this blog.
- [51 – 53 of 75: Getting lost and Thomas Raddall Provincial Park](https://bcbecky.com/2022/08/51-53-of-75-getting-lost-and-thomas-raddall-provincial-park/): I'm not sure how long this challenge is going to take me, but life and world sure seem to be slowing me down.
- [41 – 50 of 75: New beaches and more](https://bcbecky.com/2022/08/41-50-of-75-new-beaches-and-more/): Sorry, I'm behind and writing blogs. I'm also a little behind on my hikes. I had not anticipated the competition that paddleboarding and water sports would have on my desire to hike during the summer.
- [32 – 40 of 75: Cherry Hill & Blomidon](https://bcbecky.com/2022/07/32-40-of-75-cherry-hill-blomidon/): If you haven't figured it out by now, my go to beach walking spot is Cherry Hill Beach.
- [28 – 31 of 75: Five Islands Provincial Park](https://bcbecky.com/2022/06/28-31-of-75-five-islands-provincial-park/): 28 was another mowing of the lawn. My GPS says I walked over 5km in the process of mowing. It certainly felt like a work out!
- [25 – 27: Cherry Hill and the Cemetery](https://bcbecky.com/2022/06/25-27-cherry-hill-and-the-cemetery/): 25: Cherry Hill Beach on Saturday with a friend from Ottawa who was visiting. The tides were a little high, so we ended up climbing over rocks to get to the end of the beach.
- [24 of 75 – Green Bay](https://bcbecky.com/2022/06/24-of-75-green-bay/): There is hiking trail between Green Bay and Broad Cove. On the map it is called Bear Trap Road.
- [20 – 23 of 75 – Beaches and Developments](https://bcbecky.com/2022/06/20-23-of-75-beaches-and-developments/): 20: A walk at Beach Meadows Beach on Tuesday May 31.
- [19 of 75 – A little library](https://bcbecky.com/2022/05/19-of-75-a-little-library/): For today's walk I explored a different part of town. After walking up to the top of the Town Pond trail, I ventured into town and walk by a little library. I took that opportunity to choose a book that I will hopefully read when we go camping next week.
- [18 of 75 – A barefoot beach walk](https://bcbecky.com/2022/05/18-of-75-a-barefoot-beach-walk/): It being a Sunday and a beautiful and warm day (approximately 25 deg C), we decided to check out Cherry Hill Beach again. This time, the tides were right, which meant that we had over 1.5 km of beach to walk along. The place was busier than I've ever seen it - and yet there was still enough space between people and dogs that I could let Cali chase the ball the entire walk.
- [15-17 Nice day for a hike](https://bcbecky.com/2022/05/15-17-nice-day-for-a-hike/): This week began with some grand plans. The goal was to hike in three different places, but also to increase the distance I've been hiking.
- [11-14 Various walks](https://bcbecky.com/2022/05/11-14-various-walks/): I'm getting behind on blogging my walks. The first three here were done with my Aunt who was here to visit with us. It was lovely getting chance to walk with her again - we did the Avon Walk together back in 2015.
- [10 of 75 – Beach Meadows](https://bcbecky.com/2022/05/10-of-75-beach-meadows/): After our cool walk yesterday at Cherry Hill beach, and with the tides not being ideal, we headed back to Beach Meadows.
- [9 of 75 – Cherry Hill Beach](https://bcbecky.com/2022/05/9-of-75-cherry-hill-beach/): Cherry Hill is perhaps one of my favorite places to walk Cali. I get a good walk on the beach, and Cali gets to run after the ball. We are both in heaven.

## Pages
- [Beta Listeners](https://bcbecky.com/beta-listeners/): Complete this form to let me know you are interested in being a beta listener. When I have an episode ready, I'll send it out to a few people for feedback before launching it on the podcast.
- [Book](https://bcbecky.com/book/): Never Knew I Wanted to be a Breast Cancer Survivor brings you into Becky's world as a young breast cancer survivor. Becky shares her experiences with treatment starting the day after she first heard the words "you have breast cancer". Throughout her treatment, she explains her thought processes as she grapples with life altering treatment decisions: which chemotherapy regime? to reconstruct or not reconstruct?
- [Podcast ~ Never knew I wanted to be a Breast Cancer Survivor](https://bcbecky.com/podcast/): Support my Podcasts using Patreon. Your $3 per month helps the podcast stay live, supports me as an Artist, and helps me access other funding.
- [Cancer Scans and Treatment Decisions](https://bcbecky.com/cancer-scans-and-treatment-decisions/): It has been a while since I’ve written, and a lot has happened.
- [New Home Page](https://bcbecky.com/new-home-page/)
- [Becky’s list of safe (Gluten Free) places to eat](https://bcbecky.com/celiac/beckys-list-of-safe-gluten-free-places-to-eat/): New to a place, try the Find Me Gluten Free app. It has helped me find places when I'm in unfamiliar territory. Sometimes it is very limited in what it finds. It would be nice to see more information in that database.
- [Celiac](https://bcbecky.com/celiac/): As I start to travel more, I end up eating out more often. Truth be told, I love eating out but have done very little since diagnosis. Now that I'm more than 6-months gluten-free and I have learned about gluten responses, I'm going to start a list of restaurants where I've been able to eat without getting sick. These will be listed by country and city. I will not list places where the only thing I can eat is a salad - (or I'll list them on the not great list) - but rather, I'm interested in places where I can enjoy a real meal and eat safely. Here is my list: Becky's list of GF places to eat.
- [Amazon Store](https://bcbecky.com/useful-links/amazon-store/)
- [Should I blog?](https://bcbecky.com/should-i-blog/): Coming soon - "Should I blog? Everything you want to know about blogging your cancer journey".
- [Tips for Chemotherapy](https://bcbecky.com/tips/tips-for-chemotherapy/): Chemotherapy is scary, especially when you don't know much about it. When you read about all the side effects, it may be a bit overwhelming. Chemotherapy is given in "cycles", where the same medication is given multiple times at a specific interval. For example, I receive four cycles of AC chemotherapy, given every two weeks.
- [Tips for Newly Diagnosed](https://bcbecky.com/tips/tips-for-newly-diagnosed/): When you are first diagnosed with breast cancer, there are a lot of terms that are thrown around. There is a lot of information that you receive. You are on a pretty steep learning curve at a time when you are struggling with focus and with emotionally dealing with being told you have cancer.
- [Tips](https://bcbecky.com/tips/): This page contains a variety of tips for patients with breast cancer. It is based on my experience, and the experience of other women who have been treated for breast cancer. It is not meant to replace any advice of your health care team - rather, it is more intended as tip to help you cope with diagnosis and treatment, and to help you be a patient who is engaged with their treatment.
- [Reverse Order](https://bcbecky.com/reverse-order/): Below is a list of journal entries in reverse chronological order (newest at the top):
- [Blog Archive](https://bcbecky.com/posts/): Tag Cloud Top Posts Latest Posts
- [Useful links](https://bcbecky.com/useful-links/): I've created an Amazon Affiliate Store with products that I've found useful throughout my breast cancer treatment and recovery. If you buy anything from the links I provide, I get a small referral bonus:
- [In the beginning](https://bcbecky.com/in-the-beginning/): Below is a list of journal entries in chronological order:
- [About](https://bcbecky.com/about/): I started this website as a blog when I was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, shortly after moving from Canada to California. I titled the blog "BC Becky" for Breast Cancer Becky. It is an identity that I now hold. I never thought that one day I'd want to hold the identity of 'breast cancer survivor', but now, the alternative is definitely not what I want. I set this blog up to give me a space to reflect upon my journey and share it with anyone who is interested in reading it. Writing helps keep me sane, and for that alone it is worth the effort.