Amy Semple recently shared her story about her experience with breast cancer. Amy is a member of Survivors Abreast and will be paddling in Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday (June 10). Here is Amy’s story, in her own words.
My name is Amy Semple and I am a high school teacher in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. I am also a 35-year-old breast cancer survivor and the youngest member of Survivors Abreast.
I like to think I’m more than that. I exist outside the school as a wife, friend, daughter, granddaughter, nature-lover, bird-nerd, mom to a fur-baby, travel enthusiast, leatherback sea turtle researching woman!
For many years, I had been doing self-checks in memory of a friend who lost her life at 24 years old to breast cancer. One night, just before bed, I found a lump during my check. From there, it took two weeks to obtain the formal diagnosis. I had breast cancer.
After that initial appointment, my husband and I drove home in silence. It was this glorious, bright sunny day. But I couldn’t hear a thing. I managed to make it into the house before I was physically ill. Between calling friends and family, I sobbed on the living room floor. Some family cried, some swore. Friends rallied, but some crumbled. It was by far, the worst day of my life. I was sure I was as good as dead at only 32 years old.
I had a mastectomy to remove that terrible mass of cells that was attempting to take over my body and eventually my life. I did 4 rounds of chemo to ensure no cells remained. Shortly after, I began the process of reconstruction. During that year, my emotions ranged from badass fighter to broken woman. In the confines of my home, there was a point when I said I couldn’t take it anymore. I confided in my husband that I didn’t want to do any more treatment. I did continue with treatment, but this is just an example of how this disease and treatment can break someone.
During that year, I had the support of the Cancer Care Center and Breast Assessment Centre at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. It was second to none! Each person I encountered was better than the last. Even my husband and parents were treated with care and compassion by the staff. I could not have asked for better care.
When I was feeling well enough, I joined Survivors Abreast. I was beyond nervous. I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I found was a group of women who understood me and coaches who were kind and compassionate. I found women who were fit. Women who paddled and laughed and offered advice and experiences. Women who had a true zest for life.
I am genuinely thankful to our captains and paddlers for being part of this festival. You have brought together 20 people to enjoy a day for a common cause. Some people will have no experience, some will have years. All will be at least a little nervous!
So on race day, I hope you push yourself, smile, laugh, and have fun.
Your support brings all of us who have had breast cancer an enhanced love for this community!
Thank you!
There’s still time to sponsor Amy, or another Dragon Boat padder or team: visit www.ptbodragonboat.ca.
All photos courtesy of Amy Semple.
