Loving family's story of a Breast Cancer recovery journey

My name is Tanya Barton, and these are the first chapters of the story of our journey toward my Breast Cancer Recovery.

On October 1, 2024, the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we received my diagnosis: that I was unknowingly battling Invasive Mammary Gland Cancer. We are a close-knit family of 4 boys, with Tim, Braden and Killian living at home, and Simon residing an hour away in Ottawa.

I underwent surgery on November 19, 2024 to remove a large tumor, as well as to perform a nodular extraction to determine if the Cancer has spread. After the initial recovery from the surgery, I was referred to an Oncology team in Ottawa to establish the post-surgical treatment plans, which we believed would include 4-5 weeks of radiation treatments. We began planning ahead for how our family would deal with the financial challenges so close to the holidays, and for a 4-5 week period of radiation which I would not be working. We thought we were in a reasonable place to get through that challenge.

However, on January 2, 2025, I met with my medical oncologist and plans quickly changed. Due to the stage and type of Breast Cancer I have, (Stage 3, ER+ PR+ HER-2- LVI+) his recommendation was to begin an aggressive two stage chemotherapy treatment for 16 weeks, followed by radiation treatments. My heart sank. We were not prepared for this.

Through all of this, I believe it is important to stay positive. While trying to keep life as normal as possible for my younger boys, I can't help but be anxious, even scared of what is to come. Worried about how I will take care of them while I'm recovering and not working, how we will pay the bills while I'm on leave. And quite honestly, the unknowns.

Even the best laid plans sometimes are met with challenges. With the new post-surgical treatments to come in Ottawa which is an hour away, additional medical costs, and my being unable to work during that time, this will definitely be a challenging time for us financially for the next 6 months.

It takes a village they say, and my family, friends and community have already shown us so much love and support. However, we would truly appreciate your support in helping us through these next chapters and to help us get to the end of this story with a happy ending.

Thank you for your love, kindness and support!

Any donations raised that are unused during our journey will be paid forward and donated to help others in need.