Despite an ominous forecast for freezing rain, approximately 110 determined women braved the elements to attend the 8th annual Breast Cancer Luncheon at the PMD Arena on April 11. Many participants sported pink, red and purple clothing to express support for the cause.
The women enjoyed a hot lunch served by the Drayton UCW, participated in raffles, and listened to an informative presentation by Scarborough plastic surgeon, Dr. Sarah Wong. Dr. Wong specializes in reconstructive surgery for mastectomy patients, an important option to help these women return to a normal life.
Dr. Wong opened her presentation by noting she couldn’t help but notice the sense of community that was evident in this area, and she was impressed that this was the 8th consecutive year for the luncheon. She pointed out such strong community support is important for breast cancer patients who are attempting to heal and return to a better life.
Addressing some of the most often-asked questions, Wong explained women often feel that they are being vain by wanting breast reconstruction. She informed participants that this surgery should be thought of as “recovery from the necessary damage that was caused during a mastectomy.”
“It’s about feeling like you again,” she assured the audience. “Many women feel like they are missing a part of themselves; it has a psychological as well as an emotional impact when you have a body part removed. Breast reconstruction gives these women the freedom to wear normal clothes, live a normal life and do normal activities, and it should be available to all women who undergo breast cancer surgery.”
Wong went on to explain the various types of reconstructive surgeries that are available, and their advantages and disadvantages.
“No one approach is ideal for all. It depends on patient preference, the doctor’s training and experience, and the patient’s physical conditioning,” she explained.
Patients can choose to have breast reconstructive surgery performed at the same time as their mastectomy, although few patients take this route. Most are focused on getting through the cancer surgery that is necessary to save their lives, and then they may consider reconstructive surgery to repair the damage at a later date. Wong pointed out it is also difficult to coordinate a qualified plastic surgeon along with the oncology surgeon at the same time to perform the procedures.
“This is an opportunity to give control and choice back to the patient, something that was taken away by the cancer,” she said. She also assured the audience OHIP fully covers the cost of reconstruction and all revisions.
Often patients thank her for helping them heal from their cancer experiences, one of the most rewarding aspects of her practice. She prefers to look at breast reconstruction not as part of the cure for breast cancer, but as part of the patient’s personal healing, inside and out.
Luncheon organizer, Dale Franklin, expressed appreciation to Wong for not only braving the weather to drive to Drayton from Scarborough, but for responding positively to her email invitation sent a mere two weeks prior to the event.
Once again, an auction was held for the opportunity to select and name a unique day lily bred by Betty Fretz. Most often the blooms are named to celebrate someone who has battled cancer. This year’s successful bidder was Carolann Berwaldt.
Approximately $3,000 is raised during each annual luncheon with 75 per cent of proceeds donated to the Listowel Breast Health Centre and the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre.
The additional 25% will specifically go to towards the Sunflower Seeds Team for ovarian cancer research.
A large number of items donated by several local supporters were raffled off to raise additional revenue.
The big raffle will take place at Blooming Dales in Drayton on Dec. 7. Prizes include a pink ribbon afghan, hand crafted by Jean Brodhaecker, a $50 gift certificate for the Drayton Chophouse, and $50 cash donated by Kay Ayres. Tickets will be available for purchase at Blooming Dales until the draw.
Franklin announced that the 2014 Breast Cancer Luncheon will once again take place in April, but at a date and time to be confirmed.
“Eight years into this, I still find it gratifying to see the support that this community has to fill a need,” she said.
