Energetic mom with terminal cancer helps her family & others live life to the fullest By Rebecca Wulkan
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n June of 2020, I, a mom of five boys, was diagnosed with breast cancer. After sharing the diagnosis with our families, and doing further testing, we found out that the cancer had spread to my bones. This turned my diagnosis into Stage Four, Metastatic Breast Cancer, with no cure. Our family has spent the last year just simply surviving. Our kids, two with already-unstable mental health, were launched into full blown trauma. The other three kids experienced their own versions of trauma from Mom’s diagnosis and also bore the brunt of the chaos from the general trauma in our family system. Needless to say, it was a really tough year. But we set out to prove that we can be tougher than whatever we were facing. I started my research about Metastatic Breast Cancer, only to find out that there is very little in the way of current information. I talked to doctors about healthy living; what strengthens bones, what food is good or bad, etc and my only answers were: Just live your best life and maybe follow Canada’s food guide. I was devastated. My Best Life … is my life. I wanted to live, not just curl up and slowly die. My personal research led me to bone strengthening exercises like running and lifting weights. It led me to cancer nutritionists to help with food choices. And it led me to great support communities.
Those with experience want you to survive and thrive with
Screening & Support
HOW TO PARTICIPATE 1. Join the first Move-A-Thon to raise money for Rethink Breast Cancer 2. Buy a t-shirt designed by one of her family members to help support their therapy 3. Join the PR Cancer Connection group. The first meeting is October 18. For more, visit Rebecca's website at embraceadventuretogether.com and see the October qathet Living.
Breast cancer activists (from left) Dawna Pallen, Rebecca Wulkan and Grace Adams at WiIlingdon Beach.
4 • ZEST 2021 • Health and Wellness in the qathet region including Powell River, BC
