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“After my initial ultrasound, I was referred to the Complete Breast Care program at Joseph Brant Hospital.  I received a mammogram and ultrasound where I was told that there was something worth investigating,” says Nicola.  “After my tests, I met with Dr. Austin who informed me I had breast cancer.”

“When I first received my diagnosis, I was in shock,” she says. “The thought of losing my hair and my breast hit me really hard.”

After numerous tests, Nicola was scheduled to have a lumpectomy and mastectomy.  After surgery, she underwent chemotherapy for 12 weeks and Herceptin for a year.

Despite the difficult journey ahead, Nicola felt confident in her doctors. “I felt really connected to Dr. Austin and I had a lot of trust in her.  She was so knowledgeable and up to date with her research and always answered all my questions.”

Throughout her treatment Nicola remarks on her care.  “The nurses, technicians, doctors and all the staff involved, I can’t say enough about their care.  Everyone was kind and compassionate.”

Today, Nicola is feeling happy.  “It almost feels like a memory that happened long ago even though it’s recent.  I received unwavering support from family and friends,” says Nicola. “My cancer woke me up and put things in my life into perspective.  I can’t control what’s going to happen, but I can control how I can take care of myself.”

After her treatment, Dr. Austin connected Nicola with Dense Breasts Canada.

“I advocate for women to learn their breast density and getting mammograms early,” says Nicola, “It’s important for women to be provided with the tools and knowledge to make decisions on their breast health.”

Her family doctor recommended the Complete Breast Care program at Joseph Brant Hospital, and once Flora arrived at clinic, she was surprised how positive the entire experience was.

“It wasn’t crowded, the appointments were prompt and on time, and the technicians, nurses and doctors were forthcoming and kind,” says Flora.  “The machines were up-to-date, the doctors seemed very knowledgeable, and despite their busy schedule didn’t appear to be rushed.  I felt that it all helped create a positive environment.”

After being called back for a second mammogram and biopsy, it was determined that Flora had stage 2 cancer.  “I anticipated surgery and met with Dr. Bacopulos and Bliss, the patient navigator.  They were both very forward with their information and willing to listen to my questions.”

Flora appreciated the space they gave her by providing additional resources for more information. They also were open to her using supplementary strategies to support her on his journey. All of this helped inform her decision to have a mastectomy.

“They gave me resources, and I appreciated that.  It felt reassuring and I felt that they allowed me to make decisions alongside them and that I would be in good hands not only for the operation but for the journey of healing ahead of me.”

Today, Flora is feeling positive and doing well.

“I don’t think my strength is quite yet where it was before, but I feel positive.  My experience at JBH was so positive because of the care and professional knowledge by all people I encountered, be they receptionist, nurses, porters or doctors. This made me feel seen and cared for, and when you feel that, it’s a good foundation for healing.”

“I remember I had my mammogram, and then received a call that afternoon that additional imaging was needed.  Then I needed a biopsy.  Within five weeks of the mammogram, I underwent the first of three of my surgeries,” says Pamela.

“I honestly remember feeling my initial diagnosis was a mistake.  I thought maybe my doctor received the wrong information,” she says.

Pamela was referred to Joseph Brant Hospital’s Dr. Bacopolus who met with her and her husband to discuss what was happening.  “She put me at ease immediately.  She had worked with her team to discuss options for me,” says Pamela.  “I can’t say enough how incredible and lovely the staff at the hospital were throughout the entire process.”

After undergoing two lumpectomies, the doctors informed her that the margins weren’t great and there would be a new discussion around what Pamela’s next options would be.  “When I received the results of my second lumpectomy, I met with my oncologist.  We decided that for me and my health at the time, it was best to have a mastectomy,” recalls Pamela.

But two weeks before her surgery when Pamela met with her surgeon, her doctor sensed a slight hesitation.

“I was very lucky to have a caring surgeon who picked up on my hesitation even though she only knew me for a few months.  She insisted I meet with Dr. Sun, a plastic surgeon, and go through all my options to make sure I had no regrets.”

After discussing with Dr. Sun, Pamela decided to undergo breast reconstruction using her own tissues.  “I left feeling like I was taken care of and now I was scheduled for a mastectomy and a reconstruction together,” says Pamela.

After surgery, Pamela spent time in the ICU where she was monitored for complications from the tissue reconstruction, before being transferred to an inpatient unit.  “The nurses and doctors were compassionate, kind – I truly can’t say enough about them.  This entire experience was scary, but everyone was so calm and lovely, I never felt like I wasn’t taken care of,” says Pamela. “Dr. Bacopolus and Dr. Sun made a terrible situation into one of optimism.  I am forever grateful.”

After her experience, Pamela wanted to give back to the Hospital for the incredible support she received.  “I wanted to show my appreciation to the hospital.  I became a monthly donor and volunteered at the hospital.  I believe it’s important to support the hospital, and every little bit helps.”

The last 18 months have been so hard on everyone. Nothing has been normal. Nothing has felt right. And nobody has felt this more than kids.

Studies have shown that in the last year, more than 50% of children and adolescents have reported clinically significant depressive symptoms.

But thanks to the generous support of donors like the RBC Foundation, our CAP Clinic has been there to provide youth with the right care at the right time, including Abbey.

The RBC Foundation began supporting the expansion of the CAP Clinic back in 2013, enabling the program to grow from one-day a week to five-days a week, offering the children, youth and families in our community better access to care.

Over the past eight years, the CAP Clinic has seen a 400% increase in referrals, while providing a significant reduction in wait times. Prior to the pandemic, the CAP Clinic achieved zero wait time for appointments with a child and adolescent psychiatrist, nurse and social worker, down from 52 days in 2013.

The impact on children and adolescents has been particularly hard during the pandemic and, as a result, the CAP Clinic referrals have increased exponentially over the past 18 months. Loss of control, feelings of uncertainty, and changes to routine are contributing to symptoms of anxiety, low mood, adjustment disorders, eating disorders, and parent-child relational problems.

It was a feeling of loneliness and isolation that brought Abbey to the CAP Clinic.

“I remember feeling so alone. Both of my parents are essential workers and weren’t home,” she says. “I’m a very social person and I rely on others to make me happy and I was spending a lot of time in my room alone and crying.”

Abbey began with a psychiatrist, but found a connection with Gwen, a social worker in the CAP Clinic. She remembers having an immediate connection with Gwen, who was so welcoming and really made her feel like she had someone she could talk to that understood.

“A lot what helped was her validating the way that I felt,” Abbey says. “It felt so good to know that I wasn’t alone in what I was feeling and I wasn’t going to get in trouble for feeling this way.”

Over the course of her final year of high school, Abbey and Gwen continued to meet regularly, and after graduating in June, Abbey is studying Early Childhood Studies and Early Childhood Education at the University of Guelph-Humber.

For Abbey, the support of donors like the RBC Foundation has helped a great deal and made her more resilient. “All I can say is thank you,” she says. “Without the program, I don’t know where I would be. I’m sure you’re helping a lot of people, not just me.”