Castor's Mary Tirrell is facing a battle far too many Canadian women are familiar with.
Tirrell was recently diagnosed with breast cancer for the third time, after an original diagnosis back in 1999.
She began screening long ago when a cyst was found in one of her breasts; while it was non-cancerous, it led her, and doctors, to start screening earlier than they normally would.
Because of the screenings, they were able to catch a lump developing in her left breast in 1999; because of the swift reaction, the offending mass was removed before it spread and without the need for chemo or radiation.
Just over 15 years later, another lump was found, in the opposite breast. Studies on the mass determined it was a different type of breast cancer, but again, with the quick reaction of the medical system, the results were the same as the first.
During the summer of 2024, a screening found another mass that hadn't been there the year before.
Pathology on the mass revealed it was a variation of the second cancer she had.
"It's much more aggressive," said Tirrell.
"But, God promises us we won't endure more than we can handle, and I believe that."
As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Tirrell offered to share her story to give hope to others.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, one in eight women will be afflicted with the disease in their lifetime; however, everyone has a small amount of breast tissue and men can be afflicted with the disease as well.
"Every year, an estimated 27,900 Canadians are diagnosed with breast cancer and thousands more are living with the disease," states the Canadian Cancer Society website.
While breast cancer as of yet can't be prevented, one of the most effective things someone can do is have regular breast screenings to catch issues before symptoms develop.
Since the mass was found, it's been a whirlwind of appointments for Tirrell, with appointments in Red Deer, Drumheller, and Calgary for specialists and diagnostics.
The diagnostics have shown Tirrell some good news; the cancer hasn't spread beyond the breast and a nearby lymph node, and the plan is to hit it with pills to shrink it before undergoing surgery, a double-mastectomy, early in 2025.
"Faith in God has kept me going," said Tirrell.
"I'm confident in the medical staff involved."
Like many in Alberta, Tirrell has heard horror stories about delayed procedures in the Alberta Health System. So far, that has not been her experience with her treatment team pushing her through the system to get her appointments.
"I'm very pleased with the progress," said Tirrell.
Tirrell notes that she couldn't get through the diagnosis and appointments without a vast network of friends in the community.
"Many people are praying for me," said Tirrell.
"Lots of friends have offered to drive me to appointments. Doing it alone would be much harder ... I'm so blessed for all my great friends."
Tirrell is sharing her story in the hope that it will help others going through the same situation.
