Surviving Cancer in the Family not Once, but Twice: Guest blog from TEDxLangleyED speaker Ellie O’Brien

March 27, 2019

“The phrase cancer changes everything resonates deeply with me.”

Ellie O’Brien is a cancer survivor, so is her son. She’ll be sharing her story at this year’s TEDxLangleyED event at Chief Sepass Theatre, April 6. Here’s a preview of her story.

I’m pleased to have the opportunity to share how our family of four faced cancer twice. My son was eight when we learned of his Wilms tumour (kidney cancer) and two years later, I got a breast cancer diagnosis.

We can’t say enough about our Children’s Hospital. My son’s team of doctors and nurses quickly set up a plan and set to work. He was an amazing patient and put up with a lot during this time. It wasn’t easy on any of us.

I eventually got over the shock of his diagnosis, and realized that he would be well again. That helped me change my mindset that he wasn’t fighting cancer, but that he was on a healing journey. I had another shift within myself and began to feel grateful for the many hidden healers who were working behind the scenes in the hospital.

When I got my breast cancer diagnosis two years later, I was saddened to realize that our family would have to experience chemotherapy once again. It impacts the entire family, not just that one person. Fortunately, I was connected with other women who had breast cancer, and one woman who shared how she took on a aggressive surgical approach and avoided chemotherapy and radiation. My journey through cancer was only one surgery and reconstruction at the same time. I was cleared from my cancer a short time later.

The phrase cancer changes everything resonates deeply with me. We are more connected as a family. I don’t sweat the small stuff like I once did. I find more joy every day, and especially in my work. I make sure that the people around me know how important they are to me. I don’t take any of this for granted because twice I was reminded how suddenly and unexpectedly things can change.

The Canadian Cancer Agency predicts that 1 in 2 people will get a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. My advice for people facing cancer is to hold onto hope, lean into love and find ways to be grateful, despite their circumstance.

Ellie O’Brien is one of many talented speakers sharing their stories at this year’s TEDxLangleyED event.  For tickets go here.