Emily’s Cancer Journey:
What stood out most in those early days was the unwavering support she received at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Her oncologist, Dr. Philippe Bedard, offered more than clinical expertise; he offered compassion. When Emily realized chemo would take away her weekends, the only time she could see her loved ones, he adjusted her schedule to protect that time. It was a small gesture, but one that gave her a rare sense of control.
Another urgent challenge was fertility preservation. With little time, Emily and her partner had to make fast decisions about embryos and the future. “Suddenly, we were talking about things we hadn’t even imagined yet,” she recalled.
Her treatment plan included six months of chemo, followed by surgery and radiation. But her care extended far beyond medicine.
As a graduate student with no income or private insurance, the financial burden could have been devastating. But the team at The Princess Margaret stepped in, helping Emily access compassionate care programs, support for costly medications and financial aid. “Without that help,” she said, “my parents might have had to sell their house.”
One staff member helped her complete paperwork for programs like the Ontario Disability Support Program. “When you’re in treatment, forms can feel impossible,” she said. “Having someone walk me through it was a lifesaver.”
Then came the part of cancer care that’s often overlooked: what happens after treatment. When the chemo, surgery and radiation ended, Emily was left to face a new reality. Her studies were delayed, her routines disrupted, and the emotional weight set in. Brain fog and fear of recurrence became daily struggles.
That’s when she turned to The Princess Margaret’s psychosocial oncology team. The support she received was free, ongoing and deeply impactful.
“Cancer doesn’t just end when treatment does. It ripples through your life for months, even years.”
Two years after completing her treatment, Emily still draws on that support. For her, survivorship means more than medical milestones; it’s about rediscovering herself, her goals, her strength, and her voice. It’s about learning how to move forward in a life that’s been forever changed.
Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, more patients like Emily can access the care, support and resources they need, not just during treatment, but at every stage of their cancer journey.
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