100 Treatments. Countless moments of care and connection.

After nearly six years of treatment at The Dr. Douglas A. MacIntosh Cancer Clinic, Teri Kennedy-Swindon reflects on gratitude, the people who make a difference, and why having cancer care close to home matters.

When Teri had her 100th cancer treatment at Belleville General Hospital on September 9th, she had a simple way of describing the milestone: “I’m grateful.”

It’s a perspective shaped by nearly six years of living with stage-four breast cancer, navigating ongoing treatment and discovering how much a supportive community can mean.

Since beginning treatment on December 7, 2020, Teri has experienced significant changes in her own life and the Oncology Department at BGH. Along the way, she has become an advocate for other people facing cancer, helping them find connection, information and support when they need it most.

We spoke with Teri about this milestone, her journey, the importance of compassionate care and what she hopes for the future of cancer care.

Q: Reaching 100 treatments is a big milestone. What does it mean to you?

Teri: I’m just so grateful to be here. I know so many people don’t get the chance to get into triple digits.

My first treatment was December 7, 2020. So, just shy of six full years, every 21 days. It’s become a huge part of our life.

But, to be completely honest, I’m also a little tired. I’m realizing more and more that when your treatment is lifelong, there’s a real investment in the department caring for you, one that not every patient has. I feel it every time a nurse like Sandra (in photo) announces they’re retiring, or the social worker department and its supports comes and goes, or knowing that one day I’ll probably say goodbye to my oncologist, Dr. Levesque to retirement, too. These relationships become such an important part of your life when you’re in treatment for so long.

Q: Your experience has also inspired you to support others. Tell us about that.

Teri: I think it comes from this place (BGH Oncology) and my treatment being such a big and constant part of my life. I’m here often, I see people, and I see what they might need. I recognize the fear and uncertainty on their faces.

I kept meeting people who needed support beyond what our breast cancer group offered, and I wanted to create a place where they could find it, so I started Cancered Connections — a peer support group open to Cancered people and their caregivers living with any cancer diagnosis.

The group comes together to make this challenging ride a little easier. I think of it as the very best club that no one wants to be part of!

Sometimes it’s as simple as offering someone one of our signature ladybugs in the Oncology waiting room or helping a patient and their family feel a little less alone by joining us for a lunch or a group gathering.

I remember a couple waiting for the woman’s very first treatment. Her husband was understandably nervous, and she was sitting quietly. Usually, treatment is tackled alone, but they allow a visitor for a patients first treatment day. I checked whether she could have a visitor accompany her. When they confirmed that she could, I asked if she wanted him to join her.

They were both blowing me kisses as they went in. It was such a small thing, but it gave them an opportunity they wouldn’t get back again.

Those moments matter.

Q: What would you want someone who has just received a cancer diagnosis to know?

Teri: It’s so different for everyone. When my cousin was recently diagnosed, my mom said she didn’t know what to say to her. I told her, “Mom, even I don’t know what to say, because it’s different for everyone.”

I find it best to listen and meet people where they’re at. I’m a problem solver, so I sometimes my instinct is to jump in with solutions, but I’m trying my best to hear people out before assuming what they might need.

Q: You’ve witnessed a lot of changes in the Oncology Department at BGH over the past six years. What has made a difference to you?

Teri: The dedicated, onsite lab has been a game changer for my stress level. Not having to go through the entire hospital for bloodwork every cycle makes a real difference.

Having our own entrance has been an incredible help, as well. I can sit in a low risk-exposure waiting area, where I can see when Tracey arrives to retrieve me.

There’s also a real sense of understanding here, whether you’re a patient, caregiver, nurse or clerk. We have a really fabulous team in Oncology. You can see how they support one another and lean on each other when they need support.

Q: Why is having cancer care close to home so important?

Teri: My wife Tracey and I were talking about this on our way to the hospital today. I’ve had 100 treatments and at least as many lab blood draws. I’ve been here at least 200 times.

If I’d had to go to Kingston, we’re talking about more than 200 trips in just shy of six years. I can’t even begin to imagine the physical and financial drain that would have meant for our family.

My wife is self-employed. She works when I’m not here and takes time off when I need her support. We’ve learned to work our lives around my treatment schedule and having care here makes that possible.

I can’t tell you how much it means. I truly attempt to “dance” within the limitations of my diagnosis and the schedule that it means for me.

Q: Looking ahead, what do you hope to see for people living with cancer?

Teri: I’d like to see more “whole-person” health. I don’t doubt Oncology saved my life, but the quality of my life also comes from my mindset, my support system and the additional care I’ve sought out from my Naturopath and alternative medicines.

I would also love to see a greater understanding of women’s health and the role of hormones in diagnosis and recovery. Whole body health is key to long term success and survival.

I believe you are never UnCancered. Regardless of how someone’s medical process goes and the success that they may have, there is no escaping a cancer diagnosis.

Cancer is a gateway diagnosis. After treatment, there are many new diagnoses arise and they are lifelong.

Different parts of healthcare can also work in silos. Better connections between cancer treatment, mental health and other aspects of wellness would be beneficial in the long term.

I also want people to have access to the information and support they need. Not everyone has the energy or resources to seek out additional help on their own.

That’s another reason behind Cancered Connections – to continue to advocate and raise awareness. I want to make whatever comes next better for myself and my community.

Q: Finally, what would you say to someone considering supporting local cancer care?

Teri: Oncology can’t grow without everything else in the hospital growing alongside and supporting it.

The entire hospital and team support me, not just the Oncology Department.

We need the diagnostic equipment here, we need surgery, we need the Lab. It’s all so connected.

I’m very fortunate this clinic is here, and I think there’s so much to applaud in how the Foundation has supported it.

Care that reaches beyond treatment.

Teri’s story is a reminder that cancer care is about more than appointments and treatments. It’s also about the reassurance of familiar faces, the kindness of someone who understands, and the ability to receive essential care without travelling hours from home.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re grateful to Teri for sharing her experience and for the many ways she supports others in our community and BGHF.

Through the generosity of donors, BGHF helps make advances in local care possible: supporting the equipment, spaces and resources that patients and families rely on throughout their cancer journeys.

LINKS:
Cancered Connections for all patients, allies and caregivers:
Cancered Connections of Quinte and Beyond Facebook Group

Breast Cancer support group for patients only:
Belleville Breast Cancer Support Peeps Facebook Group