When Maggie Lorimer was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 58, it came as a complete surprise.

Having lived with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for more than 30 years, she was no stranger to managing a chronic illness. But cancer was something she never expected.

“I had a hard time believing I actually had cancer because I was feeling well and had no symptoms,” Maggie recalls. “I’m used to MS where you have symptoms all the time, so having a disease like cancer that is life-threatening but, in my case, had no symptoms was baffling.”

Fortunately, Maggie’s cancer was detected early through the Ontario Breast Screening Program and was diagnosed at Stage 1A. Following genetic testing that revealed a CHEK2 mutation, she underwent a double mastectomy in January 2024 and later received chemotherapy as part of her treatment. Throughout her journey, Maggie found comfort in the exceptional care she received from the Cancer Care team at Humber River Health.

“My oncologist, Dr. Sudan, was fantastic,” she says. “From the day I first met him, I had absolute confidence in him. He, his nurse Jose, and the nurses in the chemotherapy department were and are the kindest, most helpful people I have ever met.”

Just as important was the support she received outside the hospital. Her husband and daughter accompanied her to treatments, while friends, neighbours, and even her swimming community at York University rallied around her with visits, encouragement, and plenty of home-cooked meals.

Despite the challenges of treatment, Maggie found moments of joy and humour along the way. When chemotherapy caused her to lose her hair, she found a creative way to explain it to her grandchildren. “I told them Grandma had to take a nasty medicine that would make her hair fall out,” she says. “Then I told them that when my hair was gone, they could draw on my head with markers.” For Maggie, honesty helped her family navigate the experience together and created opportunities for connection rather than fear.

Looking back on her journey, Maggie says one of the most important lessons she learned is the value of reaching out for support. “Always reach out,” she says. “There are people who want to help, and there are people who understand what you’re going through.”

Today, Maggie continues to give back through Humber River Health’s Oncology Peer Support Program, where she supports newly diagnosed patients as they navigate their own cancer journeys. She is also an active member of the Oncology Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), helping improve the experience of future patients and families. Being involved in these programs has become an important part of her survivorship journey.

“The Oncology Peer Support Program and PFAC can help because you’re talking to people who have gone through similar experiences,” she says. “You’re not alone.” For Maggie, being a cancer survivor means more than completing treatment. It means sharing her experience to help others and encouraging women to prioritize their health.

As we recognize June as Cancer Survivor Month, Maggie’s story highlights the importance of early detection, compassionate care, and the power of community.

With the support of her care team, family, friends, and fellow patients, Maggie found strength through one of the most challenging experiences of her life. Today, she continues to use that experience to support others, reminding cancer patients that they do not have to face their journey alone.