Unexpected gifts

Kayla Green, who turned her cancer journey into connection, is paying that support forward at Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day at St. Joseph’s Health Care London.

Most 32-year-olds would cringe at spotting a grey hair or new wrinkle. Kayla Green considers these small signs of aging “a privilege.”

Most brides-to-be would be devastated to have their wedding delayed and then the nuptials pared down from a grand affair to an intimate backyard celebration. Green says “it was perfect” and serendipitously more meaningful.

Most people don’t have their journal turned into a book and their social media become a source of strength for women far and wide. Green has created a community of sharing that is inspiring herself and many others.

There is a reason Green sees life differently. At age 30, while planning her wedding, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She had just had her gallbladder removed and was following post-surgery instructions to check for any lumps that could indicate internal bleeding. In doing so, she felt a lump in her armpit area. The next day, when a walk-in clinic doctor and later her family doctor mentioned a possible breast lump, “I just knew,” she said. Subsequent imaging would confirm her fears.

Today, Green, a massage therapist, is slowly bouncing back from rigorous treatment including chemotherapy and immunotherapy at London Health Sciences Centre, and surgery and breast reconstruction at St. Joseph’s Health Care London (St. Joseph’s).  It will be two years in October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month – since it all began.  

“My perspective has really shifted on a lot of topics,” says the effervescent young Londoner, who will be among the ‘show and tell’ models at this year’s Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day hosted annually by St. Joseph’s. Those who attend learn about breast reconstruction options post mastectomy from St. Joseph’s surgeons and can view real results in the ‘show and tell lounge’, where they will meet women like Green.  

Green couldn’t attend BRA Day when she was facing her own difficult decision about reconstruction and says seeing and talking to women who had gone through it would have been invaluable. Also compelling her to volunteer is her deepened belief in the power of community.  

A self-proclaimed “chatter box”, Green, who underwent a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction with implants, began chronicling her journey on Tic Tok as a way to share and cope without always burdening her family. Journalling was also an outlet and the book version – From Diagnosis to Rebirth, a brutally honest yet also humourous memoir – allows people to read about the trials and tribulations, or “silly nonsense” as she describes it, “and not feel alone.” Through these channels, women began reaching out.

“I wish everyone going through breast cancer has the doctors I have had and the luck I have had with community. Having that community made it so much easier. I really urge women to find their space.”

BRA Day is one such ‘space,’ says plastic surgeon Dr. Tanya DeLyzer with St. Joseph’s Breast Care Program.  

“At the centre of BRA Day is community and education,” she explains.  “It's a day to educate women about reconstructive options and bring them together to share their stories and experiences.  Although organized by the breast cancer team, it's the patients and their journeys that are the foundation of the event.”

BRA Day, launched nationally in 2011 by Canadian surgeon Dr. Mitch Brown, has become an empowering event for women organized world-wide. This year at St. Joseph’s, new partnerships with community organizations, vendors and patient support networks are creating even more opportunities for attendees to connect with resources beyond their surgical care, says surgeon Dr. Sarah Knowles, Director of St. Joseph’s Breast Care Program. The program has also been broadened with a greater emphasis on the psychosocial aspects of recovery and healing.

“While reconstruction remains a central focus of the evening, new speakers and community partners will share perspectives on emotional well-being, resilience and support, reflecting a more holistic approach to breast reconstruction,” says Knowles.  

Both surgeons hope attendees come away understanding that wholeness can be reclaimed – body, mind and spirit.  

“While breast cancer, or the risk of breast cancer, may take something away from them, there are many options to restore and reconstruct the physical self while community and connection can help rebuild the emotional, mental and spiritual self,” says DeLyzer. “BRA Day brings it altogether.”