Rima Elisia Andre

Hometown: New Westminster, BC
What school did you attend? Sprott Shaw Community College, New Westminster, BC.

At what level of education were you at diagnosis?  College: Honours Double Diploma in Computer Business Concepts & Business Administration. I graduated with one of the highest overall academic achievements at the campus.

Do you work? No, I got laid of my job two months prior to my diagnoses of cancer. I worked in the Finance and Management field for 20 years. I know I over-achieved and conquered during my career! I'm now at home full-time and my main and current priority is taking care of health impediments.

How did you find out you were sick? In May 2006 my health setbacks begun and I had some serious health complications. I later had numerous medical examinations & analysis, and later the results came back as negative, where several colossal non-progressive / benign tumors were found in my breast.

What event led to the diagnosis? After my second lumpectomy surgery.

What year was it? 2009.What was your age at the time? 35

What was your diagnosis? Metastases stage 4 Cancer in the Breast and Liver.

What were your first thoughts when diagnosed? I was dumbfounded and in extreme disbelief.

How did your family react? They were scared and astonished; but I told them to be courageous and have conviction with me.  I had nothing to conceal, and I was by no means ashamed of having cancer. I believe everyone around me is still in denial about my health. Everyone in my life has always seen me as this robust, angelic woman that is full of life and sprit.

How did your friends react? Some are very supportive and some in denial! Some no longer needed my friendship as my appearance changed drastically and my career ended. Unfortunately, these folks I later found out were opportunist and not genuine friends and are indeed cowards.

Were you treated any different? No, my "meaningful" friends and family became much more supportive and appreciative. I got the "tough love" and no sympathy, and all the motivation I needed to fight. I have a fantastic support team, just fantastic!

What did your treatment consist of? Two lumpectomies, six months of chemotherapy and presently on hormonal treatment.
       
In which Hospital are you treated? Fraser Valley BC Cancer Agency, Surrey, BC.

What is your current medical status? There’s still gross hepatomegaly with numerous hepatic metastases tumors present in my liver and breast.

How is life different for you now post diagnosis (physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually)? My post diagnosis made me stronger emotionally and spiritually and more realistic and appreciative of life and everything around me.

What is the toughest part of your challenge? Even though I live with a significant abnormality, I try to go out in this world and enjoy each day and LIVE!

What is the best part about having your challenge? I know I am touching many peoples' lives and I am truly making a meaningful difference and inspiring everyone around me.

What really motivates you to keep going while you are sick? I love my life and I have no regrets. I love my family, my friends, my godson, my oncology team, and my palliative care team! There are tons of places I have yet to travel too, and people I am yet determine to meet or must cross paths with. These are the important things that inspire me each and everyday to be realistic and keep fighting a brave fight. "Never lose focus on what your objective is to achieve it!"

What lessons or messages have you taken away from your experience?
NEVER GIVE UP, you must have HOPE AND BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!
This is my mantra: "I want to live, I will be brave, I have faith, I have hope; and I will not give up! I know I am also allowed to be fearful, angered, and vulnerable at times. I may sometimes lose hope, but I will always have a new and better day where I will rediscover my hope! I believe in faith, the power of prayer and karma"

If you are interested in connecting with Rima Elisia Andre please email connect@youngadultcancer.ca.