November 4, 2024
Renee Johnson, right, hugs Stacey Allan, a radiation therapist, following one her radiation treatments for breast cancer at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. Photo by Leah Hennel.
Renee Johnson has radiation treatment for her breast cancer. Photo by Leah Hennel.
Renee Johnson, her daughter Alandra, and seven-year-old grandsons Tyson and Benjamin pose for a portrait after her final radiation treatment for breast cancer on Oct. 22. Photo by Leah Hennel.
Story by Kristen Anderson | Photos by Leah Hennel
CALGARY — Renee Johnson’s journey with cancer started in July of 2023 when she felt a pulsing on one of her breasts. Immediately, she knew something was wrong, and went to her doctor the next day.
Six weeks later, following a mammogram, her results were confirmed with a life-changing diagnosis —Stage 3 breast cancer that had spread to one of her lymph nodes, with three tumours.
Johnson, a busy spa owner, mother, and grandmother of twin boys, felt shock.
“I looked at my daughter that day and said, ‘How am I supposed to walk out of here the person I was when I walked in?’ The first thing I thought was that I was dying.”
Her next thought? “I’ve gotta fight this.”
Within weeks, Johnson underwent a double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, and began eight months of chemotherapy, followed by six weeks of radiation-treatment appointments, five days a week.
“You don’t know what road you’re on,” she adds. “You have months and months of dangling and not knowing what’s going to happen. But I just had to accept it and keep fighting.”
Fast forward to Oct. 22, 2024, and Johnson had her final radiation treatment at Tom Baker Cancer Centre — one of the last treatments there before staff and equipment transitioned to the new Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
Johnson rang the bell to signal the completion of her treatment, alongside her daughter Alandra, and seven-year-old grandsons Tyson and Benjamin. Driven by her faith and family, Johnson met her journey with strength and positivity — which she wishes for anyone going on a similar journey.
“Don’t ignore a lump,” says Johnson. “If you feel like there’s something wrong, it’s never too minor to go to the doctor to get it checked to be safe. No matter how old you are.”
Dr. Huiming Yang, medical director of Screening Programs, adds: “Getting screened for breast cancer regularly is the best way to find it early, before you have any symptoms and when treatment is likely to work best.
“If you’re 45 to 74 years of age, start making mammograms part of your regular health routine. Watch for any changes to the breast, such as unusual lumps or changes to the skin and discuss your screening needs or breast cancer risk with your healthcare provider.”
For Johnson, she’s embracing the next chapter of her life.
“I’m looking forward to my journey after — being the person I wasn’t before — and looking at things more positively and differently.
“My plan is to take what is given to me.”
Screening mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early. Talk to your healthcare provider about your breast-cancer risk and need for mammograms.
