“Cancer is a truly terrifying experience, and I hope everyone going through it will be able to have even more options for treatment.”
— Lynda Piché, treated at the CHUM for uterine cancer and proud CHUM Foundation donor
The story of Lynda, who was referred to the CHUM because she needed specialized care for endometrial (uterine) cancer, is a tale of adversity, determination, resilience and hope.
At age 54, Lynda Piché was diagnosed with endometrial cancer, also known as uterine cancer. After several rounds of treatment, she thought she could finally put cancer behind her. But a few years later, the disease returned. That’s when research opened up a new path forward.
A diagnosis that changes her life
It all began when Lynda experienced unusual bleeding that led her to seek medical attention. Having already been treated twice in the past for precancerous cells on her cervix, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. At the hospital where she was being treated, the news she feared most was confirmed: she had developed endometrial cancer.
Lynda underwent a hysterectomy, followed by several chemotherapy and radiation sessions, and was transferred to the CHUM once it opened. A few years later, when she thought she was done with cancer for good, it made a comeback. It had now spread to her liver, kidney and peritoneum. The prognosis was bleak.
“Despite feeling anxious and afraid, I chose to put my full trust in Dr. Vanessa Samouëlian, my gynecologic oncologist, who greatly impressed me with her sense of empathy and skill. She suggested I take part in a study. The CHUM kept a very close eye on me over the course of two years, and my condition improved.”
Research, a new source of hope
Lynda is on hormone therapy to this day, and doing much better. This treatment opens up new possibilities for controlling cancerous cells and preventing recurrence. Although she isn’t fully back to normal yet, many of her tumours have shrunk, and others are continuing to regress.
“In the past, my cancer diagnosis would have been a death sentence. Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, though, I’m still alive and able to greet every day like the incredible gift it is. I was able to defy my prognosis thanks to the exceptional expertise of the CHUM’s medical and research teams. But if we want them to continue to make these incredible breakthroughs, we need to support them.”
For Lynda, cancer research is therefore not some distant reality. It translates into treatments, specialized care and possibilities that may not have existed for previous generations.
Giving back in turn
As a sign of appreciation for the care she received and to help contribute to research, Lynda started donating to the CHUM Foundation. She’s able to give back to the hospital that she now sees as her second home.
“I care about supporting research and raising cancer awareness. I also chose to include a donation to the Foundation in my will, so that I could leave something to oncology research for future generations. This way, I can support projects that will help other cancer patients like me beat expectations.”
For the thousands of patients who, like Lynda, entrust their care to the CHUM, let’s give the CHUM teams the resources they need to continue making discoveries and act faster than disease.