A Life Altered by an Unexpected Diagnosis

In Westlock, Alberta, Lorene Larsen’s life took a dramatic turn in the winter of 2022 when a simple backache—initially thought to be a result of shoveling snow—unraveled a shocking truth. What started as ordinary discomfort escalated into a grim diagnosis.

"I told Richard, my husband, that my back hurt. I assumed I had just overdone it, but the pain intensified," Lorene recalls, shedding light on her journey.

The Unthinkable Reality

After several visits to the doctor and an X-ray that provided no answers, a CT scan revealed the unthinkable: cancer spread across her chest, abdomen, and pelvis. At the age of 60, her life was forever changed.

A subsequent MRI painted an even grimmer picture—originally stemming from her ovaries, the cancer had metastasized to her spleen, liver, lungs, kidney, and spine. Diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer, a disease notoriously dubbed the "silent killer," Lorene faced an uphill battle.

A New Normal

Now at 63, Lorene is navigating life with stable cancer, having embraced a perspective of resilience. "I’m living with it. They told me it wouldn’t be cured, but it’s not advancing," she explains.

Following radiation on her spine to alleviate pain, her treatment regimen included grueling six-hour chemotherapy sessions every three weeks, eventually expanding to include Herceptin, a drug traditionally for breast cancer now being utilized for ovarian cancer.

A Shocking Setback

However, adversity struck again when Lorene faced a brain complication that left her husband fearing she was having a stroke. A CT scan unveiled a mass in her brain, leading to surgery and a cutting-edge Gamma Knife procedure to obliterate remaining cancer cells.

Fortunately, every MRI since has shown that the brain cancer is in remission.

Embracing Support and New Challenges

Although the cancer persists in her body, its emotional and physical toll is taxing. "It’s been a total life-changer," Lorene reflects, admitting she once considered medical assistance in dying. Instead, she chose treatment and enrolled in a palliative program that covers her medications.

The fatigue from cancer remains a constant struggle. "You get tired really easily," she shares, emphasizing the importance of pacing herself.

Finding Joy in the Little Things

Embracing a new routine, Lorene retired from her day home business, now relying on Alberta’s AISH program. Still, she keeps her spirits high, having recently returned from a family trip to Mexico and planning future adventures in British Columbia and Victoria.

For Lorene, even simple pleasures—like a heating pad, a cozy bed, and blooming flower pots—carry heightened significance. "Richard has been incredible, supporting me every step of the way, along with my family and the dedicated staff at the Cross Cancer Institute," she expresses with gratitude.

A Focus on the Present

As she manages ongoing treatments, Lorene emphasizes the value of accepting help from the medical community. "When you hear 'it's cancer,' shock takes over, but giving doctors a chance is key. They truly want to help you."

With a determination to take life one day at a time, Lorene's mantra rings true: some days are good, some challenging, but each day is an opportunity to appreciate the small things.

A Journey of Unyielding Spirit

"I never thought I’d be in this position. I was healthy and unprepared for this turn of events. But here I am, still living my life," she concludes, inspiring others with her unwavering spirit.