Jane Russett chooses to look on the bright side.
“I embrace my cancer journey with an open mind and an open heart to be kinder to myself,” she says.
“To make sure I see each day as a blessing and the blessings in every day. To live in the moment and make those moments magic.”
Russett was first diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2014. She underwent a right mastectomy and chemotherapy, as the location of the cancer made it impossible for her to have radiation.
In March 2018, the breast cancer returned with a vengeance. Russett was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer and told it was incurable and had metastasized throughout her body. She was also informed that she had approximately three months to get her affairs in order.
After taking three oral chemotherapy pills for more than a year, she started chemotherapy infusions in May 2019 and will continue to do so until otherwise advised by her doctors.
“I don’t know what lies ahead and that’s the exciting part because already I’ve had 20 months of amazing moments when I was informed I’d only have three,” she says.
Karen MacDonald, Russett’s friend and nominator, says Russett has an ability to make others feel comfortable and happy even when she is fighting her own personal battle.
“Jane is a beautiful lady both inside and out and the most genuine person I have ever met. I am truly grateful she came into my life.”
UPDATE:
We are sad to report that Jane Russett’s cancer treatment ceased on Jan 29 she is now working with a team including her oncologist and Airdrie Palliative Care. She is residing at her twin sister’s home in Edmonton and has not lost her incredible spirit and positive outlook on life.