“This year, my goal is to run”: Assia’s story of living beyond breast cancer

Summer 2023 was supposed to be a summer like any other for Assia Meddane. Very active, healthy and invested in her job in finance, she had hardly ever set foot in a hospital. When she discovered a lump in her breast, she was on vacation in France and could not imagine the changes she'd later go through... 

Back in Montreal, she met with her family doctor, who immediately recommended a mammogram. She had one right away, followed by a biopsy. In just a few days, she learned that she had advanced breast cancer.  

Overnight, her life changed completely. She had to take time off from work and focus all her energy on her health. Several months of chemotherapy followed, as well as a mastectomy of the right breast, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. 

As an active person, Assia suddenly saw her physical strength decline considerably. Activities she did before, such as yoga and hiking, became more difficult. Fatigue became a significant part of her daily life. 

“I was so tired that it took me an hour and a half to get ready. I would walk for 15 minutes, take a break for 15 minutes, and then sleep 2 hours after that,” Assia recalls. 

During this time, Assia discovered CancerConnection.ca, the Canadian Cancer Society’s online peer support community. Reading the stories of other people affected by cancer made her feel less alone and provided answers to her questions. Over time, she began to participate in discussions and appreciated CancerConnection.ca as a place for understanding and connection without judgement.

It’s just a small amount of time – an hour a week – which does me a world of good, and I know that I’m doing a lot of good for the people who are there. I could not meet them otherwise – some live in Baie Comeau, Gatineau, in Abitibi. 

Now in remission, Assia has returned to work full time and to many of the activities she enjoys, while continuing to manage the side effects of hormone therapy.

You think that once you are healed, you are healed. But no, you never go back to the way it was before … but it’s manageable.

Her experience has also allowed her to see the advances made in research firsthand. She had access to a targeted drug, designed specifically for her type of cancer. “I was prescribed a medication that didn’t exist before 2013 and is very targeted. I am here partly because of advances in research,” she says. 

I know that research is progressing to make treatments less intrusive and more effective. It fills me with hope.

 In 2024, Assia registered for the Run for the Cure in Montreal. It was a way for her to support a cause that personally affects her and that funds research, without which she wouldn’t be in remission today. 

The first year, she rallied her family and friends and raised $1,500. Since then, her involvement has continued to grow and change. After participating first on her own and then with her husband, she now wants to form her own team and raise even more funds. 

As soon as I finished my treatments, I signed up for the Run for the Cure. The first year, I was able to walk half the route. The following year, I completed the entire route. My goal this year is to run.

Breast cancer remains the most common type of cancer in women in the country, accounting for a quarter of all new cancer cases. Every year, thousands of people are diagnosed, and the need for progress in breast cancer research remains important.

By participating in the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure, you are joining Canada’s largest breast cancer fundraiser. Every step and every dollar raised helps save and improve lives.