Robin’s Cancer Olympics

“I want to leave you with 3 main points,” says Robin McGee, author of The Cancer Olympics, and guest speaker at our first Talk Life Community Event.

1. This book is a love letter.

It’s one way that Robin is saying thank you to the many friends and family members who supported her throughout her cancer journey.

2. Democracy Works.

 Write letters to your politicians. Social media can work to create social change.

3. Be vigilant about your own health care. Follow up on your referrals. Ask questions. Seek other opinions. Take responsibility for your own health care.

What Robin is talking about is her battle with colorectal cancer which began in 2008.

When Robin first went to the doctor with her symptoms, she was bounced around amongst 4 doctors – none of whom followed up with her, or gave her adequate care, or declared the severity of her symptoms when passing her on to another doctor. As a result, Robin went 22 months before having a scope and being diagnosed with Stage 3C colorectal cancer. It was almost too late.

“It was a perfect storm of medical mismanagement,” she says.

Robin then went through 2 brutal years of chemo, radiation and two surgeries.Now, almost 4 years later, Robin is cancer free and working on patient advocacy committees to ensure that the same medical mismanagement doesn’t happen to others.

Her entire story is chronicled in her book, The Cancer Olympics.

Journey with Robin through her cancer journey and her fight for a cancer drug to be approved in Nova Scotia.

This is a story of friendship and love. It’s a story of being strong in the face of adversity, and it’s a story of the power of love and friendship.

You can read my full review of the book here.

Talk Life Community

• On October 15, 2014, Robin McGee bravely stood in front of a group of 40 women to share her story. She was applauded for being a hero and a remarkable woman. We all had something to learn. In fact, several people have already called their doctors for either an appointment or to follow up on a referral (one of which had indeed been lost in transfer!)

Robin McGee was the perfect speaker to launch the new women’s group, Talk Life Community (TLC) of which I am proud to be a founding member.

Laura, Dr. Robin McGee, Lia and Vanessa

Talk Life Community (TLC) was created by three friends who realized how many accomplished women they knew, all with important stories and life lessons to share. The group consists of Lia Glover, Port Williams, and Vanessa Gennette and Laura Churchill Duke, Kentville.

Talk Life Community is a roaming cafe for women. It focuses on the joys and challenges of women of all ages and experiences. Our goal is to share stories from those who have been there, done that. With so many creative, courageous, intelligent and accomplished women in the Valley to tell their stories, we believe you will leave a Talk Life Community event, better than you arrived.

To find more about Talk Life Community and its future events email talklifecommunity@gmail.com or find us on Facebook