When Claire Lemiski, a pilot, was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer at 36, she suddenly felt like a passenger in her own life. Claire had found a lump in her breast but was dismissed because she was considered “too young.” When the lump continued to grow, she advocated for herself to have it properly checked.
Just after Christmas in 2022, Claire was on the way home from flight simulator training when she received a call confirming that she had breast cancer.
“It felt like having my wings clipped mid-flight,” Claire recalls.
Claire had watched her father go through male breast cancer years earlier, but facing her own diagnosis of stage III breast cancer was different and suddenly, her days were filled with biopsies, scans and tests.
“I felt like a passenger along for a chaotic ride I hadn’t chosen.”
Becoming a partner in her care
Claire came to Women’s College Hospital in early 2023, where she met breast surgical oncologist Dr. David Lim to discuss her options.
After chemotherapy, Claire would need a mastectomy. Dr. Lim walked her through different options and gave her time to consider what felt right for her. As Claire explored her options and connected with other women who had undergone mastectomies, she learned about Aesthetic Flat Closure, a surgical option that creates a smooth, flat chest contour after a mastectomy rather than reconstructing the breast. For Claire, this felt like the right choice.
As she learned more about the procedure, Claire came to her next appointment with questions.
“Armed with this knowledge, I approached my next meeting with Dr. Lim not as a passenger, but as a member of the crew,” she shares. “Dr. Lim listened, respected my choice and collaborated with me to chart our surgical course.”
That feeling of partnership continued throughout Claire’s care at Women’s.
Ahead of her surgery, her care team walked her through what to expect, helping ease her fears about undergoing major surgery for the first time. Afterward, physiotherapist Tania Obljubek worked with Claire to rebuild her strength and range of motion and helped her manage post-surgical risks.
“Every step of the way, Tania was invested in me not just surviving, but thriving,” Claire says.
Claire also received support from a social worker at Women’s throughout her treatment, helping her process the emotional impact of her diagnosis and prepare for her eventual return to work.
From surviving to thriving
Three years after her surgery, Claire has a lot to celebrate.
After 595 days on the ground, she returned to the flight deck. She joined Dragons Abreast, a breast cancer survivor dragon boat team, and married her husband, Oliver.
Claire describes this chapter of her life as a transition from “surviving a medical storm to actively building a full, vibrant life.”
Today, Claire gives back to Women’s College Hospital with both her time and financial support. She has spoken at Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day for the past two years, an annual event at Women’s that brings together breast reconstruction experts and people with lived experience to help women explore their options and make informed decisions about their care. Reflecting on being a donor, Claire notes, “I donate because I’ve experienced firsthand the difference WCH’s patient-centered model makes. Supporting the Foundation ensures that groundbreaking clinical programs, preventative research and compassionate care continue to be funded for the next person who walks through those doors.”
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Claire hopes others will consider supporting the care, research and programs that helped her move forward.
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Cancer changed my body and my life, but it also taught me the power of self-advocacy and community. I am deeply grateful to the care team at Women’s College Hospital for treating me as a partner in my care and helping me fly again.”