Selina Robinson was diagnosed with a rare form of intestinal cancer in 2006 and underwent chemotherapy for 15 years.
In 2021, the Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA was taken off treatment after showing "no evidence of disease" and was able to get into a normal routine.
However, she announced on Tuesday (Feb. 7) the cancer is back and that she's set to start chemotherapy once again.
In the B.C. legislature, she explained to her fellow MLAs a scan revealed the cancer had returned in the form of a small tumour.
She said she received the news on Jan. 27 and acknowledged it was difficult to tell her family once again.
After word got out about Robinson's statement, she received an outpouring of support from politicians and the general public.
"Many thanks and love to everyone sending thoughts, prayers and vibes for my recent news about a reoccurrence of cancer," Robinson said in a social media post.
"I am touched by the love and support."
@tricitynews Selina fighting cancer again. ❤️💪 #tricitynews #coquitlam #maillardville #selinarobinson #bcpoli #cancer #cancersucks #cancersurvivor ♬ original sound - TriCityNews
The scan was the second or third scan since Robinson was taken off chemotherapy.
As a result of the 2006 diagnosis, the now B.C. minister of post-secondary education and future skills had to have six inches of small intestine and "other small parts" removed.
"Radiation doesn't work on this cancer and there was one promising chemotherapy that prevented any cluster of cancer cells from forming a blood supply," said Robinson.
"It just so happens that I kept my leftover pills and started on them again this last weekend."
Robinson says she's "confident" in the "first-line" treatment that lies ahead for her, noting there are five other treatment options if the current one doesn't work.
Others also showed their support for Robinson's fight.
"I have no doubt Selina Robinson will kick cancer’s ass again," said Coquitlam Coun. Matt Djonlic.
"Selina Robinson is the smartest, strongest, fiercest women I've had the honour to know and look up to," said former Coquitlam-Burke Mountain MLA Jodie Wickens.
"Yes, cancer sucks, and I am, in my way, sending healing white light for you to kick cancers butt…again," added one supporter.
"I'm sorry, Selina. But one thing I know is that you are tougher and stronger than cancer and you have all of us in your corner," said another.
During her speech, Robinson urged members of the legislature to join her in the B.C. Cancer Foundation's Tour de Cure cycling fundraiser, saying she is here because of research done to discover additional cancer treatments.
As of this publication, she's raised nearly $5,200 of her $8,000 goal. The Tour de Cure from Cloverdale to Hope is set for Aug. 26 and 27.
- with a file from The Canadian Press
