DAY 5: BLANCHE TAIT
 Cancer does not just happen to one person. It happens to the person’s family and friends. Cancer is so insidious and pervasive that it touches everyone. When told “you have cancer” your self-esteem, your security, and your optimism about life and your future are visibly shaken. I am a breast cancer survivor and although there isn’t much to be thankful for when you are diagnosed with breast cancer, I do know deep in my heart and should that I am definitely one of the lucky ones. But there is something about having cancer that stays with you, preventing you from putting this illness out of your mind and into the past. Perhaps it is because of the huge sense of loss experienced through this illness, what you fear for the future, and ultimately, how you have changed from the whole experience. You do not have to look far to find inspirational stories from other survivors reflecting on the gifts that a life-threatening illness has brought into their lives. Dealing with a diagnosis and the uncertainty of a life threatening illness is very disabling. But I have discovered through my experience that illness breaks barriers and healing is very much connected with philosophy and spirituality as well as treatment. It is through this truly transformative process, with the support of caring doctors, friends and family that I survived this illness with a dramatically changed outlook on life! That is why I am honored to provide my testimonial to others in hope that some day there will be a cure for this dreaded disease and that I can in some way secure a future without breast cancer for my daughters, my friends and others.
For almost 4 months I experienced symptoms that should have prompted me to seek medical attention. However because of work and family priorities I put aside my needs for the time being. On the advice of others, I finally went to a physician but my symptoms were confusing and I was initially misdiagnosed. The symptoms persisted yet I waited 3 more months (summer vacation) before I went to a physician again, which was followed by a mammogram and two biopsies. One month later I was diagnosed with Mammary Paget’s Disease. I had no options other than surgery so my treatment was a radical mastectomy followed by immediate reconstructive trans-flap procedure. Fortunately DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) is a non invasive cancer which is confined to the ducts or lobules and does not spread to the surrounding tissues or other parts of the body. It can, however, raise your risk for a more serious, invasive cancer in the future. My team of doctors from Trillium Hospital was outstanding. It was through their care and decision making that I learned a very powerful lesson which was, “believe that you have the power to take loss and make it something beautiful”. Medicine and skillful doctors all made it possible for me to wake up from surgery whole and complete which had a huge impact on my emotional and physical recovery. Restoring the breast during surgery, rather than after, went a long way towards restoring my spirit and my self-confidence.
Since my diagnosis and treatment I have become involved in the promotion of the Betty Wallace Women’s Health Centre and the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). The Betty Wallace Center and the trained health professionals of the Trillium Hospital are a wonderful example of how the medical field can play an enormous role in empowering people to mindfulness. The Center and the OBSP are an example of how the medical profession brings to us knowledge, technology, medicine, and support in a professional and comfortable environment. Early detection of breast cancer can save many lives. Every woman needs to be encouraged to be vigilant in self-exams and regular screening procedures. With the average woman having 1 in 9 chances of developing breast cancer in her lifetime the OBSP program offers many women the opportunity to detect small cancers even before they can be felt and the best chance of being cured. Since there is not a way yet known to prevent breast cancer this program is our best chance to reduce mortality for women. Women today already have stressful lifestyles (which can play a huge role in the development of cancer) and having to attend to health needs just adds another stress. That stress can be reduced when you know that there is a facility such as the Betty Wallace Women’s Health Centre that will take an active role in your care.
Four months after my diagnosis, my husband was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Again due to early detection he was also able to avoid the spreading of invasive cancer. We have both learned that by love and support of our family and friends there is nothing too great to bear and each day can be a new beginning. My personal philosophy on life is that we are all here to help and support each other. It is this connectedness that sustains life. I am grateful that we are now in a decade where the stigma about cancer has lifted and people have the desire and the courage to make a difference. In the words of St. Augustine, “Hope has two daughters…one named Anger and one named Courage… Anger at what is wrong and Courage to change it! I am very grateful there are people like Kevin Wallace and others who selflessly give of their time and energy to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for cancer. They also provide hope for cancer survivors and those at risk of contracting cancer in the future. I wish Kevin much success in his courageous cycling journey across America and for those who support him financially in hope of finding a cure for this disease.
Blanche Tait
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Post Race Reports/Articles
Read post race articles from Oliver Moore of the Globe and Mail, Danny Chew of RaceAcrossAmerica.org, and Race Crew commentary. Read More.
A Note From Kevin on Day 6
I must say I am both humbled and appreciative of each of your comments. They mean so much to me providing much needed energy to myself and my team. Read More.
Dedications
As the endless miles attack Kevin's legs and soul, he'll draw strength from
thoughts of these eight courageous women. Read More.
Kevin's Message
I would like to thank my friends that are not on my crew during the race but have been part of the crew in preparation. Read More.
The Quest
Team Race makes it official. Our intent is to break the Mens SOLO RAAM record. Read More.
Kevin's Gear List
I am packing some last minute items on the eve of flying out to start line and I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Read More.
Kevin's Reflection from RAAM 2004
To compete in Race Across America (RAAM) was a dream come true. Read More.
The World's Toughest Race
Still the numbers are provocative and set ones mind to churning, and when the churning is done and the initial disbelief lingers. Read More.
RAAM DNF - The Noble Defeat
Today we will explore some of the DNF Dragons that have seduced, cajoled, and downright wrestled past RAAM riders to give up. Read More.
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