DAY 4: MARICHU MARRA (ILAO)
 When I think of how breast cancer has changed my life, the first thing that comes to mind is that before this happened I was a different person.
Before cancer, I was a classic “Wonder Woman”. Overachieving as a wife, mother, and in my career I ensured every detail of my life and my family’s was perfect. I took some things for granted like my health. Always too busy to take care of myself.
After discovering a lump in my breast, my first reaction was to get right on it, consistent with my personality. Fear and anxiety followed. My diagnosis came very quickly after a biopsy and a mammogram. Sam, my husband accompanied me to the physician’s office when Dr. Padonou sympathetically delivered the news that the lump was a malignant tumor. I was calm but broke down once my husband accompanied me outside.
I underwent surgery immediately. Everything that could go wrong did. The tumor was very aggressive and a second surgery was required. The surgeries were followed by six bouts of chemotherapy. I became dehydrated and developed superficial blood clots leading to a port on my chest to better administer chemo. After having been in a host of fashion extravaganzas and having my hair as a showpiece in the past, seemed a lifetime ago as I watched it all fall out. Though nothing was more devastating than gazing at my weekly planners as I wondered what would become of my precious family.
The healing process was very difficult. Prior to breast cancer, I was the person who was helping others. For the first time, I had to accept unconditional help.
I knew how sick I was as the children didn’t fight or show their day to day problems anymore. They were a great help to me but I remember how happy I was when I reached a stage in my recovery where they began to return to normal, talking back to me about various issues and bickering once more. I also remember the privilege of being able to taste my food again and to wake up feeling energized.
It’s a far cry from worrying about whether my children’s outfits matched, or whether there are fresh flowers in the powder room. It is with great pride to finally see what matters. This journey has also allowed me to see the importance of letting others help without feeling the guilt of accepting that support. Although I am sad that it took such a horrible disease and all this time to learn these lessons, they have been a blessing and have changed the life of my family and myself in a very positive way.
God never seems to amaze me at the miracles He has created in my life. This one is to send you the message of hope. It has come in many forms and especially through people like the ones at the Betty Wallace Clinic. From Louise Koyanagi, Lead Nurse to my surgeon Dr. Padonou, Sandy Thayer who helped me deliver this message and Kevin Wallace who’s ride of commitment to putting an end to Breast Cancer has been an inspiration and a further affirmation of hope. Go Kevin!
|
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.
|
