YOU had cancer?

You had cancer? It is probably the question I have heard the most in the last four years. This month, four years ago, I was beginning to lose my hair. I had just begun my 8 rounds of chemo. It still seems surreal.

Will (my husband of 17 months) and I went to France in July to watch the Tour de France. It was Lance’s seventh tour and it was amazing to have the opportunity to cycle in a place such as France. On July 16th, we rode Le Tourmalet before the pros arrived . It was my favorite bicycle ride ever. I don’t remember how many miles but I remember how steep it was. Fans cheered for me and asked me if I wanted a push. Supposedly, they aren’t used to seeing women cycle, so I guess I was a strange sight. I met a Frenchman who spoke a little English and with my very limited French we conversed. We met 3 miles from the town of La Mongie which was the finish line for that particular stage. I have to admit, I really struggled those last few miles. The Frenchman, whose name I do not remember only that he rode an older Eddie Merckx bicycle, encouraged me by saying “courage” and “allez”. I will never forget that day and the encouragement that got me to the top of that huge mountain.

Shortly after we returned from France, I found a lump in my left breast. Initially I really didn’t think much of it, but thankfully I had it checked out and was scheduled for a biopsy within two weeks. I remember September 2nd, 2004 like it was yesterday. I was recovering from the biopsy at my boyfriend’s house (Will and I were still dating at the time) and Dr. Rippon called to tell me that my biopsy was positive for cancer. She also told me that I didn’t have clear margins. She went on to tell me that Will would be by to pick me up and bring me to her office. I remember asking Will how many times he had told someone they had cancer. He was quiet for a minute but said lots of time, but this is different.

I decided to have surgery and chemotherapy. It wasn’t easy taking chemo. Being 29 years old and having breast cancer is quite a shock to most people. Jo, Dr. Rippon’s nurse, told me that cancer was like a “big bump in the road” and that I would get over the “bump”. I often thought of my ride up the Tourmalet and the man I met. It kept me going during the low times. Will was great during the entire process. I’m sure some parts were pretty scary for him, but he never let me know. My mama and daddy were very supportive also. Mama came to Greenville for every one of my treatments. Will and my mama became very good friends during the process. I often joke about Dr. Rippon and Dr. Gococo making me well and Dr. Lovett putting me back together. I will forever be grateful for the care I received. I hope I make them proud.

So four years later I am riding to Austin with my teammates Kerrie, Crystal and Susannah and my support guys Tom and Joe because I CAN.