This inspiration couldn't have come at a better time. I was of course thinking about the tour divide and if I was ready and would I have what it takes to get it done. My blog was overdue so I went on my site to read hoping that I would get inspired. What I got was that and more. I noticed that there was a comment under one of the posts. The comment was from someone named Cameron and asked if I could contact him about my blog. What came of it is exactly what I needed to inspire me. I would like to share his story ( with his permission).
Lessons from a Caregiver for a Cancer Survivor
Beginning on November 21, 2005 my life completely changed. Later on, I would learn to recognize the positive effects of this experience, but during my wife Heather's initial diagnosis I could only respond in shock. On this day, the doctors told her she had malignant pleural mesothelioma, a rare and extremely deadly form of cancer. From this moment on, I became my wife's caregiver and struggled to be the rock she needed during this difficult time.
Heather and I had just had our first child, Lily, three months before. We had been preparing to celebrate her first Christmas when the news arrived. The doctor told us we had three options. We could seek treatment at a local university, a regional hospital or with a mesothelioma specialist in Boston. As I waited for my wife to respond, I realized that the shock and fear had immobilized her. I spoke for the both of us and decided that we would seek treatment with the Boston specialist, Dr. David Sugarbaker. We could only hope that he would be able to save her.
For tow months, our schedules were thrown into disarray. We went from being a two income house to living off of my now part-time earnings. Outside of work, I spent my time taking care of my wife and raising our daughter. Every day, I faced the fear that my wife would die. I had to somehow manage to keep our finances together and keep our house. In front of me was the constant terror that we would lose everything and that I would be left a widower. More than once, I collapsed in tears as I thought about all the possibilities. Despite my fear, I worked to remain strong for my wife and never let her see me when I was at my weakest. My determination to be there for her always outweighed my fears.
With help from family, friends and complete strangers, we struggled through the most difficult time of our lives. For anyone who has to suffer with a cancer diagnosis, the only piece of advice I can give is to accept all of the help that is offered. Every bit of help is one less thing you have to worry about.
Being a caregiver is not a simple task. You have to deal with the stress and turmoil every day. It is the toughest challenge you will ever face and one that does not end. You can have bad days, and that is expected. Whenever things are at their worst, just never forget to have hope for the future.
After countless struggles, my wife managed to defeat cancer. She underwent a risky extrapheural pneumonectomy surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, and despite the frightening odds we were given, she has remained cancer free to this day. It has been seven years now since she we initially diagnosed. through the struggles, I learnt how to transform my stubbornness into a positive trait and how to believe in the power of hope. I hope that by sharing my story here, I can help others in their own battles with cancer today.
I don't know Cameron personally but am honoured that he would share his story with me. Since the death of my father from cancer I have always wanted to help others in their fight. Cameron, Heather and Lily are exactly the reason for my continued commitment to raising money for cancer. I am thankful for the inspiration Cameron has given me to do what I'm doing, raising money for cancer and riding the Tour Divide. I hope my adventure will inspire others to overcome challenges and go for their dreams.
I am adding a very important project that Cameron and Heather sent me this past week. It is an important message to spread awareness and support to other cancer patients. Heather and Cameron are a great inspiration to not only cancer patients and their families but all of us. Check out the following video project.
http://can.cr/heather
