Back on the bike
Cancer survivor making the most of her second chance
Mother of three Donna Pelletier looks much the same as any other 50-year-old woman. In fact, she appears to be in much better shape than a lot of them.
She has three children, a responsible job and is fit enough to take part in a 100-mile bike ride across the rocky terrain of Nevada. But looks can be deceiving.
For the past four years, Donna has been suffering from stage four metastatic breast cancer and is currently undergoing yet another round of grueling chemotherapy.
"I've always been a positive person, but you can't be positive all the time," she said. "I do get weepy at night sometimes and I have cried on the way to chemo, but you do what you have to do. You need to make a choice rather than dwell on things. I just focus on today and believe my cup's half full. I have good medication, good support and a lot of faith."
Donna, who lives in Warrenville, was working for a Fortune 100 company in Illinois when a simple accident changed her life. Reaching into the back of her car for her briefcase, she hurt her back. After six weeks of chiropractic therapy with little improvement, she got a second opinion.
"I had an MRI which detected stage four metastatic breast cancer," she said. "That meant it had spread to my bones, right through my ribs, hips and knees. I had been six months late for my mammogram, but I don't neglect my health. I eat right and exercise, but we just don't know where it comes from sometimes."
Donna faced weeks of chemotherapy treatment. After three months the cancer was completely gone.
"The first thing that went through my mind when I was diagnosed was total disbelief," she said. "I thought of oncology as an old person's word. I thought at 46 I was too young. You can never, ever be prepared."
As soon as she was well enough, Donna returned to work. But instead of going back to her job in relationship management, she knew she wanted to give something back. She applied to be a volunteer for a metastatic support group. Initially rejected because she was still having treatment, a few months later they offered her a position as quality assurance manager.
"We are not medically trained, but we offer peer support and empowerment," Donna said. "Anyone who calls will be spoken to by someone who has walked in her shoes."
This weekend Donna will take part in the second annual Breast Cancer Network of Strength Bike Ride in Red Rock, Nev. Last year she rode 57 miles. She hopes to manage the full 100 miles this time.
Medical research has brought her hope.
"I have heard of someone being out of metastatic cancer for 10 years," she said. "If I had got this five years ago I wouldn't be here now."
Donna advises other women to be in tune with their bodies and not be afraid to be checked out if they think something is wrong.
"Women often put themselves last, but we need to prioritize ourselves," she said. "Ask for second opinions and ask questions."
Since her original diagnosis, Donna's cancer has returned twice -- in 2007 and earlier this year.
"My life is now on a three-month rule," she said. "Every three months I have a scan, and that determines how the next three months will be."
For more information, visit www.bridgembc.com and www.networkofstrength.org .
Hilary Decent would like to hear your stories about women in the community. E-mail her at hilarydecent@yahoo.co.uk.
