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We welcome Blaine Mauldin, of Napa California, to our Echelon Gran Fondo Cycling Series, and would like to share with you with his story as a cancer survivor, as a cyclist, and as a tremendous advocate of fighting this ugly disease.
As you know, the Echelon Gran Fondo Cycling series is a unique partnership with our participants/donors, our volunteers, our corporate partners and our beneficiaries, resulting in a tremendously fulfilling experience for all involved. Our ultimate outcome is to offer a significant contribution to cancer-focused organizations. In the case of our Napa Event, in which Blaine will be participating, our key local beneficiaries are Queen of the Valley Hospital, Martin-O’Neil Cancer Center at the St. Helena Hospital, and on national level, LIVESTRONG™.
In his own words, here is Blaine’s journey…
Brief Diagnosis & Treatment Timeline/Experience:
“After about a week of lower abdominal pain in October 2006, I went to the
ER, got an ultrasound and some blood work done, and was told on the spot
that there was a 95% chance that I had testicular cancer. It was unreal
how in flick of a switch my life had changed course.
I have been asked how much pain I had – or what made me head to the ER, but
the truth is that I just knew something was wrong with me. I was really
tired all the time and fatigued easily…I just felt off.
The day after heading to the ER, I saw an oncologist who confirmed my cancer
diagnosis, and informed me that I needed to have surgery…The next day! I
had surgery, blood work, then waited about a month for my next round of
tests.
The CT Scan and blood work showed that the cancer had spread to some of my
lymph nodes in my lower back, which we would treat immediately with
chemotherapy. During my treatments, I was always pretty anxious about my
blood tests. I would have to take blood tests each morning before I started
my treatments to make sure my white blood cell counts were high enough to
withstand treatments. I would worry about having set backs in my treatment,
and not being able to move forward.
I did nine weeks of intense chemotherapy to treat the cancer, mostly 9-10
hour days. This is something that no one would ever want to go through, but
I kept focused on getting better. Getting strong. Getting back to a “normal”
life. After my nine-week cycle was done, we waited a few weeks, and then
followed up with blood work, a CT scan and chest x-ray. The treatment had
worked to eliminate the cancer and by the first week of February 2007, I was
in remission. This was an unbelievable day for me – and it’s just hard to
describe how I felt.
I just passed my three-year mark of being cancer free.
I am currently on a 3 to 4 month check-up plan, with blood work, and
alternating CT scans and chest x-rays.
Mental/Personal Effect of Cancer:
From the day I was diagnosed, to the day I started remission, there was
little time and energy to realize and think about what was going on. I was
focused 100% on what I needed to do that day, and the next day, to get
myself better. After my treatment was done, the depth and impact of what I
had been through started to sink in. It is still sinking in to this day.
My family and friends have been an incredible source of support throughout
my entire experience. Even though these people know me best and have been
here from day one, there is still a bit of disconnect in terms of what I
have been through.
Since my recovery, I have been more and more involved with cancer
fundraisers and initiatives through the Breakaway from Cancer bike ride, as
well as the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s LiveStrong Challenge. In 2009 I
did all four of the LiveStrong Challenge events. The fellow cancer survivors
I have met through these events have been incredibly inspirational and
supportive of me. Sharing stories and having an instant connection that is
so strong with someone that has experienced what you have is incredible.
What I am Doing Now and Why:
I ride and run in fundraising events now to remember ones we have lost,
honor ones who are fighting the disease everyday, celebrate my health, and
most importantly, for hope!
For hope that something I have done could make one moment, of one day,
easier for a patient. For hope every person dealing with this terrible
disease has the right, as they deserve, to the absolute best care possible.
And for hope others will never have to look their family and fiends in the
eyes, and tell them “I have cancer”, as I was forced to do just over 3 years
ago...
When I heard about the Echelon Gran Fondo in Napa, not only did I want to
sign up because Napa is my hometown, but because I support the mission of
the Echelon organization. The proceeds are going to these very important
local cancer institutions – as well as LiveStrong. I have created my own
team and look forward to raising money for this event – which I know will be
incredibly memorable.
I am a 3 year testicular cancer survivor and will continue to prove that
cancer survivors do amazing things everyday!”