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The Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk

Yesterday, I watched the 3 day walk pass by my neighborhood. They were just starting their 3 day challenge so everybody was looking good. I had 2 friends walking in it, so I went to support them. As I observed and after having read their website the night before, I reflected on the amazing power of this event. Thousands of people participate (mostly women). There is a mix of young and old, healthy and not-so healthy, men and women. The line of walkers just kept coming. I watched for over 1 hour and did not see the first walkers nor the last. The participants were organized into teams as evidenced by their outfits. Overall, there was a strong sense of comraderie and support. Cars, vans, buses, and bicycles all passed by with blaring horns, uplifting music, and cheering fans. There were fans scattered on the street cheering and just watching. This was a "happening" not just a walk.

The website suggested that we think about people we have known who have died of breast cancer, were currently getting treated for breast cancer, or were attempting to prevent breast cancer. I felt "wowed" by the magnitude and prevalence of this condition. I remembered the many women who I knew as a doctor and friend who had been touched by this disease. I remembered telling women that their mammograms were abnormal and needed further evaluation. I remembered the intensity and gravity of these conversations. I remembered the relief that the fortunate many felt whose further testing proved that they were ok; that they did not have breast cancer. I remembered the people (men and women) who went on to have breast cancer. I remembered the people who "got cured" with surgery. Then I remembered the
women with metastatic disease that we guided through chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and more. Some of these women got to join the list of the cured. Some did not. Some died. Some I met at the cancer center. Some I met through my hospice work.

The stories flood my mind as I write this. Some were dramatically affected by their experience.
One lady truly found God and a new spirituality during her treatment. Another lady went through the therapy with more of a mechanical perspective--fix the defect and move on. Both those ladies have done well. Another lady came to value herself as more than a mother, caretaker and provider during the course of her treatment. One of my favorite patients at the cancer center seemed to grow wiser and deeper with each round of therapy. She met each new situation with an openness and desire to learn and heal that made her care team continually amazed by her resilience. She eventually died from the disease but we watched her become more and more powerful as the disease was taking over her body. She had a healing all through the course of her illness. She died in love with herself and at peace with her life.

While watching these noble warriors walk, I thought about walking 20 miles 3 days in a row. I have never even walked close to 20 miles in a day; let alone doing it again tomorrow and again the next day. Where do these people get the strength, endurance and fortitude? This is not just a walk. This must be a spiritual experience. This taps into something far greater than just walking. This involves a whole community coming together, rising above normal human capacity, and accomplishing the impossible. This is what healing is all about--combining mind, body and spirit to elevate to another plane. One of my friends was doing the event with her 2 daughters to change the "consciousness" of her family. I did not understand this when she first explained it to me, but I do now. The other friend I came to see was doing this walk for the 8th time! She has a strength that she extends to all she touches; and she touches a LOT of people.

These 3 day walks are happening all across the USA. This elevation is coming to thousands of people and being witnessed by millions. I am truly humbled by this movement. While millions of dollars are being raised for breast cancer research, this pales in comparison to the awareness and connection that this event generates all throughout our land. There is a movement happening and I am deeply grateful that I was able to witness it first hand.

Comments

Katie Kobayashi said…
I am moved to tears by this entry, Dr. Kalina. I hope you remember me at the cancer center, because, I'll never forget you. Your blog entries validate my experience and moreover give me strength to keep on keepin on.

Love,
Kathleen Kobayashi
I like the attitude of this patient's view on cancer "a mechanical perspective--fix the defect and move on"

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