Back

Cathy Gailey Fayetteville, Georgia United States   Changing Gears US 2005 Experienced Rider

I think it is important for all women to know the statistics of breast cancer; however, I think the statistics need to be especially stressed to YOUNG women.  I was 33 years old with no family history when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  I had two young children, Brittany-7 yrs old and Kenny-4 yrs old.  I have been married to the same man for 20 years.  Al is a wonderful husband and has been great supporter through it all.   I am celebrating my seventh year cancer-free survival by combining my love of motorcycles and the cause of breast cancer awareness. 

I am a Realtor with 10 years of experience.  I have participated in the Avon Breast Cancer Walk, Susan G. Komen Walks, and I am currently the 2005 Relay for Life Event Chair for Fayette County, Georgia.   I am a member of the Peachtree City First Baptist Church, volunteer at my children’s schools, ride my Harley, am a member of the Moo Cow Bikers Club, paint ceramics, play drums and generally like to have fun. 

When I discovered my pea size lump, I immediately went to my OB doctor.  His advice was to wait six more months and come back for another check up.  He did not see the need for a mammogram.  When I got home, my husband and mother convinced me to call my General Physician to order a mammogram.  Luckily he said it was a no brainer, see a lump - get a mammogram.  I credit Al and my mom for saving my life by pressuring me into a mammogram. I also credit the doctor for ordering one even though a specialist said it wasn’t necessary, since in 1997 you were required to have a referral for a mammogram.  Just three short weeks later, I was in the office to get my mammogram. When I offered to show the technician where the pea size lump was.  The OB doctor told me not to touch it and leave it alone so I had not done another self exam since.  The technician said I didn’t have to show her, she already knew where it was.  It had grown to 5 cm and spread out over half my breast.  Breast Cancer in young women grows more rapidly and therefore is potentially more dangerous.  I encourage all women to listen to their body, and seek additional opinions if they doubt their Doctor’s advice. 

When I went to my first chemo appointment, I wore a Cat in The Hat costume. It was around Halloween, and I wanted the experience to fun and to laugh as much as I could.  That was the best tension breaker I have ever used.  We knew this was a scary experience so we fought it with humor.  Before I lost my hair, we bought our children each a clipper.  They had a blast cutting their initials in my hair, giving me a “Mohawk” and then shaving my head.  We could not have survived this without the humor we possessed.

One day, I decided it would be great if we got motorcycles.  You can imagine my husband’s surprise, because I had never even been on a motorcycle. He felt he had just got me back from the jaws of death (cancer); and now, I was putting myself in harm’s way by riding a motorcycle.  I also had two children to think about, and this was not the safest mode of transportation.  I asked him to go with me to “look” at the motorcycles.  At the store, he fell in love with a yellow Fat Boy.  I told the salesman to write it up, and we presented the keys to my husband!  Now, he was REALLY surprised!  Little did he know, I had a plan and was reeling him in! A few months later I purchased a Sportster 1200 Custom.  I took the Harley Davidson Rider’s Edge Course as my introduction to both motorcycling and motorcycle safety.  We now ride matching 100 th Anniversary Edition Harleys: a Road King Classic and a Sportster 1200 Custom.  We even take our two children riding with us!

In life we must all take chances. That is what makes life worth living.  I took a chance on beating breast cancer and now I am a survivor telling her 7-year story.  My children are older and have become champions for the cause.  I have been asked by many to speak to their friends who are going through cancer because they love my attitude.  I have always told them (and myself) I do not know the outcome, only God does.  I can only tell you to live your life the best that you can.  It isn’t always the quantity but the quality that matters most.  Cherish your family and friends and even yourself.

Click Here to Donate Now!