Rachel Duchac

My name is Rachel Duchac, I am 64 years old, single, and originally from WI! I am semi-retired, love to workout at the gym, hike, practice yoga, garden, cook, volunteer and so much more! I have 3 grown children, and 2 precious grandsons, one that was just born on June 11!

In February of 2018, I was diagnosed with cancer of the parotid salivary gland on my right side, and on April 3rd I underwent surgery to remove the salivary gland, a few lymph nodes and reconstruction of my earlobe! I was fortunate to not have to undergo any further treatment at that time!

In April of 2022, I was diagnosed with high grade DCIS in my left breast, they found a golf ball sized tumor, so the best option for me was to have a Uni-lateral mastectomy! It was by far the hardest thing I have ever done, but again, I was fortunate to not have to undergo any further treatment!

Cancer changed me for the better, and even though these times were incredibly difficult, I am so grateful for each day that I have my health! To me health is wealth! I choose to eat a clean healthy mostly plant-based diet, and exercise 4 times a week at The Life Center gym! I was fortunate to be offered 24 sessions with a personal trainer via The Moving On program that is offered to all cancer patients via Prisma Health! Today I am in better shape than I was before my mastectomy, and this truly has been the silver lining for me! I am grateful to the entire team of Dr’s, nurses and those at The Life Center that helped me get to where I am today! Every day is a gift, and I have much to be thankful for! I am honored to be chosen as a C3 Warrior and look forward to the time in Maine in September!