FWIW I had a friend a long time ago who was a hiker not a runner (and unfortunately still a pack-a-day smoker) who was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer in his 20's. After every chemo he would hike up a local mountain (3000' gain in 4 miles) in the belief that it would flush things through and keep him strong. Something worked because 15 years later he was still in full remission, and still hiking that mountain. Best of luck to your noble cause.
Reality Bath wrote:
FWIW I had a friend a long time ago who was a hiker not a runner (and unfortunately still a pack-a-day smoker) who was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer in his 20's. After every chemo he would hike up a local mountain (3000' gain in 4 miles) in the belief that it would flush things through and keep him strong. Something worked because 15 years later he was still in full remission, and still hiking that mountain. Best of luck to your noble cause.
I have no presumptions (based on science, stats and facts) that all my efforts will work. I just hope. I have seen too many people who SHOULD be dead, but, are not. Science is a powerful tool, but, when you fall into the statistical group drug corporations won't help because it's unprofitable, the charm and seemingly magical power of medicine gets a little less impressive. So, you turn to other things. I am not pretending that science is bad. It has saved my life. But, in the long run, they will be the first ones to tell me, "We don't have a cure." In fact, they have...many, many times. A kid in my neighborhood who has the same thing (there are only about 25 of us a year in the US and he's 1 mile away). Our nickname for this guy is "Dr. Death" because, no matter what you have gone through, no matter how many times you have seen him, he will tell you, every time, without fail, "We have no cure." I have gotten to the point where I completely distrust him because I think he's just into making sure I fit his study stats. Okay, total rabbit trail.
It's one of those things where if someone really thinks what they'd do in your shoes, maybe they realize they don't consider themselves so brave, but then to see someone else doing it can be life-changing.
Dr. Death's policy certainly protects him doesn't it? If he's right, well he said so. If he's wrong everyone is thrilled. Whereas if he gives a good prognosis and he's wrong...
Anyway, thanks for sharing and I hope your running and your life go well.
phenomenal wrote:
It's one of those things where if someone really thinks what they'd do in your shoes, maybe they realize they don't consider themselves so brave, but then to see someone else doing it can be life-changing.
Dr. Death's policy certainly protects him doesn't it? If he's right, well he said so. If he's wrong everyone is thrilled. Whereas if he gives a good prognosis and he's wrong...
Anyway, thanks for sharing and I hope your running and your life go well.
Oh. I totally get why he does what he does. He's a super-sharp guy. You don't get to be a research fellow at a major cancer institute by being stupid. I just feel, at times, like science has lost its soul. Sure, taking this tact will protect him, but, what I have is largely a pediatric disease. You tell parents and kids this (unlike stubborn, argumentative adults such as myself) and they won't question and may never have a chance. I think if most people hear a doctor say, "Put your affairs in order." they truly believe them. I accept their insights as being valid, but, also recognize science is a limited and imperfect thing. I'll take my chances with unapproved methods (out of sheer determination) but still keep an ear open to what they say.
I know it's off track, but, I prayed, "God if you want me to believe in miracles, here's your chance." We'll see how that one works out. Still waiting to have an answer. According to Dr. Death I should have been dead a year ago. On my second visit to see him (after postponing chemo to try some alternative stuff) he said he was "surprised I was still alive" and my actions were "boneheaded". Those are literal, exact words. I'm not kidding.
Day 2 (pre-run): right Achilles is twinging with very mild pain. So, the eternal question: risk it or not? : ) Probably will.
Is the pain up high by the calf or is it low by the heel?
I've had some pain/twinges in my upper Achilles by my calf and those stupid looking calf sleeves during runs and compression socks after have helped a lot.
Low. Starts on towards the outside (right leg) about 3 inches above the heel and runs up about 5 inches. Feels about 1/2 wide, so, more than likely just a narrow strain. This is the leg I broke in October, so, I am not surprised to have something flare up. My mechanics are all funky now. My right leg (at the quad) is also much weaker, so, it's from heel to hip that things are off.
That does sound like a strain. I don't know how much compression helps that.
Ice.
Are you doing any cross training?
Does sitting on my butt staring at a computer 10-12 hours a day count? If not, no. I have been walking off and on, but, the effort level is too low to get my blood volumes/strength back up. Man, I'd hate to have to take a day off on day 2 of my comeback. Grrr....
I was thinking more like low impact strength exercises.
Body-weight lunges, squats, pushups, back extensions, bird dogs, etc.
redux wrote:
I was thinking more like low impact strength exercises.
Body-weight lunges, squats, pushups, back extensions, bird dogs, etc.
Yeah, I have a swiss ball for core stuff (my bigger issue), but, adding these in would be a good idea. I was doing single leg squats (a very weak, poor man's version) by standing on a stair step and lowering my other leg until it hits the lower step. It's the equivalent of 30 degree knee extensions. Build up the quad (vastus medialus) which seems to be my weakest point right now. Calves (doing single leg raises on the steps) seem like another obvious logical addition. What are bird dogs? Haven't heard that nickname yet.
Bird dog is a core exercise but it also works on coordination and balance.
This is how I like to do it.
Get on all fours with your knees and arms at hip and shoulder width.
Extend right arm and left leg at the same time until they are straight and parallel to the ground. Make sure you extend them in unison. Hold for a couple seconds.
Bring them back in, but don't return to the starting position yet. Instead bring you elbow and knee together and squeeze your core. Hold for a couple seconds.
Repeat 5 times. Then do the other side.
I'll do a few sets as part of my off day cross training.
redux wrote:
Bird dog is a core exercise but it also works on coordination and balance.
This is how I like to do it.
Get on all fours with your knees and arms at hip and shoulder width.
Extend right arm and left leg at the same time until they are straight and parallel to the ground. Make sure you extend them in unison. Hold for a couple seconds.
Bring them back in, but don't return to the starting position yet. Instead bring you elbow and knee together and squeeze your core. Hold for a couple seconds.
Repeat 5 times. Then do the other side.
I'll do a few sets as part of my off day cross training.
Okay. I do that one. Use the name Superman, but, I could see bird dog too.
Do you have access to a gym where you could maybe run in a pool or use an elliptical trainer or do some other non-weight bearing facsimile to running?
Yeah. I intended on joining in January, but, my portion of copays has slayed my disposable income for a few months. This is my free alternative until that time come. I did get a Swiss ball, have some free weights, a bike, and, a treadmill.
Good luck! Even if you don't break 20 for a 5k (and for the record, I think you will), there's something to be said for the daily, purposeful training. I think what you're doing for yourself is really great. Congratulations on your resiliency. I'll stop before I start to sound too polly-anna :)
That sucks, bro. Can't imagine having to do chemo forever. Will any of that change when Obamacare takes over?
efhutton wrote:
That sucks, bro. Can't imagine having to do chemo forever. Will any of that change when Obamacare takes over?
Good question. I doubt it. Ironically, my sister runs a state health department (and had to figure out how it applied to her division of 15,000 people), yet, I haven't asked her. She'd probably know pretty well...unless state and corporate are different. My health care (HSA) has been absolutely amazing. I come out of pocket a couple of grand and they cover everything else. No lifetime max. Last year I paid something like $28,000 in medical bills between everything I went through though. May be worth looking into. I know I wish I had life insurance though. I barely had any ($215k) at a couple of bucks a month. No way I'll ever be able to bump that up.
Note to young healthy parents/couples. Pay the extra money for $500k or $1m life insurance policy. Sure, it seems like a waste of money, but, let me be a testimony; you have no idea when it will come. And, if you're not prepared, it'll really be an unfortunate thing for your family when you're gone. Heck, in my case, $15 a month would have covered everything. In my case, I think my wife would be able to sell our current house, pay off the mortgage and have a little down payment for a smaller house were I to pass. Had I not been a foolhardy idiot and gone for the larger policy she would be able to not work and just take care of our kids for a few years while mending from the loss. Oh, the things you consider in situations like this.
Pulling for you, man. I'm a mid-30's guy with a wife and 2 kids. I can't even imagine what you are going through.
I really hope stupid people stay off of this thread so I can follow your progress.
Sorry to hear your story. Wish you luck. What kind of cancer do you have? Sounds like a rare sarcoma the way you are describing it