Sunday longer run

Well I was feeling aerodynamic today as I headed out for a 60 minute run with Lori.  Everything went well and no toque required.  Still feeling good and getting ready for the start of the New Year and the beginning of cycle #2.

Houston we have Velcro...

Well today did not go exactly as planned.  The drain in the shower was not working very well this morning as I noticed water in the bottom of the tub only to discover the drain screen blocked by what appeared to be hair; my hair!  when brushing, it continued to fall out and my brush did indeed look like road-kill so I decided rather than living in denial it was time for a trim.  Long story short I now have Velcro in place of my hair.

Before...

 

After...

 

 

 

I have never had short hair let alone the Velcro look and feel so it is a bit different for me, and also a bit chilly.  I guess I will need to get a hat or toughen up a bit.

 

Well that is the news for the day, and a big hug of thanks to Penni for my new doo.

 

 

 



 





Saturday AM

Well, I continue to feel good.  Planning on doing a few little projects around the house today and will head out for a longer (60 minute) run tomorrow AM, let me know if you want to join me.  Chat to you all tomorrow after the run.

Later that same day

Well, it is now later in the day and I am feeling good with no ill effects from the quicker run this morning.  I will take a couple of days from running but I think I will be OK with two 30 minute and one longer run in a week, if weather is bad I will hit the trainer.

The day after boxing day

Well, we took the day off yesterday.  We make it a point not to go shopping on boxing day so we spent the day cleaning up from Christmas and enjoying ourselves by listening to music practising our bass and guitar and even watched a couple of movies, very relaxing day.

We are both back to work today and headed out for an early AM run, Lori having an medium long run and I just wanted to see how I was doing.  I am feeling great these past few days and wanted to see if I could manage any sort of speed.  I set out for a quick 5K warming up for the first K and cooling down for the last.  I tried to maintain an even sub 4:30/km pace for the middle three K, I was sub 4:30 but not an even pace, I am out of practice but know that it will all come back.  It was tough to keep the pace up for the last bit but I managed, I'll see how I feel throughout the day as it has been a while since I pushed my heart-rate this much even for this short a period.  The run felt good and I am exhilarated from being able to run anything close to a 4:30.

I have some preliminary test results back from both the MRI and my blood-work.  The MRI report came back mostly normal and I will need the doctors to translate the report details before I post anything about it here; but, mostly normal is very good.  Blood work I can share and it is exciting for me to share as I believe it is the best indication on how I am responding to the treatments, all blood count markers are in the normal (for a regular person) range except for my Lymphocytes which are still a bit low.  My platelets are back in the normal range where they have not been since I was diagnosed and prior to treatment I was cautioned that I may need a platelet transfusion because they were so low.  Some very positive results to carry me through to the New Year and my next appointments with the nurse and oncologist prior to the second cycle starting.

Enjoy the day and I'll post later on to let you know how I am feeling after the run but I don't imagine it will be anything but positive.

Merry Christmas

All is well, enjoy the day and remember to do a kind deed for a stranger this week.

 Have a very merry day.

Christmas Eve

Well, I am more than half way through the first cycle of treatment and feeling good.  Yesterday I noticed a slight tingling in the tips of my thumbs but other than that no real side-effects from the first cycle.  We are happy with how it has gone so far and feel that this first treatment has made our Christmas a very positive one.
Thanks for all your support, have a very merry Christmas.

Ooops, sorry about that.

I got busy yesterday, and neglected to post.  All is still very well, I was out and about yesterday helping Santa out a bit by delivering a few little presents to folks and then off to the land of grocery stores where everyone seemed to be buying enough food to get them through the end of the next Mayan calendar, I mean really two carts full of food?  Oh well I survived.

I am officially done with shopping for Christmas and even have all the wrapping done and it isn't even the 24th yet; I am way ahead of schedule. 

I continue to feel great these past few days and even went for another 30 minute run with Lori and Amanda this morning, just a nice easy pace as Lori warmed up for her workout.  I am absolutely amazed at how good I feel, I have not felt this good for more than a year.  I am still cautious of over doing it and won't push myself with the activity but it does feel good to run again.

Blood tests tomorrow then again next week prior to seeing the Onc and starting the second cycle of treatment.

Take care and write to you soon.

It's Friday

Well Friday is here.  I feel really good today, my sinuses may have actually started to be normal again and my mouth and teeth are normal again too.
The run yesterday seems to gone well except for the fact my legs are reminding me that I took some time off, a bit tight in the quads today.  It did feel good to be out there running again and mentally it did wonders for me, I will take a few days off before I run again but soon (energy permitting) I want to get back to 3 days a week of 30 minutes exercise whether running or on my bike trainer.
Lori and I are finally all set for Christmas with only minor wrapping left to do and then it is just eating...
Feeling great today, talk to you again soon.

Start of Cycle 1 Week 2

Today has gone similar to the past couple of days, I feel good.  My sinuses continue to drain a little bit and by the end of a full day of work (now from home) my voice gets tired, no complaints as I still feel better than I have in a while.
Today as I mentioned I worked from home and that being the case I decided this early AM that I would join Lori for the first 30 minutes of her morning run.  It has been well over a month since I have gone for a run so 30 minutes was lots and Lori set a nice steady pace.  I felt good after the run and I had no fatigue or strain as a result, it has not been since early September that I have been able to say that.
For my treatment future today I started the first of two weeks recovery.  That means no pills, no IV and my immune system will start to weaken between today and a week from now, then it will gradually build in the following week and ideally reach a full recovery prior to me beginning the second cycle of treatment (early January).
I have had a couple of questions come up on a somewhat regular basis so I will answer them here:

• Nausea? None for me thanks!  prior to the IV I take a few anti-nausea pills and then 12 hours later and again 24 hours later I take another.  I also have some bonus pills that I can take up to every 4 hours if needed.  I have been told that it is way easier to prevent nausea than it is to deal with it, I have only had two times where I felt like I needed to take an additional pill that was over the past weekend and not really worth mentioning previously as it was a just in case I feel bad.  Other than that no nausea at all.

• Hair today, but how about tomorrow?  Those that know me know that I have been rock'n the pony tail for more than 20 years now and have only very recently had a trim to get to what most consider "long hair", so this question comes up often.  There is a 60ish% chance that I will loose some or all of my hair...they promise it will grow back and I am good either way. So far the shower drain still runs clear and my brush still looks like a brush rather than road kill, no sign of hair loss. Whew!  I do promise to post photos if I become one of the Egg men

We continue to be cautiously optimistic around how things are going, I am told that the next week as my immune system is weakened will be a bit tougher but then I will feel better the following week.  I am also expecting that with each future cycle of treatment the side-effects will be greater; on the other hand I am told that fitness and attitude play a big part in this so we are good to go.

Thanks for the continued support and of course thanks for reading.

Stirred not Shaking

Today has brought a slight decline in my energy levels, which for those working closely is likely welcomed.  I am still feeling good just not on the edge of vibrating.  Had a good sleep last night nad am ready for the day.
The gang at work surprised me today with a card filled with lots of best wishes and kick butt messages which I very much appreciate!

This evening I am off for an MRI on my lower back so I will get the chance to say hello to the folks in medical imaging again.  The thought behind the MRI is to double check that there is not a mechanical problem with my back and that the pain is as suspected, related to my lymphoma.

Will of course keep you in the loop.

First day clean from cycle 1

Well, no pills today!  I am still a bit on edge but better than yesterday and although my cheeks are still tender they too are getting better.  I did not have a great sleep last night only about 4 hours or so but still have lots of energy for the day. 
I will keep you in the loop but so far so good...

Well I made it through the day.

The rest of the work day went well and aside from my mouth being a bit sore and towards the end of the day my throat was getting tired; I guess I really do talk a lot, I felt good the entire day.  This evening I still had energy and was feeling positive about the first active cycle of my treatment, now I am on the the recovery phase of this cycle.  We are hoping that the feeling good continues and that we continue to see the positive changes in the lymphoma as I can no longer see or feel any of the depressing little bumps in my neck.
I don't have anything more to say for today, again fingers crossed that this continues.

Half way through the workday

Well I have made it to lunchtime and doing well, I am doing well and actually getting things done in a productive manner.
My mouth still hurts when I start to eat or drink anything but it goes away quickly and I still have my appetite and am still enjoying the taste of food so no complaints.  The edge is slowly going away and I am beginning to feel like my normal self as the day goes on, I will make it through the day and will write back tonight.

Thanks

Cycle 1 Day 5

Well last day of the pills today!  I woke-up feeling great, a good night sleep and the best I have felt in the morning for a few months, drugs are wonderful.  I am sticking with my plan of working at the office today, tomorrow and Wednesday then from home on Thursday/Friday.

My mouth is still a bit sore but not as bad (so far) as yesterday.  I will post later today to let you know how the day went, fingers crossed.

Cycle 1 Day 4

Another pretty good night of sleep, woke up groggy and a bit out of sorts.  Did a few things around the house and am quite edgy; likely the prednisone but only one more day of it and then I get to clean up for a couple of weeks.  My mouth is a bit on the tender side today as well but keeping well hydrated seems to help with that.  My appetite is down a little but I am eating well and Lori makes sure that I am keeping up my end on the Christmas treats...

Cycle 1 Day 3

No IV today yippee!  Just a couple of little pills, that give me the mild shakes and feeling like I have had way too much coffee.  Feeling pretty good again today after a fairly good sleep with a spot of no sleep in the middle but after an hour or so I was able to get back to sleep.  Good news is that I can already see the changes happening!  Some of the bumps in my neck and jawline have shrunk or gone completely!!!  A very good morning.

I have been out getting some shopping done just in case this good feeling goes away, but still feeling good.  I hope it continues but I am not counting on it so I am making the best of the better moments!

Enjoy your day.

Cycle one Day two

Today was a longer day of treatment.  The Rituximab treatment is a mono-clonal antibody that can trigger an immune response similar to an allergic response, so they do it over a slow drip and gradually increase the flow, this was to take between 8 & 10 hours.  Fortunately they have a WiFi connection and I have on demand movies and such so the time passed quite quickly.  In between movies and around my lunch Tom & Catherine popped in for a few minutes to say hello to the nurses that they have come to know, oh they said hi to me as well, Tom has officially won our competition I concede.

Just after they left I started to feel an itch in the back of my throat and had a chill come on, I called the nurse over and she promplty called the doctor and took my vitals.  A couple of hystamine blockers later with a slow down in my IV drip and I was off to the races again and doing so under two very warmed blankets, how luxerious.  The rest of the treatment went quickly and I was done in just over 7 hours, feeling a little groggy but fine otherwise.

My chaufer  pulled the car up front and dropped my home, thanks again James, guess I should get you a cap.

As I said I am feeling fine and think I am handeling the treatment well.  Here's hopin gI am doing so well because those cancer cells are taking the big hits!

I will let you all know how it goes over the next few days as I wrap up my prednisone pills over the weekend and then recover for a couple of weeks.  Between here and then I have an MRI for my back and several blood tests to take.  I will stay in touch on these as well.

Thanks again for reading and do call, email or comment here if you have any questions.

Don

Nearing the end of Cycle 1 Day 1

Today was a stressful day for both Lori and I, and I suspect some of you as well.  After I dropped Lori off at work I headed back home to relax for a bit and double check that I had everything I was supposed to bring with me to the clinic, a short walk later and I was there right on time.

 A quick check in at reception, two minutes of waiting then escorted to a large room with a dozen recliner chairs and large windows covering two of the walls it is actually quite bright and cheery.  There was another guy there but other than that I had my pick of chair, # 7 seemed like a good choice as it was in the corner of the two windowed walls.  I settled in and the nurse came over and double checked that I was the correct patient and then went over how and what was going to occur.  Just boring details really and you have heard it from me before...

The staff and volunteers were all fantastic, there was WiFi to help pass the time and before I knew it Jim popped around the corner and kept me company for the last little while before giving me a ride home, the entire session was just over an hour.

The rest of the day was spent resting and waiting to see what was going to happen...nothing I feel pretty normal a few itchy spots and a bit of bloating but pretty good over all.


Tomorrow is a much longer day and will take between 8 and 10 hours so I will write when I get home or when I wake up on Saturday.

Thanks for checking in!

Home

I have safely returned home from my first treatment (thanks Jim), am feeling fine.  More later...

It's here, the big day

Cycle one starts today and I am not sure how I feel about it.  I slept well last night, am having my morning coffee and will have breakfast shortly.
We have received lots of email and phone calls of support and we both thank you for those as they mean so very much to us.  It is nice knowing that we have so many people we can turn to if we need anything.
I am getting CV&P today and it should take a little more than an hour; C&V are by IV and P is by pill.  I plan to walk over to the clinic and have are friend Jim getting me home, I asked him to bring a bucket just in case.  Here's hoping he's Scotch Guarded his upholstery, actually here's hoping we don't need to test it.:-)
Lori and I have discussed whether she should come with me for my treatments and saw no need for her to miss work to watch me get an IV, how depressing.  I know that she supports me and gives me everything she has and there will be staff and volunteers there to help me if I need it.  I will call her right after the appointment to let her know how it all went.

Treatment Plan

So what's the plan?  Well here it is, the treatment for me is called CVP + R  and is a combination of pills and IV drugs.

C= Cyclophosphamide, V=Vincristine, P=Prednisone and the R=Rituximab

C&V are typical chemo drugs that generally kill or weaken specific types of cells in the body, both cancerous and non-cancerous.  P is a steroid and helps the body provide energy  and encourages new cell production.  R is pretty cool, it is a monoclonal anti-body that target a specific protein molecule (CD-20) on the outside of my cancerous blood cells.  Once attached to the cell R flags the immune system that it is a foreign entity and needs to be dealt with, thus the cancerous cell is destroyed by the immune system.  This is a very targeted medication that is relatively new (a couple of decades) and has really changed the success of treating my type of cancer.

So I am on a three week cycle which means that every third week I have a treatment and then for the next two weeks my body will recover from the treatment, they will run some blood tests to ensure I am recovered enough for the next cycle and repeat.  After 4 cycles I will have a PET scan to see if the cancer is gone, if yes I will be done after 4 treatments; if not then I will go to 6 and have another scan, if it is gone I am done; if not I will have 8 treatments.  Here's hoping for 4.

For the first cycle I will take P by pill for 5 days and have C & V by IV on day one followed by R by IV on day two.  This is because R can cause allergic reactions and they need to give it to me very slowly for the first treatment (8 - 10 hours).  For the remainder of the cycles C,V & R will be given on day 1.

So that is the treatment and it starts for me next Thursday (13th) AM.  If you want more details on it you can go to the following link, http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/30FDD508-96AC-4555-B682-294EA3635B06/54985/LYCVPR_Protocol_1Jan2012.pdf

So I will have no surgery and no radiation!


 

Well time for an update

Well, after a long period of mostly silence the time has come, an update is due.
After doing so well with my ironman and my half marathon I started having a pain in my lower back and was feeling a bit run down.  I stopped cycling and cut way back on my running (only twice a week and less than an hour at a time); this did not help much.  My regular appointment with the oncologist told me that my platelet count was even lower than in the past and that my liver function scores were elevated, more tests were needed but it was looking like it might be time to start treatment. 
A bit to take in after having mostly getting back to "normal".  I had another CT scan and follow-up blood work then back in to see the oncologist.  The blood work had improved slightly but the overall trend was consistent and in the wrong direction.  CT scan showed a greater number of involved nodes and growth in previously involved nodes these plus conversation with the oncologist and our GP lead us to the decision to treat.

this is later

It has been quite sometime since I have added anything to the blog and that for me is a good thing, no news.  Since Boston I have been training for my third kick at Ironman Canada in Penticton BC.  Training went well with no fatigue or any lymphoma related concerns!  Here is my race report for the day...

Ironman Canada 2012 report

Pre-race

Up and at ’em early, Lori woke me a little before 3:30 this morning, she has been up for a bit, the coffee is ready and the oatmeal is cooking.  Usual morning stuff shower, shave and go through race check list; have breakfast and a few cups of coffee before heading out to body marking  just before 5AM.  A somber walk down Lakeshore Blvd to Main St; give Lori a hug and a kiss then enter the marking area.  It is still dark out and there are hundreds of athletes wandering the street looking where to leave their special need bags and for a felt marker wielding volunteer who will write our number on each limb as well as our age on the left calf; I guess the number is in case we lose a limb during the event and the age is to help us decide whether or not to try to pass the person in front of us during the bike and run.

Marking done head to my bike to do the last minute check, I hand my pump and bag off to Lori and then wander around the transition area for a bit, planning my route from the water to the change tent to my bike and out; noting the port-a-potties that are along the way.

Race Day

Pre-swim

Bathroom line ups are as usual around 30-40 minutes long so I hop in one and wait my turn before putting on my wetsuit and heading down to the water for a final goggle check.  There is an odd hum in the air as nervous conversations can be heard from all directions and Steve King is chatting over the PA system about this person and that person, all very interesting stuff but it just blends in to the mix of noise surrounding me.  I look over the crowd of athletes and spectators to see if I recognise any of them, I don’t so it is out for a swim to loosen up before the start.  I chat with a few folks around me as we all wish one another a good race and joke about saving the other a slice of cold pizza.  The water is flat and calm; I line up about five rows back in the centre of the group in a straight line to the route.

Swim

Finally the start is here, no howitzer this year it’s an air horn instead; at the sound of the horn we all take off.  The first 200m or so are always a challenge with folks stopping and starting repeatedly trying to find their space in the water; this year was the worse one yet.  A very rough swim start that never really let up, it was like swimming in a washing machine the entire way.  I don’t believe I was able to put more than 8 full strokes together and even then it was only once or twice, the rest of the time I was constantly being bumped or crowded out of my line.  Still I finished in a pretty good time 1:12:11 which is not quite as good as 2010 but better than 2008, I am very happy with this time especially considering the rough conditions. 

Bike

After shedding my wetsuit making my way through the transition zone and making use of an empty port-a-potty along the way to my bike, smile and wave to the camera and of course the cute photographer behind it (Lori); then I am in the saddle and peddling a nice easy spin to get my bike legs under me, drinking lots of fluids and getting focused for the six hour ride that lies ahead.  The first section goes as planned and I am on McLean Creek road and climbing the first hill of the day, I grab some perform at the aid station and hear a loud crash from behind me.  I take a look over my shoulder and about three bikes behind me two cyclists have bumped into each other and are on the ground with more bikes coming their way, I don’t look long enough to see how many are in the pile up or if anyone is hurt; I am just glad I was ahead of this mess.  The descent into OK falls was good, nice and relaxed with no crowds around me and getting up to 60Kph while being in control.  During the flatter section out to Oliver I am able to hold my pace near 38Kph but my lower back is beginning to get sore so I decide I will stop at the aid station say hello to Bob and take a couple of Tylenol.  Then off to Osoyoos and Richters’ Pass, the first of two mountain passes on the day, I manage to maintain a pretty good mid-teens pace on the climbs and reach 70Kph on the descent; I am still on track for my 6 hour ride finish.  The rollers are next and they require timing on the descents to set up for an easy climb up the next hill, but unfortunately in the valley of the first one there is an aid station setup on a narrow section of the road and due to bikes and traffic trying to get through we have to come to a near halt to get through and all momentum is lost I have to work to get up the hill and I never got the rhythm of the rollers back.

Rollers behind me and Cawston just ahead my bike computer decides to go on the fritz and stops working, I no longer know my speed and decide to ride by HR instead.  I am feeling pretty good through the out and back to the special needs station where I grab a replacement fuel bottle and have some sunscreen applied to my shoulders and neck as the water has washed most of it off and the sun is now out, I need to use the washroom but the line is too long so I will wait 20KM until the next one.  My stomach begins to grumble about only having liquids in it or perhaps the heat??? But it is distracting either way and I lose focus, speed and precious time all the way to Yellow lake road and the second mountain climb where I struggle to reach the top but see my friends along the climb and this makes me smile, Shelley is even out with her bagpipes and pipes us up the hill, thanks for that. 

The climb is done and now I can relax, recover and hopefully regain some energy for the run as I start the descent down the series of hills that lead to Skaha Lake and into Penticton; I am now about 20 minutes behind what I was hoping for in my bike time and there is a strong headwind leading me in to the transition.  As I approach town I see Tim on his way out (at McDonalds) on the run and he is looking pretty good and relaxed, Go Tim Go…

I hand my bike over to a volunteer and grab my running bag head to the change tent get ready for the run; away I go after a 6:22:33 bike I am behind but feeling better now and ready to run.

Run

The first few KM are clumsy and awkward as I slowly get my running legs under me, I have a bottle of perform in hand and I am controlling my pace so the legs come back fairly quickly.  Michael is just outside of town and decides he is going to run alongside me and chat with me; this is a very welcome distraction.  By KM 8 I am into my pace and will run around a 5:20/KM walking up the steeper sections of the hills and through every other aid station until the last 10K when I hope to be able to run the rest of the way.  This plan goes well and I am having fun while passing lots of folks on the run and getting comments like looking strong and great pace, I thank them and keep moving.  I have been packing my jersey pockets with ice and putting sponges of cold water on my head at every aid station to combat the heat and my sore back, this feels amazing and helps with the heat and discomfort but has gotten my shoes and feet wet and I can feel blisters building on my big toes with every stride; these are going to hurt over the race.  I see my coach from 2010 during one of my walks and say hello and we have a brief chat before the hill is done and I start to run again, thanks Kelly,  it is always great to see you out on the course.  Near the 30K mark I need to use the bathroom again and this throws my legs off for a bit but I recover and am able to get back to my pace in short order.  With 7 KM to go I decide I have some energy left and start to pick up the pace a bit going around a 5/KM with a couple of sub 5’s as I can now hear the finish line and almost taste the beer.  Before I know it I am back on Lakeshore and looking for Lori; there she is with our friend Evan, I hand off my visor and glasses head to the turn around and then to the finish line passing people and trying to find a spot where I can assure myself of a good finish photo this year.

The run is over 3:57:14 and the race is over 11:43:53 as I cross the line in a new personal best I smile and think to myself take that stupid lymphoma, I win…

Post

A couple of very nice volunteers (father and daughter) help me through the finish area grab my finisher hat and shirt, and get me to the finisher photo area then to the medical tent so that I can have my blisters looked at; they are not as bad as I thought (did not burst) so I leave the tent without any treatment and go grab some cold pizza and recovery drinks before trying to get to my bike.  This took forever and was very confusing as the finish area has changed from last time and no one seemed to know how I could get to my bike… I finally get there and Lori is waiting by the fence, you cannot imagine the smiles on our faces.  We discuss how and where we will connect to head back to the motel but again I have difficulty in the finish area; we miss each other and I walk back to the room alone then text Lori when I get there.  I have part of a beer some munchies, a shower then head out to cheer the other competitors on as they finish their race, I am more than just a bit sore but it is great to see our friends finish the event all of them surpassing their goals and all of them with BIG smiles on their faces!  Time for bed…

After this I took a few days rest and then ran the McNeill Bay half Marathon a couple of weeks later and actually pulled off a personal best at 1:29 for the 21.1K so I was very pleased.

I am resting now with a focus on getting some things done around the house and doing whatever I can do to help my wife get ready for her run at Boston this year...

Boston done and I still have my chip

Well it was a hot day out there and I don't have the energy for a full report but wanted to let you know I have finished and still alive!!!  I have a new medal to hang on the wall and a couple of small blisters, no trip to the medical tent and no issues other than having to slow down a bunch to get past the heat.

More details later but wanted to say thank you all for the best wishes for today.

more later I promise...

Boston Marathon weather update

well the forecast has come down a couple of degrees from yesterday... will see what it is like tomorow.

Wish me luck

Boston Marathon heat advisory

We have spent the last couple of days in Boston after our very pleasant flight.  Picked up my race package yesterday and met with the Doug's, Shelley and Cathy.  Today had lunch with Leonard and his running wife Charlene.  Len told us about the athlete advisory for race day Monday, due to the high heat (31'C) only the fittest runners should attempt the race and even then they should be adjusting their goals.
I will play it by ear but for the time being I still plan on running the event and going out at a good pace early on in the race, but slow down once the heat climbs.  No personal best here this year but I do plan on finishing... I figure if I can get close to the 25 or 30 KM point before noon and the really warm temperatures I should be able to slow down and enjoy those hills just ahead.  We are still a few days out from the race and the weather forecast is likely to change but that is my plan for the time being.

Boston Bound?

Well after a bit of a rough weekend with what was very likely a nasty flu/bug, I was in to see the GP as I was concerned that my symptoms (which are better not discussed in polite company) were related to my lymphoma or my Gallbladder.  I was informed that it was very unlikely to be related and most likely a bug or the nasty little flu going around lately, but either way I was dehydrated and needed some blood work to make sure all was as expected.
I have had a quick look at my test results and although I am not a doctor they all look very good to me so I am going on the premise that Lori and I are leaving for Boston tomorrow and I will be running the marathon next Monday April 16th and unless the GP connects with me tonight we are leaving the house in our friends very capable hands and heading out in the morning.
If you are interested , you can track my progress through the marathon by going to www.baa.org and using the track an athlete area follow bib # 8391 starting at 10AM EST.  I am hoping to do the race in around 3:15 but will happily take whatever the day brings me.  I am not bringing my cell phone with me but will be updating the blog while I am there as well as having access to my email and texting through Lori's phone.
I guess for now that about covers things so cross your fingers and send me your good thoughts for Monday as I am going to need all I can get...

Cheers
Don

PS thanks in advance to our drivers who are taking us to and from the airport!

delayed news

Due to some technical issues at home I have not been able to let you all know about the latest bit of news.  during my last GP appointment I was informed that I have a 2.5cm gallstone; which has been the likely cause of much of my discomfort.  This is very much a relief and it was nice talking to the GP about something else for a change.  The gallstone was noticed on the review of the ultra-sound I had done a few weeks back,  so I am waiting for a time to see the general surgeon and have the discussion around what to do; meanwhile I am continuing to prepare for the marathon in Boston and doing my best to stay healthy and strong.

an update from the oncologist

Well...I know it has been a few days that I have kept you all waiting but I had to figure out what I needed to say so here goes.
We met with the oncologist on Thursday and were in with him for around an hour or so discussing the blood-work, ultrasound, new lumps in my neck area, running and of course the elephant in the room treatment options and timing. 

Blood-work: yes the numbers have changed but nothing that "wows" him, certainly we will continue to keep an eye on my platelet count but it is not near the worrisome range at this point.  The other markers of interest are as it turns out not that interesting, so no need to discuss them (they are only slightly out of the normal range).

Ultrasound: the ultrasound showed that my spleen is a bit larger than it has been in the past, still not huge but definitely enlarged.  I asked if I should be concerned about it being below my ribs and exposed and the answer was no not for running or cycling as there is not a great deal of it exposed.  For the mass swim in Ironman I will use some protection to cover it.  Ultrasound is not as accurate as a CT scan but my GP and I did not want to have more exposure to the radiation unless the ultrasound indicated it was necessary.  Nothing really to worry about here either...

New lumps: I have some new little lumps in my collarbone and neck area that are the size of marbles and are an annoyance when I shave as well as a constant reminder of my lymphoma when I wear a buttoned shirt and tie (most days), or when I shower (also most days); but, I have already been diagnosed as stage 4 and even though this is evidence of the spread into other areas I am still stage 4 so medically no change.  This is tough on me mentally though as I now have constant physical reminders that I am sick.

Running: Lately I have been feeling fatigue during and after some of my runs, especially when I push myself during speed work, hills or races.  On some of my workouts I have had to call it a day part way through because I just could not go on and in a few of my recent races I have had to take walk breaks during the race but have been able to finish very strong and have come very close to previous race times for the distances.  We asked if my pushing myself in this way was contributing to the spread and were told absolutely not and that I should continue to train and pay attention to my body as I have been.  Look out Boston, here we come...

The elephant: this is the tough part to type to you about because so much gets lost when I type compared to talk to you but we simply cannot phone you all...only because I am an athlete am I noticing any symptoms from the lymphoma, this is also the only reason they are even considering treatment at this time.  They do not want to risk me losing interest in running or exercise and so correctly concluded that it is having a negative on my life and lifestyle; which is one of the reasons to begin treatment.  The treatment being discussed is chemotherapy, specifically CVP+r.  The standard for this would be 8 courses each of 3 weeks where the first week involves the chemo and the following two are recovery weeks, so 6 months of treatment.  There are side effects of this treatment as you can well imagine and some potential for some to be long term, such as neuropathy.  I know the question on your minds "will you lose your hair?", well; this form of chemo can cause thinning of hair so if I have treatment I probably will  be able to keep the ponytail!

The plan:  is like this, I will contiue to train for The Boston Marathon for this April, come back have some blood-work done and see  the oncologist to review.  Assuming all is well I will begin to train for Ironman Canada for August, and again have tests done and review and perhaps if it is required begin preperation for treatment in September or so depending of course how I am feeling and what the tests show. Meanwhile Lori and I will talk to or read about people who have been through this or something similar, focusing on athletes to hear their stories and outcomes of either defering treatment or having the treatment, the impacts on their fitness and of course the lives and relationships.  If you know of anyone who would be willing to talk about their experience or of an online resouce, books or whatever please let us know.

Many thanks and we will type to you soon.

a quick update

I was at the GP's last week and found out a few more details around my blood work and we have a bit of a plan, first a few of my markers were a bit high and I mean just a bit out of the normal range, also my platelets are down a bit again.  There is also some indication that my spleen is a bit larger and I have an ultra-sound this week to take a look at that.

The next week looks like this; blood work tomorrow, ultra-sound Thursday and in to see the oncologist next Wednesday with GP calling me when he receives the details from my ultra-sound. 

The Hatley 8KM went very well for me this past Sunday as I finished only 30 seconds off last years time and placed 5th in my age group while averaging 4:21/KM over the hilly 8KM, next race is the Cobble Hill 12K followed by the Bazan 5K.

Until next week take care...

Cedar 12KM done and dusted

Well I mentioned on Saturday that Lori and I were heading up island to Cedar to run their 12K as part of the Island race series.  Here is how it went, we picked up our friend Kathy and headed out for the hour and a bit drive to the race.  I was not feeling 100% but also not feeling too badly either, I have a bit of discomfort just below my bottom left rib.  Lori too has had her running challenges lately, she has a slight pulled hip flexor and took a bit of a tumble on a training run bruising and scraping her left knee. 
We both ran within ourselves and finished within a minute or so of what we had targeted, I finished in 52 minutes and Lori in 1:08 while Simon Whitfield won the event in 37 minutes; so I guess we will need to run a bit better if we are going to challenge him next year, but hey we can officially say that we have now done multiple races with Simon.

We have had a few calls asking about the follow up from last Thursday and we thank you for the support.  So what is next?

Simply we do our thing until the next appointment and go from there.  GP appointment is on the 16th, this is a regular appointment to stay in touch with him and keep an eye on how I am doing general health wise.  Blood work on the 22nd followed by an appointment with my regular oncologist on the 29th.

I will keep the blog current  not only on appointments but also on any changes on how I am feeling.

'til I write again

2nd quarterly follow-up with Oncologist

Thursday February 2nd was the day of my second follow-up appointment at the BCCA but first I had to pick a few friends up from the airport.  They were fresh from Hawaii and looking tanned and cold as they arrived in Victoria.  While waiting for them to clear customs the agency called to let me know that my oncologist was sick with the flu and I would be seen by another doctor at the same time.

I arrived at the agency and checked in and in no time the doctor was in to see me, told me that the results of my blood work were good and then asked if I felt any new symptoms, I mentioned that the nodes around my collar bone and next had flared up in late November and although they are quite small (jelly bean sized) they were a bit troublesome, as well as I have been feeling a bit fatigued for the last couple of weeks but that it could be due to the season or the snow shovelling.  She asked several times if I had had a cold or fever lately, I haven't and she continued with the physical exam noting my spleen and a few other sights of interest.  I commented that my spleen has been enlarged since I was diagnosed and that it had never gone down in size she flipped through my chart and agreed.

We discussed the exam and she told me she would review this with my regular oncologist but that the fact that the appearance of inflamed nodes above my diaphragm in combination with the fatigue meant that it may be time to discuss treatment.

I was dumbfounded! 

The rest of the day was a bit of a blur as I processed the mention of treatment, let me mention that I did discuss the treatment options with the doctor today and really there is only one for me and that would be chemo, although there are a few options within chemo it is still chemo (+?).

I have now had a few days and some conversation with Lori and friends, I will discuss it with my GP in a couple of weeks and then again with the oncologist after that.  I'll keep you all current on the discussions and how I am feeling, for now I am focusing on the Cedar 12KM run tomorrow and the Super Bowl.  Then Monday followed by Tuesday etc...

Catch-up

Well I guess I left you all hanging for a while after my last entry and follow-up appointment with the oncologist and for that I apologise; here is a quick catch up.
The results of the CT scan show that everything was the same or slightly smaller than previous scans so this is good news, especially the spleen as it did not change I am less concerned that it is peeking out a bit from my bottom rib.  The stomach issues have cleared up and I have stopped taking the medication for that as it was likely (in my opinion) due to anxiety of having to see the oncologist, I see my GP every month or so and all is good on my health front!
Bass lessons are continuing and I am actually putting a few notes together and some folks can even tell what song the notes are from, that is what you get for having a good teacher.  I have a new amp now and am practising regularly so improvements are just ahead...
Charity fund raising is in the works, although I am not quite ready to share any details just yet.

I have had a bit of time to consider my health over the past few months and have had some ups and some downs (mentally) I know that I will not hear that my cancer is "gone" and I am cured, which is a down and plays little mind games every once in a while.  The flip side is that I wake up everyday!  This sounds like a simple thing but what it means is that I am alive and while that is true I am doing well and winning my fight.  Since July now I have only had two or three bad days where I did not feel well and I think most of you have likely had the same or more??  I am glad to still be at a point where I do not need any treatment and that other than the odd day where I feel the "why me" I am doing very well.


Thanks to all for reading this and following along with Lori and I.