Monday 26 March 2012
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.
Saturday 3 March 2012
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)