The streets of Chicago
November 11, 2012
The last entry log in my Garmin GPS running watch was dated September 30: the Berlin marathon. It has been more than 30-days that I have used my GPS for a run, and today I ventured out for the first time.
I have been exercising to keep fit, attending spinning classes and yoga, but I have not run outside, except today. With beautiful mild temperature, some sun, and the trails covered with autumn leaves, I just could not pass up the opportunity. The plan was a short run just shake off some chemo toxins. As I started off, I could not believe the heaviness in my legs as I try to sustain a manageable pace.
Hmmmm….? Are these the same legs who covered 26.2 miles in the streets of Berlin? The goal was three miles at an easy pace but I was dragging and puffing. I think of all the training I have put in during the summer and now it is gone; sucked up by chemo, diarrhea, and vomits. I use to be able to manage keeping up decent mileage and at the same time have treatments in between, but now it is gone. What else will this disease take away from me?
I have completed two rounds of Zaltrap. My hair started falling off again, so I cut it short for people to get use to seeing it short. It did not hide some of the bald spots that developed. Whatever. Diarrhea is more intense too. My wife received a couple of diet suggestions for me to try, thanks everybody. My blood platelets are below normal, it means I am prone to bleeding, but my white blood cells are holding up (indicative of how well my body can resist germs and sickness).
I should not complaint or even think about what has been taken away from me. I am here among friends and family and that is all that matters.
Cheers.
Hang in there Bo, blood counts recover, my haematologist always said “platelets lead down, and then they lead back up”. Sorry to hear that the diarrhoea continues, I know how debilitating that can be. When I had a bout I tried taking acidophilus to stabiise the good bacteria in my gut and it helped a bit. It was a tip I picked up from a fellow GvHD sufferer online.
Bo, your Galter yogis are always happy to see you in class. Keep up the fight and know good energy is being sent your way from all of us. OM santi, Helen HS
If you feel the need to say things you feel are complaining, please do so anyway. It’s important to vent your feelings and not bottle them up. We’re here to listen to anything and everything you have to say.
Bo…do what you need to do and say what you need to say…but always remember …we are here for ya Bo…You have inspired us throughout this tale and continue to do so ..keep achieving your goals and never stop being amazing. Besides enjoy these weather days now cuz your in Chicago and you never know what Tom Skillet (channel 9) has in store for us tomorrow.