Bruce Sharp

My friend, Bruce Sharp, died last Sunday as he had lost his struggle with cancer.

I've known Bruce for over 20 years, when he was a fellow YCS driver and then a YCS road supervisor.  He was more than just a road supervisor, he was the drivers living Guardian Angel!  Like a Guardian Angel, Bruce was assigned to protect and guide the drivers at YCS.

Bruce would be extremely strict with the rules of the road as he wanted every driver to return home safely.  A few drivers thought he was too strict, but didn't deny his dedication to protecting the drivers from themselves.

I don't know if many people remembered the old television show, "Hill Street Blues,"  It was a police show in which each episode would begin with a station briefing by the Sargent. Just before they would all leave the station he would remind them of this thought..."Hey, be safe out there." Bruce's later gruff voice, the professional demeanor, the stress on safety, had made me think of him as that veteran Sargent.

The nature of Bruce's and my friendship was a joking one...we would tease each other mercilessly.  I recall one afternoon not long ago when I had a radio call to take an elderly lady to Walgreens.  I parked the cab in a assigned spot close to Walgreens door and proceeded to open the rear passenger door for her (normally I would just pause the cab long enough for the passenger being half out of the door before I sped off...just joking Mr. Shranko).   When I returned to my driver's seat noticed that I had a message on the onboard computer from Bruce, it said, "Drivers are not allowed to back up the cab per company policy." I immediately called Bruce's cell phone and requested a tow truck.  Bruce said, "...did the cab break down?"  I replied, "Nope I'm not allowed to back out of the Walgreen's parking spot."  He said in that gruff voice, "Get your diseased butt back to work." (Note: I also have cancer.)  I was a little surprised that I wasn't later written up.

I'm sure when Bruce drives to the Pearly Gates that Saint Paul will not allow Bruce to back out of Heaven.  Bruce is probably up there now whispering down to every cabbies ear, "Hey, be safe out there!"

--Bruce Robison
Checker Cab 3605
#3123

No Marathon Experience

Daily Quote:  "Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. NO EXCEPTIONS. Once we receive and accept your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate, you may not give or sell your race number to anyone else, and you may not transfer your entry fee to future races. If you attempt to sell your race number, you may be banned from future Competitor Group events for three years." --2011 Las Vegas Marathon website.

Sadly, I won't be able to run the Las Vegas Marathon this year as I'm undertrained due to my cancer fight this year.  Unfortunately, I registered for the marathon back in January before I discovered I had cancer, and according to the Competitor Group I won't be able to get my entry fee returned.  Oh well, I'll go down and get my goodie bag with the race t-shirt anyways.

I'll have a somewhat frustrating marathon experience as I'm scheduled to work Sunday night and with the Strip closed from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. it's going to be a crazy night!  Many hotels and casinos don't have back entrances, but I'll try to drop off my passengers as close to the hotel as I can.

Needless to say, I'll be depressed Sunday night as I wish to run the marathon too!!  During my work shift I plan on wearing my 2008 Boston Marathon cap as to identify with my brothers and sisters in running shoes.

SUMMARY: NOVEMBER 21-28, 2011

Daily Quote: "A down week is a planned rest week, with mileage reduced to a certain percentage of your peak mileage. The majority of runners find it most beneficial to drop mileage to somewhere between 50 and 90 percent of highest mileage, typically varying depending upon the frequency with which down weeks are taken. Rea's athletes work -in threeweek cycles and run 15 to 20 percent fewer miles during their down week. For example, if they'd been running 100-mile weeks, they would run 80 miles during a down week. Chapman's runners also cut back by 15 to 20 percent. Hall reduces mileage even further and runs approximately half the total volume of his highest week." --Kristin Barry, Running Times Magazine, June 2011 issue.

Last week was my recovery week, or cutback week, from my running, which is my first recovery week since I've returned from having cancer.  It was quite opportune to have a recovery week during Thanksgiving week as my wife had Thursday-Sunday off from work.  My mileage last week was 10 miles, which was a cutback from the previous week's high of 17 miles:

SUMMARY: NOVEMBER 21-28, 2011
Monday: Run 2.5 miles. (treadmill, 10 minute miles)
Tuesday: Run 1 mile. (treadmill, 10 minute mile) & weight circuit training.
Wednesday: Run 3.0 miles. (treadmill, 10 minute miles)
Thursday: Thanksgiving. NO RUNNING. Weight circuit training.
Friday: Run 2.5 miles. (treadmill 10 minute miles.)
Saturday: Run 1 mile (treadmill, 10 minute miles.)
Sunday: Rest Day.  NO RUNNING.
Total Weekly Mileage:  10.0 miles.


Felt great to have a cutback week and now feel eager to continue raising my weekly mileage next week!

I continued to weight circuit training which consisted of no cutbacks on weights.  The following was last week's weightlifting:

1. Abdominal Crunch. 3 sets of 15 reps on a incline board.
2. Leg Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 95 pounds.
3. Leg Extension. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 65 pounds.
4. Leg Curl. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 65 pounds.
5. Chest Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 55 pounds.
6. Shoulder Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 25 pounds
7. Tricep Extension. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 35 pounds.
8. Lat Pull. 1 sets of 15 rep. Weight: 80 pounds.
9. Bicep Curl. 1 set of 15 rep. Weight: 35 pounds.
10. Low Back Extension: 3 sets of 15 reps.


My current weight is 177 pounds on a six foot frame and is a gain of two pounds from the previous week, not surprising as last week I cut mileage and ate more due to Thanksgiving...I would have thought I would have gained even more weight last week!!  Oh well, I'm not too concerned about the additional weight as I have no race goals, but will continue to eat healthy foods and continue slowly adding mileage.





     

SUMMARY: NOVEMBER 14-20, 2011

Daily Quote: "Cancer patients would be shocked if they knew just how much of a benefit physical activity could have on their recovery and long term health." -- Ciaran Devane, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, in an interesting article called "Exercise called "wonder drug" for cancer patients:What can it do?"

I was pretty tired last week with my morning heart rates climbing, probably a good idea having a cut-back week starting tomorrow.
SUMMARY: NOVEMBER 14-20, 2011

Monday: Run 4.0 miles. (treadmill, 10 minute miles)
Tuesday: Run 1.5 miles. (treadmill, 10 minute mile) & weight circuit training.
Wednesday: Run 4.0 miles. (treadmill, 10 minute miles)
Thursday: Run 1.5 miles, loop around home. (9:50 minute miles)
Friday: Run 4.0 miles. (treadmill 10 minute miles.)
Saturday: Run 2.0 miles, loop around home (9:50 minute miles) weight circuit training.
Sunday: REST DAY
Total Weekly Mileage: 17.0 miles.

I haven't changed my weight circuit training routine last week, all the exercises are still challenging.  The following is my current weight training routine:

1. Abdominal Crunch. 3 sets of 15 reps on a incline board.
2. Leg Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 95 pounds.
3. Leg Extension. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 65 pounds.
4. Leg Curl. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 65 pounds.
5. Chest Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 55 pounds.
6. Shoulder Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 25 pounds
7. Tricep Extension. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 35 pounds.
8. Lat Pull. 1 sets of 15 rep. Weight: 80 pounds.
9. Bicep Curl. 1 set of 15 rep. Weight: 35 pounds.
10. Low Back Extension: 3 sets of 15 reps.

My current body weight is 175 pounds on a six foot frame, which means a body mass index (BMI) of 23.7 that has me at a normal weight. I would like to reach 170 pounds...those last five pounds seem like the hardest!

Next week is Thanksgiving, what better time to have a cut-back week on running as my wife has Thursday-Sunday off from work.  I have plenty to be thankful this year. All is good! 

SUMMARY: OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 6, 2011

Daily Quote: "GYM vs. GENES.  Our DNA may play a major role in how we look, how we act and how long we live, but it doesn't dictate our destiny.  A study finds that people who inherited copies of FTO, the first gene to be linked to obesity, were able to counteract their predisposition to fatness by exercising.  People with FTO were 30% less likely to pack on pounds if they were physically active than if they weren't  GYM:1. GENES:0.  --TIME Magazine, November 14, 2011, pg 22.

Last week was a tough week for me as I had a cold, didn't affect my running, although I was very tired during work.  I'm still fighting the cold with cough syrup at night.

SUMMARY: OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 6, 2011

Monday: Run 3.0 miles. (treadmill, 10 minute miles)
Tuesday: Run 1.5 miles. (treadmill, 10 minute mile) & weight circuit training.
Wednesday: Run 3.0 miles. (treadmill, 10 minute miles)
Thursday: Run 1.5 miles, loop around home. (9:50 minute miles)
Friday: Run 3.0 miles. (treadmill 10 minute miles.)
Saturday: Run 1.5 miles, loop around home (9:40 minute miles) weight circuit training.
Sunday: REST DAY
Total Weekly Mileage: 13.5 miles.

No aches nor pain as I gradually increase my mileage. Next week I'll attempt a 3.5 mile run, which will be my longest post-cancer run.  I'm really enjoying these slow easy miles with no pressure of future races, in fact, I wouldn't mind if I never raced again.  I'm at peace.

Last week I only increased the Shoulder Press by 5 pounds, which is now a total of 25 pounds. The following is my current routine:

1. Abdominal Crunch. 3 sets of 15 reps on a incline board.
2. Leg Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 95 pounds.
3. Leg Extension. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 65 pounds.
4. Leg Curl. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 65 pounds.
5. Chest Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 55 pounds.
6. Shoulder Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 25 pounds
7. Tricep Extension. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 35 pounds.
8. Lat Pull. 1 sets of 15 rep. Weight: 80 pounds.
9. Bicep Curl. 1 set of 15 rep. Weight: 35 pounds.
10. Low Back Extension: 3 sets of 15 reps.

My current body weight is 177 pounds on a six foot frame, which means a body mass index (BMI) of 24.0 that has me at a normal weight.  I've gained a little weight, probably muscle weight from weight circuit training.  I would like to lose seven pounds and will need to focus on my diet more.  Halloween candy was my curse last week!

SUMMARY: OCTOBER 24-30, 2011

Daily Quote: "If you always put limits on what you can do, physical or anything else, it'll spread over into the rest of your life.  It'll spread into your work, into your morality into your entire being.  There are no limits.  There are plateaus, but you must not stay there, you must go beyong them." --Bruce Lee

Last week Suzie came home from visiting relatives in upstate New York, therefore had to curtail my swimming, but did increase my running!  I'm now running 3 miles on two days...next week I'll increase another day of 3 miles.  Last week ran a total of 12 miles...baby steps, baby steps.

SUMMARY: OCTOBER 24-30, 2011

Monday: Run 3.0 miles. (treadmill, 10 minute miles)
Tuesday: Run 1 mile. (treadmill, 10 minute mile) & weight circuit training.
Wednesday: Run 2.5 miles. (treadmill, 10 minute miles)
Thursday: Run 1.5 miles, loop around home. (9:50 minute miles) 
Friday: Run 3.0 miles. (treadmill 10 minute miles.)
Saturday: Run 1 mile (treadmill, 10 minute miles.) weight circuit training.
Sunday: REST DAY
Total Weekly Mileage: 12 miles.

I have no aches nor pain and I'm prepared to slightly increase my mileage next week.  The weather in Las Vegas has been perfect...may add another day of running on the roads next week to take advantage of the beautiful weather.

Weight circuit training has hit a plateau, but I'm in no hurry to increase weights anyways.  The following is my current routine:

1. Abdominal Crunch. 3 sets of 15 reps on a incline board.
2. Leg Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 95 pounds.
3. Leg Extension. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 65 pounds.
4. Leg Curl. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 65 pounds.
5. Chest Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 55 pounds.
6. Shoulder Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 20 pounds
7. Tricep Extension. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 35 pounds.
8. Lat Pull. 1 sets of 15 rep. Weight: 80 pounds.
9. Bicep Curl. 1 set of 15 rep. Weight: 35 pounds.
10. Low Back Extension: 3 sets of 15 reps.

SUMMARY: OCTOBER 17-23, 2011

Daily Quote: "You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there. Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement." --Steve Prefontaine


Today is my rest day, no exercising whatsoever, which gives me time to catch up on my blog.  I might not be able to input my exercise everyday, but I will post my week summary.

SUMMARY: OCTOBER 17-23, 2011

Monday: Run 2.5 miles. (treadmill, 10 minute miles)
Tuesday: Run 1 mile. (treadmill, 10 minute mile) & weight circuit training.
Wednesday: Run 2.5 miles. (treadmill, 10 minute miles) Swim 25 laps.
Thursday: Run 1.5 miles, loop around home. (9:44 minute miles)  Swim 25 laps.
Friday: Run 2.5 miles. (treadmill 10 minute miles.)
Saturday: Run 1 mile (treadmill, 10 minute miles.)
Sunday: REST DAY
Total Weekly Mileage: 11:0 miles.

I enjoyed my running last week, no pressure of racing goals, just steady exercising. I ran the same weekly mileage the previous week, but in a different order, and next week I'll increase one of my runs to 3.0 miles, which will be my longest run post-cancer.  I should be able to run 3 miles, but will listen to my body and react accordingly.

Suzie was on vacation visiting relatives in upstate New York, therefore I had time during my days off to add a little swimming to my exercise routine...swimming was refreshingly different and was surprised how easily my body could still swim.  I should do more swimming in the future.

My weight circuit training is coming along, my body had adapted to certain exercise machines and had to increase the weights.  The following is my current routine:

1. Abdominal Crunch. 3 sets of 15 reps on a incline board.
2. Leg Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 95 pounds.
3. Leg Extension. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 65 pounds.
4. Leg Curl. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 65 pounds.
5. Chest Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 55 pounds.
6. Shoulder Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 20 pounds
7. Tricep Extension. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 35 pounds.
8. Lat Pull. 1 sets of 15 rep. Weight: 80 pounds.
9. Bicep Curl. 1 set of 15 rep. Weight: 35 pounds.
10. Low Back Extension: 3 sets of 15 reps.

I don't really enjoy lifting weights, but do receive a certain feeling of self-satisfaction when my body has adapted and need to increase weights!  I only lift weights twice a week, which isn't that big of a chore, although once my mileage increases to about 60 miles per week I'll find it difficult to find time to squeeze in the weight training with working 12-hour days as a cab driver. 

Increasing Weights

Daily Quote: "Each strength training exercise you do should cause you to feel muscle “fatigue” within 15 repetitions (or fewer). Muscle fatigue feels like you couldn’t possibly do another repetition in good form. If you can do more than 15 reps in good form, or if you literally feel like you could go on forever because the resistance you’re using is so easy, then it’s time to take it up a notch." --Jason Anderson, Certified Personal Trainer
Location: 24 Hour Fitness on Rainbow & Alta.

Run: Precor Treadmill set at a 1% Grade. Warmup: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Run: 1 mile at 6.0 mph (10 minute mile) Cooldown: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Average heart rate 140 bpm. Shoes: ASICS Trainers. Run felt very easy, which makes it a perfect recovery run from yesterday's 2.5 miler

As is my habit as soon as I finished with my run, I jumped to the weight stations to do one round of weight circuit training.   A few of the exercises are becoming too easy and will increase the weights by five pounds...the leg press, chest press, and lat pull are due to be increased.  My shoulders are no longer sore, but as a precaution will continue with light weights on the shoulder press this week.

The following is my weight circuit training today:

1. Abdominal Crunch. 3 sets of 15 reps on a incline board.
2. Leg Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 95 pounds.
3. Leg Extension. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 65 pounds.
4. Leg Curl. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 65 pounds.
5. Chest Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 55 pounds.
6. Shoulder Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 20 pounds
7. Tricep Extension. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 35 pounds.
8. Lat Pull. 1 sets of 15 rep. Weight: 80 pounds.
9. Bicep Curl. 1 set of 15 rep. Weight: 35 pounds.
10. Low Back Extension: 3 sets of 15 reps.
Tomorrow's plan is to run 2.5 miles on the treadmill.  I should run at least one day outside so my body becomes somewhat accustomed to running on uneven and hard surfaces...maybe this weekend I'll run once outside.  The weather forecast this week is perfect for running in the mornings!!  I'm a still a little leery about running outside due to auto exhaust and paranoid I'll get cancer again.

Feeling GOOD!

Daily Quote: "You want me to do something... tell me I can't do it."  --Maya Angelou

The above quote reminds me of the time when the doctors told me that I would be too sick and weak to continue driving my taxi for 12 hours a day and highly recommended to take a medical leave of absence.  I took that as a challenge and continued to work thoughout my chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Morning resting heart rate: 49 bpm.  Feeling rested and eager to run.

Location: 24 Hour Fitness on Rainbow & Alta.

Run: 9:00 a.m. Precor Treadmill set at a 1% Grade. Warmup: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Run: 2.5 miles at 6.0 mph (10 minute mile) Cooldown: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Average heart rate 141 bpm. Shoes: ASICS Trainers.

No aches nor pain and ran strong with good form throughout the 2.5 miles.  Felt exuberant after my run and could easily have ran farther. I should be able to increase my mileage to 3.0 miles next week!
Tomorrow's plan is to run one mile and a round of weight circuit training.

SUMMARY: OCTOBER 10-16, 2012

Daily Quote: "An hour of basketball feels like 15 minutes. An hour on a treadmill feels like a weekend in traffic school." --David Walters

Normally I rest on Sunday, but Suzie is in New York and this morning was beautiful out there...decided to do an easy lap around my neighborhood.  Running outside definitely beats the treadmill!

Morning wakeup resting heart rate: 44 bpm.  Heart rate is good enough to run again!

Weather: 9:00 a.m. 66 degrees, sunny, humidity 13%, winds south at 10 mph.

Course: Loop around neighborhood; west on Upland, south on Jones, west on Alta, return home on Upland.

Workout: Warmup 10 minutes of racewalking.  Run; 1.5 miles at 9:45 per mile pace.  Cool down, 10 minutes of racewalking.  Easy effort, felt no strain and no pain nor aches.  Average heart rate: 141 bpm.  Cardiac drift 152 bpm.  Shoes: ASICS Trainer.

It felt great to run outside again, but will return to the treadmill next week as a precaution against exhaust pollution...don't want to risk getting cancer again.

SUMMARY: OCTOBER 10-16, 2012
Monday: Run 2.5 miles. (treadmill, 10 minute miles)
Tuesday: Run 1 mile. (treadmill, 10 minute mile) & weight circuit training.
Wednesday: Run 2.5 miles. (treadmill, 10 minute miles)
Thursday: NO RUNNING. Weight circuit training.
Friday: Run 2.5 miles. (treadmill 10 minute miles.)
Saturday: Run 1 mile (treadmill, 10 minute miles.)
Sunday: Run 1.5 miles, loop around home. (9:45 minute miles)
Total Weekly Mileage: 11:0 miles.

I'm very happy with my current progress!  I did struggle at the beginning of the week therefore planning on repeating last week's training as to allow my body to fully adapt before I increase mileage again.

I'm currently working out with two weight circuit training sessions, considering on increasing the weight training to three times a week.

Successful 2.5 Miler

Daily Quote: "The longer I live the less confidence I have in drugs and the greater is my confidence in the regulation and administration of diet and regimen." -- John Redman Coxe, 1800

This morning's wake up heart rate is 46 bpm, which is good enough for me to push for another 2.5 miler.  I didn't run yesterday, just weight circuit training, that has me eager and ready to push myself.

Location: 24 Hour Fitness on Rainbow & Alta.

Time: 9:15 a.m.

Run: Precor Treadmill set at a 1% Grade. Warmup: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Run: 2.5 miles at 6.0 mph (10 minute mile) Cooldown: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Average heart rate 143 bpm. Cardiac Drift 179 bpm. (My maximum heart rate last year was 188 bpm) Shoes: ASICS Trainers. Effort was rather easy throughout the whole 2.5 miles!!  No struggling during the last mile and no aches nor pain...even my shoulders are pain free today.  I felt so much at peace after my run, a great sense of calm.

Tomorrow is Saturday, the busiest work day of the week, I plan to run an easy one mile recovery run before work.

Suzie has left for New York this morning to visit family and will return next Saturday.  I might visit the gym during my days off next week and play in the pool, hot tub, and sauna for a change.

Also, I would like to see the movie "50/50" about buddies through thick, thin, comedy, and cancer!  The movie is a story about the writer Will Reiser who was diagnosed with cancer in 2005.  It's different and unusual to have a comedy based on cancer.  Anyone seen this movie yet?

Just Weights

Daily Quote: "Bruce, as you know I've been taking my wakeup HR since I was in my early 40s. I found then, and it's true today, that if I'm tired, my HR will go up, and it may take a couple of weeks to come down, even though I get good sleep during those weeks. That is, one or two nights of sleep deficit or one or two days of over training will push my wakeup HR up, but it will take a week or more of rest before the HR comes down."  --Allen Leigh

My morning resting heart rate was a high 51 bpm (normally it's 40-43 bpm).  Decided to just do weight circuit training today, which isn't too much of a cardio workout with the hope of making tomorrow's 2.5 mile run easier.  Perhaps my heart rate won't take a week or more of rest before it goes down.

My shoulders are still a little sore, therefore I'll continue the lesser 20 pound weights on the shoulder press machine as to allow my body to adapt.  Due to my body's easier adaption of 50 pounds on the chest press last Tuesday, today I'll increase the weights on the chest press to 55 pounds.

The following is my current circuit training:
1. Abdominal Crunch. 3 sets of 15 reps on a incline board.
2. Leg Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 90 pounds.
3. Leg Extension. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 65 pounds.
4. Leg Curl. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 65 pounds.
5. Chest Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 55 pounds.
6. Shoulder Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 20 pounds
7. Tricep Extension. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 35 pounds.
8. Lat Pull. 1 sets of 15 rep. Weight: 75 pounds.
9. Bicep Curl. 1 set of 15 rep. Weight: 35 pounds.
10. Low Back Extension: 3 sets of 15 reps.

My shoulders did well on the shoulder press machine, only a slight ache.  The chest press still felt easy and completed the 15 repetitions with little effort, will increase the chest press to 60 pounds next week.  My lower back felt a little stiff, maybe reduce the Low Back Extension to only two sets next week.

Tomorrow I'll attempt to run 2.5 miles again, if the effort is too difficult, I'll only run 2.0 miles or maybe even less.

A High Cardiac Drift

Daily Quote: "You are never really playing an opponent. You are playing yourself, your own highest standards, and when you reach your limits, that is real joy."  --Arthur Ashe

Today I've returned to my habit of running at 9:00 a.m.  I felt a little tired as I only slept a fitful six hours last night.

Location: 24 Hour Fitness on Rainbow & Alta.

Run: Precor Treadmill set at a 1% Grade. Warmup: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Run: 2.5 miles at 6.0 mph (10 minute mile) Cooldown: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Average heart rate 158 bpm.  Cardiac Drift 179 bpm. (My maximum heart rate last year was 188 bpm) Shoes: ASICS Trainers.  Effort was moderately hard.  No aches nor pain (except for my puny shoulders).

I ran the same routine last Monday and my heart rate was in the low 140's with little cardiac drift.  Why is my heart rates higher today??  Monday I had a full day of rest before Tuesday's 2.5 mile run, but yesterday I had an easy one mile recovery run combined with strenuous weight circuit training...am I not fully recovered from lifting weights?  Could it be my current financial stresses, which made it difficult for me to sleep, created enough stress to alter my running heart rates?  Maybe it was just an "off" day.

My shoulders are a tad sore, which made it difficult to keep me "running tall" as I wanted to hunch during the last mile of my run.  Must keep my running form correct.

Tomorrow I'll do an easy one mile recovery run and return to weight circuit training.  Hopefully Friday's 2.5 mile run will show better results; if not I may need to reduce my training, or repeat this weeks training the following week.  Will continue to listen closely to my body's signals.

Recovery Run + Weight Circuit Training

Daily Quote: "Exercise and application produce order in our affairs, health of body, cheerfulness of mind, and these make us precious to our friends." -- Thomas Jefferson

Today a nice one mile recovery run and weight circuit training.  I had to do my exercises in the late afternoon as I spent most of the day getting my wife's truck fixed as to pass the smog test...a very expensive procedure!  The great thing about the gym is that it doesn't matter what time of day I exercise, the weather is always the same, although I do try and make 9:00 a.m. my exercise habit.

Location: 24 Hour Fitness on Rainbow & Alta.

Run: Precor Treadmill set at a 1% Grade. Warmup: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Run: 1 mile at 6.0 mph (10 minute mile) Cooldown: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Average heart rate 141 bpm. Shoes: ASICS Trainers.  Run felt very easy, which was my intent as to return tomorrow with more vigor for another 2.5 miler.  No aches nor pain, I was eager and body felt strong.

As is my habit as soon as I finished with my run, I jumped to the weight stations to do one round of weight circuit training.  I wonder in the future if it would be wise to do weights before running as I would have more energy and strength to lift heavier weights?!?   My shoulders are much better than last week, but I'll reduce the weights on the shoulder press machine to allow my body to adapt.

The following is my current circuit training:
1. Abdominal Crunch. 3 sets of 15 reps on a incline board.
2. Leg Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 90 pounds.
3. Leg Extension. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 65 pounds.
4. Leg Curl. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 65 pounds.
5. Chest Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 50 pounds.
6. Shoulder Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 20 pounds
7. Tricep Extension. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 35 pounds.
8. Lat Pull. 1 sets of 15 rep. Weight: 75 pounds.
9. Bicep Curl. 1 set of 15 rep. Weight: 35 pounds.
10. Low Back Extension: 3 sets of 15 reps.

The chest press felt very easy and will increase the poundage to 55 pounds on Thursday.  Shoulders did well with just 20 pounds, but still a little sore, will maintain 20 pounds next Thursday.

Looking forward to running 2.5 miles tomorrow!  I'm hoping that my body is adapting and maybe next week be able to increase my run to 3 miles.  I'm in no hurry to increase my mileage, the important thing is that I remain injury free.  This December I've already registered for the 2011 Las Vegas Rock n' Roll Marathon, needless to say, I'm not going to be ready for this race, it's doubtful I'll even be ready to run the half marathon.  I'm going to have to reduce my goals, maybe a 5k race in November or December?

Easier 2.5 Miler

Daily Quote: "Think of the navel as the runner's eyeball.  The goal is for it to always look straight ahead, not to swing back and forth like a windshield wiper." --Jennifer Hughes, Running Times Magazine, October 2011, pg 26.

Since yesterday was a total rest day, I felt eager and ready to run!

Location: 24 Hour Fitness on Rainbow & Alta.

Run: Precor Treadmill set at a 1% Grade. Warmup: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Run: 2.5 miles at 6.0 mph (10 minute mile) Cooldown: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Average heart rate 142 bpm. Shoes: ASICS Trainers.

Run felt easy, no aches nor pain, and could have ran farther.  Although today's 2.5 miler was easier than last Friday's run, I won't increase to 3 miles until next week.  I believe one of the reasons the run felt easy was because I was well rested from yesterday's total Rest Day.

Suzie's 2003 Silverado failed the Smog Test, therefore early tomorrow morning I'll have to take the truck and have it fixed, I hope to run and weight circuit train in the afternoon.

SUMMARY: NOVEMBER 3-9, 2011

Daily Quote: "Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all." -- Dale Carnegie

It has been a very long time since I've made a week summary of my runs...how sweet it is!!  My first complete week of running, it was slow and cautious, but I'm on the right track.  Sundays are to be my rest days, what better time to reflect.  The following was my week in a nutshell:

Monday:  Run 2 miles. (treadmill, 10 minute miles)
Tuesday: Run 1 mile. (treadmill, 10 minute mile) & weight circuit training.
Wednesday:  Run 2 miles. (treadmill, 10 minute miles)
Thursday: Run 1 mile. (treadmill, 10 minute mile) & weight circuit training.
Friday: Run 2.5 miles. (treadmill 10 minute miles.)
Saturday: Run 1 mile (treadmill, 10 minute miles.)
Sunday: REST DAY.
Total Weekly Mileage: 8.5 miles.

Next week I'll slightly increase Monday and Wednesday runs to 2.5 miles; the rest of last week's schedule I'll repeat.

My upper shoulders are better and will return to the shoulder press next week, but with less poundage.

No aches nor pain in my legs and will listen to my body closely and alter training if necessary.

Overall I'm very upbeat and happy with my progress, as long as I don't overdue it I'll be fine.

Ran 2.5 miles.

Daily Quote: "Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward.  They may be beaten, but they may start a winning game."  --Johann Wolgang von Goethe

The above quote is perfect for me, as I'm also a chess expert as well as a runner.

Location: 24 Hour Fitness on Rainbow & Alta.

Run: Precor Treadmill set at a 1% Grade. Warmup: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Run: 2.5 miles at 6.0 mph (10 minute mile) Cooldown: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Average heart rate 145 bpm. Shoes: ASICS Trainers.  No aches nor pain, but the last half mile I did struggle a bit, I plan to continue 2.5 mile runs next week until the distance becomes easy.

Tomorrow will be a recovery run of one mile.

Sore Shoulders

Daily Quote:  "Motivation is what gets you started.  Habit is what keeps you going." --Jim Rohn

My shoulders are still sore from overdoing the shoulder press machine last Tuesday, therefore I'm skipping the shoulder press until next week.  I ran two miles yesterday, therefore today is a recovery run of one mile.

Location: 24 Hour Fitness on Rainbow & Alta.

Run: Precor Treadmill set at a 1% Grade. Warmup: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Run: 1 mile at 6.0 mph (10 minute mile) Cooldown: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Average heart rate 141 bpm. Shoes: ASICS Trainers.  No aches nor pain and still joyfully motivated!  I know that I'll have poor motivation eventually, but by that time my exercising will be a habit.

As soon as I finished with my run, I jumped to the weight stations to do one round of circuit training.  I'm wondering if next week I should do the weight stations before running?  I'm thinking I'll have more energy to lift more weights if I save running until afterwards.

The following is my current circuit training:
1. Abdominal Crunch. 3 sets of 15 reps on a incline board.
2. Leg Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 90 pounds.
3. Leg Extension. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 65 pounds.
4. Leg Curl. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 65 pounds.
5. Chest Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 50 pounds.
6. Shoulder Press. Skipped this machine due to sore shoulders.
7. Tricep Extension. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 35 pounds.
8. Lat Pull. 1 set of 15 rep. Weight: 75 pounds.
9. Bicep Curl. 1 set of 15 rep. Weight: 35 pounds.
10. Low Back Extension: 3 sets of 15 reps.

Tomorrow I plan on running 2.5 miles, which will be my longest run since my comeback after cancer!

An Easier 2-Miler

Daily Quote: "Don't be afraid if things seem difficult in the beginning. That's only the initial impression. The important thing is not to retreat; you have to master yourself"  .--Olga Korbut

Today I return to my 2 miler at the local gym.  As I expected, my shoulders are still a little sore from weightlifting yesterday, otherwise I felt eager to hit the treadmill.

Location: 24 Hour Fitness on Rainbow & Alta.

Run: Precor Treadmill set at a 1% Grade. Warmup: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Run: 2 mile at 6.0 mph (10 minute miles) Cooldown: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Average heart rate 142 bpm. Shoes: ASICS Trainers.

My 2 miler felt much easier today, I'm considering on increasing my run to 2.5 miles this coming Friday.  No aches nor pain and my spirits are high! 

Tomorrow will be an easy one mile recovery run  and weight training.  I plan on reducing the weights for the shoulder press, but all the other weight exercises will remain the same weights.

Recovery Run

Daily Quote:  "The most sacred place dwells within our heart, where dreams are born and secrets sleep, a mystical refuge of darkness and light, fear and conquest, adventure and discovery, challenge and transformation. Our heart speaks for our soul every moment while we are alive. Listen... as the whispering beat repeats: be...gin, be...gin, be...gin. It's really that simple. Just begin... again." --Royce Addington

Yesterday I ran two miles, today I'll recover with a one miler.  Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are my current days off from work, which means I have more time to do the little "extras" like stretching and/or weight training.  I'm planning for weightlifting circuit training on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Location: 24 Hour Fitness on Rainbow & Alta.

Run: Precor Treadmill set at a 1% Grade. Warmup: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Run: 1 mile at 6.0 mph (10 minute mile) Cooldown: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Average heart rate 141 bpm. Shoes: ASICS Trainers.

As soon as I finished with my run, I jumped to the weight stations to do one round of circuit training.  I haven't lifted weights in a long time, therefore I'm using light weights with 15 repetitions as to allow my body to adapt.  I might have overdone the shoulder press, which is usually my weakest routine, my puny shoulders will probably be a little sore tomorrow.

The following is my current circuit training:
1. Abdominal Crunch. 3 sets of 15 reps on a incline board.
2. Leg Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 90 pounds.
3. Leg Extension. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 65 pounds.
4. Leg Curl. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 65 pounds.
5. Chest Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 50 pounds.
6. Shoulder Press. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 40 pounds
7. Tricep Extension. 1 set of 15 reps. Weight: 35 pounds.
8. Lat Pull. 1 sets of 15 rep. Weight: 75 pounds.
9. Bicep Curl. 1 set of 15 rep. Weight: 35 pounds.
10. Low Back Extension: 3 sets of 15 reps.

Tomorrow I'll return to running two miles.

A Two Miler

Daily Quote:  "What the caterpillar calls the end the rest of the world calls a butterfly." --Lao Tzu

Sunday's Rest Day wasn't too restful as work was busy, nevertheless, I'm recovered enough to attempt a run of two miles!

Location: 24 Hour Fitness on Rainbow and Alta.

Run: Precor Treadmill set at a 1% Grade. Warmup: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Run: 2 miles at 6.0 mph (10 minute miles) Cooldown: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph. Average heart rate 145 bpm. Shoes: ASICS Trainers.

I was a little winded during the last four minutes of my run, but felt energized once I started my cooldown.  No aches nor pain, and very happy with my run today.  Listened to Lady GaGa on my CD player.

I feel more positive when I run on the treadmill as I don't feel paranoid by passing automobiles exhausts!  Needless to say, I really don't want to fight cancer again!! 

Tomorrow I'll run an easy one-miler.  Since Tuesday is my day off, I'll attempt to lift weights too.

My Fourth Run

Daily Quote:  "The secret to a rich life is to have more beginnings than endings." --Dave Weinbaum. than endings" --Dave Weinbaum

Saturdays are the busiest days for a cab driver, running helps me to become invigorated for the tough 12-hours driving.

Weather: 9:00 a.m. 78 degrees, partly cloudy, humidity 33%, winds south at 7mph.

Course: Loop around my home. West on Upland Avenue, South on Jones Boulevard, East on Alta Avenue, and return home West on Upland Avenue.

Workout: Warmup 10 minutes racewalking. Run 1.5 miles at 10:14 per mile pace. Cooldown, 10 minutes racewalking.  Nice easy effort, felt no strain and no pain nor aches.  Average heart rate 143 bpm.  Cardiac Drift 154 bpm.  Shoes: ASICS Trainer.

Tomorrow is Sunday, which will be my planned rest day from running.

My Third Run

Daily Quote:  "Every day is a new beginning.  Treat it that way.  Stay away from what might have been, and look at what can be"  --Marsha Petrie Sue

Today is my third day of running and also have to start my four day work week.  I have many chores before I work at 12:00 p.m.  To save time, instead of leaving for the gym's treadmill, I decided to run out my front door and do a loop around the neighborhood.

Weather:  9:00 a.m. 79 degrees with intermittent clouds, humidity 18%, winds south at 7mph.

Course:  Loop around my home.  West on Upland Avenue, South on Jones Boulevard, East on Alta Avenue, and return home West on Upland Avenue.

Workout:  Warmup 10 minutes racewalking.  Run 1 mile at 10:04.  Cooldown, 8 minutes racewalking.
 Effort felt very easy with heart rate average 141 bpm, with a cardiac drift of 151 bpm.  No aches nor pain, but did feel a little tired after my run and if I had the time I would have had a nap.  Shoes: ASICS Del Trainer.

Tomorrow will attempt to run 1.5 miles.

My Second Run

Daily Quote: "The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret to
getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into
small manageable tasks and then starting on the first one." --Mark Twain

Today is my second run, same mileage, but on the treadmill instead of being outside.  I'm concerned about exhaust fumes, smog, and too much sun exposure.  I'm paranoid about getting cancer again. 

Location:  24 Hour Fitness on Rainbow & Alta.

Run:  Precor Treadmill set at a 1% Grade.  Warmup: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph.  Run: 1 mile at 6.0 mph (10 minute mile) Cooldown: 10 minutes at 3.5 mph.  Average heart rate 142 bpm.  Shoes: ASICS Trainers.

I have no aches nor pain after my run, my stomach wound looks much better, and my mood is fantastic!!

I listened to "Aerosmith Classics Live II" on my CD Player that made the time on the treadmill much less boring.

I've decided to run one mile everyday this week, except Sunday will be my rest day.  Suzie has Sundays off, plus gives me time to recover from working on busy Saturday nights.

A New Beginning

Daily Quote:  "Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible." --St. Francis of Assisi.

Today is my new beginning, my feeding tube has been gone a week and my stomach wound is somewhat healed, I'm now ready to start my training!!  Today's run is my day of rejoicing and celebrating my cancer remission.  A special treat today, my support group "Bruce's Team" will also run at 9:00 a.m. for my celebratory run.  "Bruce's Team" has been supporting me throughout my cancer fight and were very helpful during those days when I was struggling with the radiation therapy and chemotherapy, God Bless them all.

Weather:  9:00 a.m.  Sunny, 77 degrees, humidity 18%, winds SE at 8 mph.  A little warm, wore my racing singlet and shorts.  Lathered up on suntan lotion, which is almost empty, need to put suntan lotion on the grocery list.

Course:  Out and back on US95 Bike Trail.  Noticed that the City of Las Vegas has recently painted over all the graffiti. 

Equipment:  I wore all my toys, which was totally unnecessary, all I needed was my watch, but I was in a playful mood.  Wore my Garmin 305 Forerunner, Polar Heart Rate Monitor, and my one bottle fanny pack.  Also wore my lightweight racing shoes, the ASICS Trainers. 

Run:  Warmup, 10 minutes of racewalking.  Ran one mile at 10:23 minutes.  Cooldown, 10 minutes of racewalking.  Average heart rate during the run was 161 bpm.  Average overall heart rate 142 bpm. 

Felt great and energized after my run, I'm beyond happy!!  I'm really not concerned about my speed as all my runs for the upcoming month will be done very easy as I rebuild my base.  I'm concerned about the automobile exhausts along HWY95 and wonder if I should run on the gym's treadmill instead?!?  It's so much easier to start my run from the front door.

My Cancer Treatments Are Finished!!

Daily Quote: "Moments in life that are really hard and challenging, when I look back on those, those were kind of the life-changing moments for me and usually they were followed by the biggest successes because they made me re-evaluate who I was, what I was doing, and refocus on what really matters.  I'm hoping that this is the same sort of thing.  My personality is such that I usually try to find the positive in every negative, so I'm hopeful that I can do the same again and turn a situation that wasn't pleasant to live through to my advantage.  I'm pretty confident that I'll come out of this the better for it." --Shannon Rowbury commenting about her battling back from a persistent lower-leg problem, that was actually an issue with a leg-length discrepancy.  Running Times Magazine, July/August 2011, pg 48.

I realize that my lung and tongue cancer is much more severe than Shannon's leg-length discrepancy, but her above quote reflects on my own hopes with my cancer fight, which was indeed a life-changing moment, that I'll have bigger successes because of my cancer.  Not only do I wish to improve my fitness, running, chess, but also place more emphasis on smothering my wife with love!  She had my back and gave me such strong support during my time of need.  Where would I be without her love?  I love her dearly.  I have a new lease on life and don't want to waste my second chance!

Today was my last radiation treatment!!  I have this tremendous feeling of relief and freedom.  I am so very happy!  I know my battle hasn't been won until I receive a clear PET Scan at the end of this month, which will state my cancer is in remission.  Even if my cancer is in remission, I'll still need to have regular health checkups as to assure the cancer hasn't returned and/or spread to some other part of my body.  Nevertheless, I feel positive that I'm in remission and the cancer will not return.

It's going to feel weird tomorrow not having my usual 9:00 a.m. radiation treatment, I plan on exercising at the gym during that time slot instead.  I must continue to wear my feeding tube until my cancer remission is official, which makes exercising problematic.  I use extra gauze tape to prevent the 12 inch tube from bouncing around during my runs.  I also need to keep the drainage gauze dry as to prevent infection where the feeding tube connects to my stomach, therefore, after my exercise I will clean the wound and replace the drainage gauze with a new, dry gauze.  Currently, the tube's connection has been spotting a small dab of blood, but nothing serious as the stomach entry shows no sign of infection and will continue using the product "Neosporin."  I hope after my PET Scan I can immediately have surgery to remove the feeding tube, which will be the last shackle of my cancer fight.  My Registered Nurse, Charlie,  will continue to visit my home on Wednesdays until the feeding tube has been removed.

My weight is still 170 pounds, which has been my racing weight in the past, but I know my stamina, endurance and muscle fitness needs to improve before returning to racing.  Last January I had sent my registration fee for the 2011 Las Vegas Rock n' Roll Marathon in December, but doubt I'll be fit enough to race the marathon, but believe I could be ready for the 2011 Las Vegas Rock n' Roll Half Marathon.  Tomorrow, I'll start training in earnest, but will listen to my body complaints and strive to improve by baby steps, baby steps.  Last week I ran a total of six miles, with most of my exercising being walking.  Next week I plan on adding weight lifting, which will help my overall fitness to prevent injuries and make me more durable if the cancer returns.

I have so many people to thank during my cancer battles, my wife, family, friends and the motivational "Bruce's Team."  Their support and prayers had been invaluable...God Bless you all!!

Only One More Week of Radiation Therapy!!

Daily Quote: "'How often do you (Lance Armstrong) think about your own cancer?'  I think about it a lot because I get reminded about it a lot.  But 15 years later, umpteen checkups later , [I've] been clear.  Mostly my reflection on the disease has to do with other people.  Thinking about the stories that I hear on a daily basis, I think, 'It's just unfair.'  Many times, that's where I come down on cancer.  I look at my situation and all that I've been given after my disease.  Some of it I earned, I suppose, but the fact that I was given my health back is great for me, but is really, in a sense, unfair for a lot of people, because they haven't been given that opportunity.  I mean I was pretty damn lucky.  But types of cancer are so drastically different.  People don't understand that.  They see me, and they say, 'Hey, I'm gonna do okay, look at [him,]'"  --Lance Armstong. Interview by Bill Saporito, Runner's World Magazine, July 2011, article "Strong Man," pg 95.

The above quote hit a chord with me, cancer is just unfair, and all of us cancer victims have different outcomes due to the many types of cancers and our body's ability to fight the disease and/or react to the aggressive treatments like radiation and chemotherapy.  I would be tickled pink if I could be given my health back and survive another 15 years like Lance Armstrong, but who knows how much longer I have to live.  I hope I have Armstrong's luck!!  One thing for sure, I'm a much different person now than I was before cancer as I treat every day as a special gift and strive to live in the moment and still shoot for the stars.

I only have one more week of radiation therapy, and after my radiation therapy this morning, only have five more treatments!  Next Wednesday, if all goes well, I'll be finished with my cancer treatments, but still need to see Dr. Parks on August 23rd to setup a Pet Scan appointment as to determine whether my cancer is in remission or the need to create another round of cancer treatments.  I'm prepared, as mentioned in Armstrong's above quote, to have umpteen checkups throughout the rest of my life.

Last week Dr. Treadwell had reset my treatment plan as my cancer tumor on my right chest had shrunk to such a state that it's not longer visible with the naked eye on the radiation machine's X-ray, although the next day with the results from a Cat Scan he did find a a very small nodule on my right chest, which was the remnant of the previous tumor.  I had another tattoo made on my chest, which was 1/4 inch to the right of my previous tattoo.  I'm very optimistic that my chest and lung cancer will be in remission, but less sure of the result of my tongue cancer...eventually all those cancer remission questions will be answered after my Pet Scan later this month.

I'm happy to report that I reached my goal weight of 170 pounds on my six foot frame; my BMI (Body Mass Index) at 23.1, well within the normal weight category!  My lowest weight during my cancer treatments was 159 pounds, which was too low for my doctor's comfort as he feared I was becoming malnourished.  I hope to maintain this 170 pounds for the rest of the year, which was my weight when I achieved three BQ's (Boston Qualifier) therefore I believe it's my ideal racing weight.  Who knows, I may be even faster and more fit at a lesser weight, but realize for now I shouldn't be too concerned with my weight as I still need to repair my body because my endurance and stamina is very low and I've lost muscle fitness.  As always, thinking baby steps, baby steps.

My feeding tube has been causing me problems.  Whenever I lift heavy objects or bend sharply my feeding tube causes me sharp pain, also the connection between the tube and my stomach has been leaking a very small amount of blood onto my gauze.  I've been cleaning the gauze four times a day now, rather than every 12-hours as requested by my nurse.  I spoke to the nurse at the radiation office and she examined the connection, she said I have no noticeable infection, but gave me several strips of the ointment, "Neosporin," which should help prevent infections.  I have to wear this feeding tube throughout August as a precaution...in case I still need further treatments on my throat and tongue if my later Pet Scan shows I still have cancer.  The nurse discouraged me from any exertions like running, she believes exercise would acerbate the connection problem.  Those who know me will realize that her discouraging me not to exercise falls on mute ears!

My sleeping patterns have returned to normal, I no longer sleep 10-14 hours a day, but feel refreshed after 7-8 hours of sleep.  My depression for the last two weeks has also magically disappeared!  Sometimes my depression has me on this emotional roller coaster ride, where I'm high on life for a period of time, than sink to a low where I no longer wish to be a part of this earthly existence, than return again to over exuberance.  Would be nice to have a stable emotional life for awhile.  My mood swings must drive my wife crazy, she has the patience of a Saint!

All in all, GOOD NEWS this week!  Next week's news should be even better!!

No Radiation Therapy Today?!?

Daily Quote: "How did the disease change you (Lance Armstrong) and your body?"  Number one, the therapy is destructive to pre-existing muscle and conditioning.  and two, you're just not doing anything.  You're lying around.  I lay around.  I slept 20 hours a day.  So you're not going to maintain any of the muscle mass that you had.  I came down (in weight) significantly.  but also, when I came back, my view of the sport was very different.  All the things that I didn't do before when it came to training...I realized, like I said a minute ago, I'm coming back.  I've got my life back.  I'm pretty sure I'm going to be here next year, and I don't want to mess this up.  So I was just more focused than I had been before.  I was a total underachiever in the early '90s.  Although I did okay, I guess."  --Lance Armstong.  Interview by Bill Saporito, Runner's World Magazine, July 2011, article "Strong Man," pg 95.

The above quote was quite inspirational to me as I identified so closely to Armstrong's cancer experience.  Like Armstrong all I wanted to do is sleep, but I don't have the luxury of sleeping 20 hours a day as I have to work 12-hour days as a cab driver due to my financial responsibilities.  I also came down in weight significantly, my lowest weight during cancer treatment was 159 pounds, just before treatments I was 177 pounds.  I hope that when I return fully to running that I'll be more focused than I had been before too!

I only have nine radiation treatments left.  Today was like any other radiation day.  I entered the office, waited for my turn at the radiation machine, undressed and lay on the machine's platform, two technicians maneuvered my body into position for the radiation targets, they left the radiation room and shut the huge, thick, bomb-shelter-like doors as I waited for the radiation lasers to start blasting me...I waited, waited, and waited some more...then the nurse entered and stated that she couldn't see my tumor on the radiation machine's X-ray...thus she could not target the cancer mass on my upper chest.  I was then led to a Cat Scan machine as to find the cancer mass that has shrunken so small that it can't be seen by the naked eye.

The doctor will eventually exam the Cat Scan photos, target and mark where the cancer mass is, and should proceed later this week, maybe even tomorrow.

Called my wife at her work office and she was ecstatic about this morning's non-event as this shows how much progress I've been making.  I've been pretty depressed and defeated lately and my wife couldn't help herself as she repeated, "I told you so, I told you so," as she believes that I've already conquered cancer.  She has seen me achieve many things and has had no doubts that cancer is just another challenge for me to conquer.  I'm more cautious as I know how unjust and unfair cancer can be...you could be a great athlete, very religious, and still die of cancer.  I must admit, my wife's enthusiasm is contagious!  I'm so fortunate to have her in my corner!!

Today I drive my cab for twelve hours (12pm - 12am), which will be a very slow cab business day as we have no major conventions during the summer and not many tourists as it's just too hot.  Being a slow business day is a mixed blessing, we desperately need the money, but my body could use the rest too.  Today is my Friday and tomorrow I start my days off (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday off)!!  I'm looking forward to catching up on my sleep tomorrow.

Only Two More Weeks of Radiation Therapy!

Daily Quote: "It's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." ~Abraham Lincoln


Only two more weeks of radiation therapy!!   My last scheduled radiation day is on Friday, August 5th, but will see my oncologist, Dr. Parks on August 23rd to setup a PET Scan as to see if my cancer is in remission.   I  see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I continued my walking/running last week, but at a reduced amount as to allow my body to heal from the cancer treatments, and still feel that I'm easing into my return to running.

I've gained three pounds since last week and currently weigh 166 pounds (my lowest weight was 159 on June 30th); I hope to return to my racing weight of 170 pounds during August. 

I have no pain at this time, which is a relief in itself, but do feel tremendous fatigue and had deep depression during last weekend.  In the past when I felt depression my running habit had helped relieve my symptoms, but now since I've been off depression medications for many years and don't run during the weekends, my depression does return with a vengenance.  I just have to tough it out for two more weeks and keep a stiff upper lip.

I'm still sleeping over ten hours a day and with naps too. I often feel that when I'm awake my head is in a thick fog and can't think quickly.  My short term memory is horrible lately.  I don't feel that I'm fully living, only existing day by day. I've lost all desire to do anything except sleeping.  The year 2011 is a lost year with my mind lost in a blur.  I must wrap my thoughts with the realization that my cancer situation is temporary and it's almost over.

Only Three Weeks of Radiation Therapy Left

Daily Quote: "Being a cancer patient is just a whole different deal.  You feel it in your bones and skin -- it eats away at your mind.  Life seemed clear before, but suddenly there's this question mark in front of you.  Cancer is this amorphous thing.  It works on a cellular level that you can perceive intellectually, but that you can't see.  Running, by contrast, is all about focus and structure.  Once I got cancer, I appreciated running on a whole new level.  I had always thought of it as fun, a game, a toy, but now I realized we could use it as a weapon, to.  Use it in our own minds and bodies, as a fund-raiser, and for unity." --Bill Rodgers, (age 60) four time Boston Marathon winner, Runner's World Magazine, July 2011, Article "Team Effort,"  pg 84.

Boston Billy (Bill Rodgers) was a hero for many runners when he won the Boston Marathon four times, he's my hero for setting an example for us mere mortals who are striving to return to running after our bodies have been decimated by cancer treatments.  The above quote from the article "Team Effort" also explained that Rodgers "was preparing to run Boston in 2007 when a routine physical revealed he had an aggressive form of prostate cancer.  Rodgers underwent a radical prostatectomy, followed by radiation therapy.  Cancer-free, he returned to the Boston Marathon in 2009, finishing the race in 4:02."  Geez, yesterday I was disappointed because I had a tough interval, although I'm still taking radiation treatments, but Boston Billy finished the 2007 Boston Marathon in a mere mortal time of 4:02 to race and raise awareness for the cancer disease!  I am embarrassed for myself.  I will never be disappointed for my training nor racing again.

I now have only three weeks (15 radiation treatments) of radiation therapy left!!  My last scheduled radiation day is on Friday, August 5th, but will see my oncologist, Dr. Parks on August 23rd to setup a PET Scan as to see if my cancer is in remission.

Today my weight is 163 pounds, which means I only gained one pound last week (my lowest weight was 159 on June 30th); I hope to return to my racing weight of 170 pounds before August.  It's easier to gain weight since my throat is healed and can swallow food without pain.  I've lost muscle tone and strength during my cancer treatments and once I gain back the muscles I'll be a bit heavier too.  Needless to say, my returning to running last week probably made it more difficult to gain weight as well. 

The dead, dark, skin on my throat has all peeled off leaving a pinkish and slightly wrinkled neck.  I think the wrinkled neck might be due to my weight loss and not the radiation, heaven forbid it's because I'm older!  Also, my pectorals no longer hurt!  I do feel tremendous fatigue, but that goes with the radiation territory.  I'm at the point where I'm tired of being tired!  My beard has turned totally gray and has bald patches, but find it miraculous that I still have a full head of hair, although it too is grayer.  I can live with gray hair!

The big news for me at least, is I started running last week.  Running intervals with walking breaks, yesterday I had troubles finishing the last, fourth interval, but Allen's comment on my blog yesterday made me think, he said, "Going back to 2 minutes walking helps, but you're still subjecting your body to relative high stress from the running. I think I would vote in favor of reducing the overall stress level on your body by reducing your running. In fact, if it were me, I wouldn't run at all until I was done with the radiation. Running, even the small amounts you're doing, puts a lot of stress on your body, and your body is already getting high stress from the radiation. Walking puts stress on your body but less stress than that from running."  Maybe I can make a small compromise and walk every other day with the weekends off and just run a small amount, like three days a week?  Running makes me feel whole again and hate the idea of stopping altogether.  I know my doctors would not approve of my running as they feel that I need all my energy to fight cancer, the rest and recovery is a big part of the treatments.  Dr. Treadmill is still flabbergasted that I'm still able to work for twelve hours with my body being so weak and he probably would totally flip out if he knew I had returned to running.

Today after my 9:00 a.m. radiation treatments I rushed to 24 Hour Fitness as to complete my exercising and later a small lunch before I leave for work at 11:30 p.m.

24 hour Fitness on Rainbow Boulevard. Life Fitness Treadmill set to a 1% grade.  Walked 45 minutes at 3.5 mph.  Several times during my walk I wanted to break out running, but kept on trudging with my walking.  The effort was very easy with just mild exertion on my part, I didn't even break into a sweat.  After my walk I didn't feel the "high" that I get from running, but did feel that I accomplished at least something!  I am not disappointed with my walking as I do realize my body is in a weak state, but the hunger for running is still there.

Must finish my peanut butter and jelly sandwich and leave for work soon.  I wanted to post comments to Bruce's Team at about.com, but as usual I'm pressed for time, hopefully they'll keep up with me on my blog.  It's going to be a very long night at work.

Tentative Running Schedule

Daily Quote: "I know that marathon training is not really important compared to pneumonia and all the complications that would go with it, but for a runner, losing that which keeps us positive and on track is frustrating and disabling. Only another athlete can understand that. The race itself is merely frosting, it is what I gain mentally and physically from the training that holds my life together. I’m going buggy laying around watching movies and sleeping between coughing fits."  --Wendy Nail, from her blog, which I find extremely motivational and can totally understand her current frustrations.

My tentative running schedule is taking form, I'll be running Monday through Friday, immediately after my 9:00 a.m. radiation treatments, which should give me enough time to eat and prepare for my 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. shift (I drive for Checker Cab) on Monday and Friday.

My days off from running will be Saturday and Sunday, which isn't ideal to have two rest days together, but my wife has the weekends off from work and it wouldn't be fair to leave her in the mornings.  Also, work is very stressful during the weekend (I drive Fridays through Mondays) and really shouldn't compound my stress with the fatigue of running.

I immediately rushed to the gym after my 9:00 a.m. radiation appointment. 

24 hour Fitness on Rainbow Boulevard.  Life Fitness Treadmill set to a 1% grade. Warmup: 10 minutes of walking at 3.5 mph. Intervals, 4 x .25 miles at 6.0 mph (10 minute miles). Walking intervals, one minute. Cooldown, 10 minutes of walking at 3.5 mph. Shoes: NIKE Air Structures. No Polar Heart Rate Monitor as it's in the way of my feeding tube.  I was panting after my last running interval and amazed how decreasing my walking intervals by one minute was so difficult to complete my workout.  Tomorrow I'll return to two minute walking intervals.  I'm disappointed with today's effort, but do realize I'm going to have plenty of fallbacks during my return to running, and have to take today in stride.  Baby steps, baby steps.

Ran One Mile (with walking intervals)

Daily Quote: "My final thought is for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis or any other disease that slows you down. Nothing is impossible to overcome. You have to take advantage of the good days to make gains and those gains will help you though the bad days. I know runners with cancer, auto-immune diseases, heart problems, and even cerebral palsy. They enjoy their vigor and strength when they can find it and muddle through the weak days knowing there are better ones ahead."  --WendyBird's superb blog, which can be read here.  I love her blog's introduction, "I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2001 when I was 32, and have been struggling to maintain control of my body ever since. I began running in 2007 and have gone from not being able to run for a minute to running a full marathon. I hope my story will inspire others to reach for the stars, even if they feel chained to the depths."

I finally ran one mile today, granted the mile was interspersed with walking breaks, but my achievement felt like I had ran my first marathon!  It's great to be able to run again as I don't really want my cancer to define me.

Immediately after my 9:00 a.m. radiation appointment went to 24 Hour Fitness and jumped on a treadmill.  I had abundant energy as I slept for 10 hours last night and yesterday had a restful afternoon.

Life Fitness Treadmill set to a 1% grade. Warmup: 10 minutes of walking at 3.5 mph. Intervals, 4 x .25 miles at 6.0 mph (10 minute miles). Walking intervals, two minutes. Cooldown, 10 minutes of walking at 3.5 mph. Shoes: NIKE Air Structures. No Polar Heart Rate Monitor as it's in the way of my feeding tube.  Felt like I just jumped the moon accomplishing my first running mile!  Tomorrow will run the mile again, but will cut my walking breaks to one minute.

I started the blog several years ago as to answer many questions from my running friends who wanted to know how I qualified to run the Boston Marathon as most of them have never achieved a "BQ" (Boston Qualifier), since I started this blog I now have had three BQ's, which is a major milestone for an accomplished runner.  The blog at that time showed how I trained, rested, ate, all the while working 12-hour nights.  Also the blog highlighted the results and experiences of my races. Now, my blog has morphed into my struggles and battles with cancer.  When I first started writing about cancer I really didn't wish cancer to define me, now I'm hoping that my return to running will show that cancer can be conquered and I'm better from the horrible experience, that you can't keep a good runner down.  I love Wendy's attitude that "I hope my story will inspire others to reach for the stars, even if they feel chained to the depths."

Shift Bid

Daily Quote: "Don't feel like you must follow this plan, or any plan, exactly as it is written. You are different from all other people on this planet. This plan should serve as a guide but not a blueprint. Modify this plan to be your plan -- your plan becomes your blueprint. Learn to listen to your body and to make decisions about your walking and running based on how your body feels."  Allen Leigh, from his informative, running injury free, site.

Today is my day off, but I have Checker Cab shift bid at 6:00 a.m. and radiation at 9:00 a.m., and my planned run scheduled as well.

Shift bid starts at 6:00 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m. as to accommodate 839 Checker Cab drivers.  The bid is every six months and at this time will choose my cab, my shift time, and my days off.   I've been driving for Checker Cab since June 20, 1990, and with a seniority number of #25, which means I must arrive early to the bid, not an easy task since I worked 12 hours yesterday and bone tired.  My high seniority means I can pretty much bid for anything I want, therefore I chose Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays off as that would be best for my cancer treatments. My shift for the next six months will be the 61 Shift, which is 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., which is the highest booking shift with little down-time. Last and not least, I'll be driving a 2010 Ford Crown Victoria with low mileage on it! By the time I finished bidding, chatted with the other drivers, schmoozed with the road supervisors, it was 7:30 a.m.

Returned home for breakfast and studied chess before my 9:00 a.m. radiation appointment.

9:00 a.m.  My radiologist, Dr. Treadwell, is on a two week vacation, therefore his assistant took my vital signs and was alarmed at my heart rate numbers...typical situation for me, had to explain to her that I am a runner with a marathon trained heart.  She seemed puzzled, but accepted my answer.  The radiation took the usual twenty minutes with no problems nor pain.  The reception desk reminded me of tomorrow's appointment (same bat time, same bat station...the signoff after every Batman t.v. show during the 1960's...I am dating myself!) of 9:00 a.m.  I now have only 17 radiation treatments left!  I then left for the gym.

9:45 a.m.  24 Hour Fitness on Rainbow Boulevard.  Life Fitness Treadmill set to a 1% grade.  Warmup: 10 minutes of walking at 3.5 mph.  Intervals, 3 x .25 miles at 6.0 mph (10 minute miles).  Walking intervals, two minutes.  Cooldown, 10 minutes of walking at 3.5 mph.  Shoes: NIKE Air Structures.  No Polar Heart Rate Monitor as it's in the way of my feeding tube.

I wanted to run 4 x .25 miles today, but after my third interval felt tremendous fatigue, and decided to listen to Allen's above quote and call it a day.  My gauze drain sponge that separates my feeding tube was leaking and full of gunk...not a good thing.  I washed the stomach connection the best I could and returned home for a fresh, clean gauze.  Tomorrow I'll stock my gym back with clean gauze, Q-tips, and cloth tape, I must keep the stomach connection dry and clean as to avoid infections.  My feeding tube is a royal pain!!!

My wife's fellow employees at her bank, Nevada Federal Credit Union, has been sending me "get well cards" every week since the discovery of my cancer, they all write positive comments within the cards.  This week's card by Hallmark, was cute...and has my type of demented humor:  "A get-well riddle:  Why don't anteaters ever get sick?  Because they're full of "ANTY Bodies!"

My Slow Return to Running

 Daily Quote:   Question: How far should I walk or run? As far as you want, as long as you feel great at the end, no fatigue, no abnormal pain, no injuries. For some of you, the distance may be 50 feet. For others the distance may be a mile or more."  --Allen Leigh, from his informative "Running Injury Free" website.

Today is my first attempt to return to running, I'll be starting very slow at first as to allow myself to acclimate my body to the stress without harming my body.  I've discovered in the past that the best way for me to return to a long layoff from running is by having running intervals interspersed with walking intervals.  Today I'll attempt to run .25 mile interval distance with two minute walking intervals...I'll discontinue the running intervals when my body feels a little stressful...always listening to what my body feels...baby steps, baby steps.

I went to my gym, 24 Hour Fitness, immediately after my 9:00 a.m. radiation appointment.  I'll be squeezing in my workout before I have to leave for work.

Life Fitness Treadmill set to a 1% grade.  Warmup: 10 minutes of walking at 3.5 mph.  Intervals, 3 x .25 miles at 6.0 mph (10 minute miles).  Walking intervals, two minutes.  Cooldown, 10 minutes of walking at 3.5 mph.  Shoes:  Nike Air Structures. 

I felt great during the two running intervals, but the third interval I was starting to feel a little winded and decided that three intervals be it for the day.  I could have gone farther, but don't wish to push myself to hard for the first few weeks of my return to running.

Tomorrow I'll attempt four running intervals, but will stop at three intervals if my body tells me too.  I didn't wear my Polar Heart Monitor as it would get in the way of my feeding tube.  Doesn't matter, I can pretty much read my heart's stresses.  I'll also continue with running 6 mph, or 10 minute miles, as this has been the speed of my recovery runs in the past, and the 6 mph speed still feels easy.

I felt euphoric after my run!  I'm back!!

Only Four Weeks of Radiation Therapy Left!

Daily Quote: "You don't die suddenly from cancer, as you might from a heart attack, and you don't survive it overnight, either.  Marathon training also unfolds over a period of months, and the race itself takes hours to finish.  The passage of time permits a narrative to take shape.  When the story of cancer meets a runner's story, the combination can be quite powerful."  --Richard Pestell, M.D., director of the Kimmel Cancer Center at the Jefferson Hospitals in Philadelphia and former national-class distance runner in his native Australia.  Runner's World Magazine, July 2011, Article: "Outrunning Cancer," pg 80.

I survived the Fourth of July weekend!  The traffic on the Strip and all the back routes were all jammed with cars and made driving a cab almost impossible.  To make matters worse, on Saturday I had diarrhea, hence my plan was to work the airport as much as I can as bathroom facilities are inside the cab's airport holding area.  Unfortunately, most of my rides from the airport were short and for the first time in many years I was unable to make the shift's average.

All the cab companies have what's known as the "average," which is the gross income from the cab's meter.  This gross income is known in cabbie parlance as the "book," and my net income is 43% of the book.  Therefore, if the book is $100, my net income would be $43.00.  Saturday my book was $299, but my shift's average was $344, which means I could get written up for not performing to expectations.  So far, I haven't had to see a supervisor in regards to my Saturday's performance.  I've been driving for Checker Cab Company for 21 years and never been written up for "low book," and maybe the supervisor will give me the benefit of the doubt about whether I was slacking off or simply had misfortunes.  When a driver has too many low books he'll get suspended, if his performance doesn't improve he'll eventually will be fired.  I doubt I'll be suspended as I'm known as a hard worker and loyal employee, besides, I do have cancer.

I only have four weeks (actually 21 radiation treatments) of radiation therapy left!  My last day of radiation should be on August 5th and my appointment with my oncologist, Dr. Parks, is on August 23rd, when he'll setup a PET Scan Test.  I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and already considering on returning to running on the gym's treadmill next week...which will consist mostly of walking intervals at first.  One problem I have with returning to running next week will be my feeding tube...I must keep my feeding tube connection with my stomach dry as to prevent infection, which would be problematic with sweating.  If I change the connection's gauze immediately after my workout I should be o.k.

My weight is now 162 pounds, which means I gained three pounds since last week!  I'm hoping to return to my racing weight of 170 pounds before August.  My throat is no longer sore and can eat solid foods, but still need to be careful with my portion sizes and not eating spicy foods.  My body is not accustomed to my recent diet, which explains the diarrhea I had on Saturday.

I'm still extremely fatigued after my radiation treatments, but hope that my return to exercising next will help energize me as it did before my cancer treatments.  During my days off I've been sleeping over 10 hours and having cat naps throughout the day...I needed the rest and recovery, but this is ridiculous!  I want to desperately return to the old energetic Bruce.

ONLY FIVE WEEKS OF RADIATION THERAPY LEFT!

Daily Quote: "'You can not only beat cancer,' says Issie, "but you can thrive and do amazing, wonderful, and crazy things.'"  --Issie Pelc, Runner's World Magazine, July 2011, pg 28, Human Race Section, article "Outrunning Cancer"

The above quote is about Cancer struck Issie Pelc (lymphoma) and his wife, Shelley (ovarian cancer), in a three-year span.  To raise $80,000 for the Toronto hospital where they were treated, Pelc, 60 ran a marathon a month for 39 months --finishing in June 2010 with his 60th career marathon.  Indeed, it is an "amazing, wonderful, and crazy things!!"

My own future running goals are pretty much in the air.  I've already registered for the 2011 Rock n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon for this coming December, and planned on running the marathon as my victory lap over cancer, but I am concerned about my upcoming marathon training as I've lost muscle and endurance during the cancer treatments and must return to running as a beginner.  Nevertheless, I'll listen to my body and determine what I can safely manage, I may have to downgrade to the half marathon, as I plan to train conservatively with my "baby steps, baby steps" mantra.

Yesterday, before my chemotherapy treatment, I had a chat with my oncologist, Dr. Parks, who said that this ninth chemotherapy treatment (had chemo every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m - 1:45 pm.) will be my last chemo for now.  My next appointment with Dr. Parks will be on August 23rd when he'll schedule me for a PET Scan.  WOW!!  No more three hours treatments of poisoning my blood!  No more blood tests on Monday as a prerequisite for the chemo!  No more spending most of Tuesday and Wednesday in bed recuperating from the deep fatigue due to the chemo!  I'm so upbeat and optimistic I could burst!!!

I still have five weeks of radiation treatments for my right lung and upper chest on Monday-Friday at 9:00 a.m., but that feels like a taper now!  The radiation treatments are more precise pin pointing and isn't as physically draining as poisoning my whole blood stream, nevertheless, the radiation treatments are painful on my pecs and sometimes food has a problem reaching my stomach and wants to return uphill, radiation is also fatiguing...but, I can manage it.

My throat is totally healed, and can now eat solid foods!!  Last Friday I overdid it as I had a "hearty breakfast bowl" at Jack-n'-the Box Restaurant, which had too spicy sausage that caused vomiting the next day...I still should eat bland foods for the duration of my treatments.  I asked my radiologist if I could have my feeding tube surgically removed soon, but he said I should keep it on for the duration just in case my tongue still has cancer, which the PET scan after August 23rd will ascertain.  DRATS!  I was hoping that I could start a more strenuous walking/jogging program soon, but will listen to the advice of my doctors and place emphasis on resting and recuperating instead.

Watched the movie "Dodgeball" on television last night...I had the biggest laugh in a long time during the Lance Armstrong's cameo, which you can see here.

Time for my afternoon nap due to yesterday's LAST CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT!! 

D.O.T. Health Card

Daily Quote: "When it is about you, your mind races.  Am I at fault?  Could I have done something differently?  What do I tell my children and wife?  What if I actually get cancer?  Have I done everything I set out to do in life?  I am a physician who gives advice for a living.  I have spent much of my professional life extolling the value of healthy eating and regular exercise, and I practice both?  So how in the world did this happen to me?  Part of the answer to that last question is luck of the draw."  --Dr. Mehmet Oz, Article, "What I Learned From My Cancer Scare," TIME Magazine, June 13, 2011, pg 52.

Needless to say, I totally identify with the above quote, but found it interesting that a popular surgeon who is often seen on Oprah's television show would have many questions regarding his cancer scare...makes me realize that it's indeed the luck of the draw and that all my concerns on rooting out the cause of my own cancer is pretty futile. 

The following TIME Magazine had a mention of the above Dr. Oz quote, which was in the "mail" section was letter from Ellen Werts, from Marana, Arizona:
I am a survivor of chronic myelogenous leukemia, successfully treated with two bone-marrow transplants.  Before diagnosis, I, like Oz, was very healthy. Although Oz's story stressing screenings will be helpful to some, I was dismayed by his initial reaction to his possible cancer.  "Am I at fault?  Could I have done something differently?"  Coming from an influential physician, this statement promulgates societal tendency to blame the victim for a diagnosis of cancer.  Believe me, no cancer patient needs to be subjected to this notion by anyone, especially treating physicians.  Myself, I'm not so hard on doctors or others who want do discover any possible cause-and-effects for my cancer.  My good friend at about.com forum site, Dr. Bosco, has been striving to discover what could have happened to cause me cancer, as he tries to attempt to help me and others with possible cancer causes...I definitely don't think Dr. Bosco is trying to "blame the victim."

Yesterday I went to Dr. Amir Nicknam's office as to get my D.O.T. (Department of Transportation) physical exam so I can get my D.O.T. Health Card...without my health card I would be unable to get my T.A. (Taxicab Authority) permit and would not be allowed to drive a cab.  Normally this would take only 25-30 minutes, but ended up lasting over three hours!

The first part of the D.O.T. Physical was the vision test where he uses the Snellen chart on the wall and recorded the distance vision at 20 feet.  Both of my eyes were perfect as my vision was 20/20 and my horizontal field of vision was 90 degrees.

The second part of the physical was my hearing where I must perceive forced whispered voice greater than five feet.  Both my ears heard the whispered voice at five feet.  So far so good!!

The third part of my physical was blood pressure/pulse rate.  My systolic blood pressure was 108 and my diastolic blood pressure was 68!  My recorded pulse rate was 62 bpm.  Many cab drivers, who tend to be obese, have problems with high blood pressure If they have blood pressure at 180/110 they'll be unable to drive a cab until they get their blood pressure lower (many do so by taking prescription drugs).  Also, if they have blood pressure in the lower 140-159/90-99 range the drivers have to take the physical test every three months.  My physical is moving right along, as it has only taken about 15 minutes so far in the testing!

The fourth part of my physical was the toughest part for me...Laboratory and other test findings.  Needless to say, I have no idea how many different chemo drugs are flowing through my body and with a certain amount of anxiety I had took the urinalysis.  Needless to say, cab drivers who are taking illegal drugs end up not passing the physical, BUT, protein, blood or sugar in the urine may be an indication for further testing to rule out any underlying medical problem.  The results of my urine test was: SP.GR: 1,030; PROTEIN: 30; BLOOD: Negative; SUGAR: Negative.  I also had normal ALT, AST, and Creatine. I have no idea what the acronyms are, but my protein in my urine was too high and the doctor said that this may be a kidney or liver problem and he asked me when was my last blood test...that was easy to answer, "I take a blood test every Monday!"  The doctor had me sign release forms to be faxed to Quest Diagnosis as to receive a copy of my latest blood test.  This would take me three hours of waiting before the doctor understood that the protein in my blood was the result of my chemotherapy treatments.

While they were waiting for my latest blood test I finished the rest of the physical examination, which I easily passed, although they did mention I was wearing a feeding tube:
I'm 72 inches tall and weigh 162 pounds.
Mouth and Throat: Checking for irremediable deformities likely to interfere with breathing or swallowing.
Heart: Checking for murmurs, extra sounds, enlarged heart, pacemaker, implantable defibrillator.
Lungs and chest:  Checking for Abnormal chest wall expansion, abnormal breath sounds including wheezes, alveolar rales, impaired respiratory function, cyanosis, Abnormal findings on physical exam may require further testing such as pulmonary tests and/or xray chest.
Abdomen and Viscera: Checking for Enlarged liver, enlarged spleen, masses bruits, hernia,significant abdominal wall muscle weakness.  Here the doctor noted my feeding tube.
Vascular System: Abnormal pulse and amplitude, cartoid or arterial bruits, varicose veins.  Here the doctor asked if my pulse rate is usually that low after running in place for one minute, I told him that I've been a runner since 1999.
Genito-urinary System:  Checking for hernias again.
Spine, other musculoskeletal:  Checking for previous surgery deformities, limitation of motion, tenderness.  Doctor mentioned that I could still touch my toes, while wearing a feeding tube!?! 
Neurological: Impaired equilibrium, coordination or speech patter; asymmetric deep tendon reflexes, sensory or positional abnormalities, abnormal patellar and Babinki's reflexes, ataxia.

The doctor told me that it's very rare that someone who is taking chemotherapy and radiation treatments for lung cancer and tongue cancer would still be driving a cab for 12-hours and he can't imagine how I could do it...I'm the only driver he knows that still works as many drivers take a medical leave.  I told him that driving a cab was better than the alternative of bankruptcy.  He asked if I smoked, which is the usual question I'm asked, and I stated that I've never smoked and have no relatives who had cancer, and in fact, no cancer risk factors.  He then shook my hand and wished me well as he rushed to his next driver.

I then received my new D.O.T. Health Card and doesn't expire for two years!  Needless to say, I've been driving for Checker Cab Company for 21 years and this was the most stressful D.O.T. physical I've ever taken!!  Would I have passed this test if I wasn't a runner?