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.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
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."
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."
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
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!"
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!"
Monday, July 11, 2011
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!!
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!!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
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!!
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!!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
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?
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?
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