The catheter is out!

Today is Feb 22nd and I just got my catheter removed after four months. That was a huge relief. The really big relief came last week when my dr told me that there is no detection of cancer in my body. It's nice being on the right side of healthy.

Benefits And Types Of Exercises For Cancer

Below is a great article on the benefits of exercise for people with cancer, courtesy David Haas:


Benefits And Types Of Exercises For Cancer

Anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, is in remission or has had the disease for an extended period of time can benefit from exercise. One should first get a physical exam from your doctor and let them recommend an exercise program suits you and your needs. There are a plethora of benefits come along with exercise including, increased energy and stamina, improved moods, a lower risk of the disease recurring and more self confidence. Generally, exercise can help improve the overall quality of life when a patient has cancer*, according to the American Cancer Institute.

*http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/EatHealthyGetActive/GetActive/fitting-in-fitness

Start slowly when you commence a workout program. It will take time to get used to the various movements. You also may not have much energy, especially if one is diagnosed with mesothelioma**. This disease is often caused from exposure to asbestos***. The disease affects cell linings in the lungs and abdominal area. An increase in blood flow will help increase the functionality of the lungs and heart.

**http://www.mesothelioma.com/mesothelioma/
***http://www.mesothelioma.com/asbestos-exposure/

There are a number of recommended exercises for those with cancer. Walk or job on a treadmill, play tennis or use an exercise bike. Try to perform 60 to 90 minutes of moderately vigorous exercise four or five times per week. Doing cardio exercises like treadmill walking for about 20-25 minutes. The key is getting your heart rate up, as blood contains healing properties and nutrients for cleansing your system.

Resistance exercises or weightlifting are also highly beneficial for cancer patients. Join a gym and get a trainer if you can afford one. They can show you an array of exercises to work your entire body: Chest, shoulders, back, biceps, triceps, thighs, calves and abdomens. Divide your workouts up by body part. For example, train chest, shoulders and triceps one day, back and biceps the next day, then hit the legs and calves on another day. It is best to train each body part about twice per week.

You should also do various stretching exercises before you commence each weightlifting routine. Stretching helps prevent injuries and pain, which you may be more susceptible to as a cancer patient. Stretch your shoulders by pulling your elbows in toward your chest. Hold your arms like a football goal post and move them backward and forward to stretch your traps below your neck. Move your head forward, backward and to each side to stretch all the muscles in your neck. Some effective back stretching exercises include lying on your back and pulling both knees toward your chest. Sit on the floor with your legs straight and bend forward to stretch your hamstrings.

Drink lots of water and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables have many antioxidants that can help fight cancer.

 

Day 97

So with just a few days left until I reach the 100 day mark (which just so happens to occur on Super Bowl Sunday) I had my last monthly bone marrow biopsy. I'm feeling better each day which is encouraging. But recovering is not just a physical thing, it's 50% mental. Thankfully I found a leukemia survivors group that meets once a month over at Porter Hospital. My first meeting is on the 13th. I'm looking forward to hearing other people's recovery process and see what I can take away from them. And better yet if one of these survivors can take away something from my experience.

88 days out

Well I'm almost to the 100 day mark, which just happens to be feb 5th, super bowl Sunday. So i get to celebrate two things, my 100 days and hopefully my giants winning a repeat from the pats.

Aside from that, things have been status quo. I'm almost off this steroid (prednisone) which they've had me on for about a month. If you've never taken this steroid before, it can make you very twitchy or shaky and it can give your body the impression that you're stronger and have more energy than you actually have.

The other good news is that I had my last spinal tap last weds. It was a good birthday present by the doctors. They're very thoughtful...ha!

Well, I should be back to work sometime in the next few weeks which is exciting and scary all at the same time. I really want to go back as if I didn't miss a beat, but I need to set my expectations that i probably have. At least I got a good story to share...with my colleagues and my clients.

The last bit of good news is that Mish and I are back in our apt. In was great staying with her folks, but it's nice to have our own space again.

Hope you are all well.

Z

About day 75 out

So I'm close to finishing my 100 days post bone marrow transplant. Michele and I get to move back home next week. I'm very excited. It's been great having Rob and Donna (my in laws) along with Mish take care of me. But I really need to progress in this situation. I know I'm not done with this journey, but I need to start jumping some hurdles.

From a health standpoint, I have my last spinal tap on weds (which just so happens to be my birthday). I'm not sure when I get this chest catheter taken out, but I was told by my doctor I can snowboard with it attached. So my goal of snowboarding by march is not out the window. I've been working out everyday and am beginnng to get stronger and my appetite is back.

So what can I tell you? This hasn't been an easy journey. Lonely at times. But it's been a humbling journey nonetheless. I just started driving this week. Wow, have I missed that. Hell, I had my first coffee in 3 months on Thursday.

The things I've taken for granted over the years has really fallen into focus.

GVH

So in my last post which was about 2 weeks ago, there've been some changes. First my appetite went down significantly and I was suffering from fatigue along with diarrhea and nausea. It was definitely a bummer having gone back a few steps, but GVH isn't all a bad thing. It will go away and it increases my chances of cancer NOT recurring. Aside from that my hair is growing back and I have a mustache that Tom Selleck would be proud of.

CNS

Here's a belated post:

This past Monday I learned that I no longer have CNS (which is where the leukemia had moved to my central nervous system and had moved to the brain). I just have to have 5 more spinal taps. One every two weeks. That should bring me to February. The great news is that it looks like I'm completely cancer free. I don't want to jinx anything or sound like I'm talking about a perfect game in the top of the ninth, but all signs are pointing in the right direction. The best news is that the Giants beat the Cowboys this morning. I think Christmas come early.

The next thing I need is to get this catheter removed from my chest. But one thing at a time.