redden

A recent checkup indicated that the cancer might be back. I'm scheduled for the invasive test tour. Deja vu.
I'm planning on the SF-LA ride early June. My question is, has anyone done any long rides while on chemo? If so do you have any helpful tips?

Thanks

slowandsteady

What cancer? What chemo? You really need to talk to your oncologist for this.

Dahon.Steve

You have my sincere condolences. I wish you the best of luck.

redden

I had Kidney cancer 3 years ago and get checked yearly. I lost the right kidney back then. This year tests indicate that it might be back. More tests are scheduled. This time I don't have a kidney to lose so the treatment will most likely involve chemo. So I'm planning for a worst case scenario.
I still intend on completing the ride from SF to LA. I was hoping to find someone thats faced a similar situation and could offer some insights. I'm not looking for medical advise.

Thanks

HAMMER MAN

I hope everything works out for you and wish you the best of luck

stapfam

Whilst undergoing any form of treatment- it is down to how you feel and what you are able to do.

That magic "C" word hits people in different ways- With me it was that I knew what was wrong so where's the treatment? It was while waiting for the treatment that I was hit mentally. I could not ride with mates- Yet I could not ride on my own. Once I knew that treatment was underway- I started riding as normal just to celebrate.

Chemo hits people in different ways. Some it hardly affects and others are laid out with it.

slowandsteady

Chemotherapy consists of many different drugs but basically they do the same thing. They target fast growing cells. Some are more specific to a particular cell type or a particular protein on a particular cell. These are too specific to discuss here.

But for those that kill rapidly growing cells, they are rather indiscriminate. They kill your bone marrow, gastro-intestinal cells, hair, skin, mucosal linings, etc.... This is what results in a person losing their hair, having nausea and vomiting, infections, and feeling tired.

Often these things are dose limiting. Meaning, the side effects are so severe the doctor has to reduce the chemo dose. This reduces the chance of killing the cancer cells. There are things that can be done to ameliorate the side effects.

Neupogen stimulates white blood cell production which fight off infection
Procrit or Epo, as it is commonly called, stimulates reticulocytes which are the precursors to red blood cells which carry oxygen
Compazine an antiemetic for nausea
And many others that a good oncology can discuss with you. I would ask about mucosal lining protectants/regenerants.
I would also be very careful in the sun. Your skin will be very sensitive to sunlight.


My mother died from ovarian cancer. Her chief "complaints" of the chemo would have been the exhaustion and the infections. They hadn't invented Procrit yet. She did take Neupogen later on which made a huge difference. Before then, she had colds constantly.

bbwolfy

I have no advice to offer, however, I wish you the best.

dekindy

+1. My wife's best friend has a medical records degree and has worked in cancer research and is currently working for a cancer treatment center where she counsels patients on all aspects of their cancer and treatment. I will consult with her and get her opinion for you.

zippered

that's intense. whereas i don't have any personal experience to draw on, i imagine that anything and everything you can do to boost your immune system (body, mind and spirit) would help. having a positive goal to work towards is probably one of the best things you can do for yourself!

dobber

Good luck

froze

Not sure if this helps you or not, but Lance Armstrong still trained while on his treatments. You can E-Mail this question to his foundation and I'm sure you would get a response.

https://www.livestrong.org/site/c.jvK....CC7C/Home.htm

dekindy

You can usually do activities that you physically feel like doing and that your treatment regimen will allow time for. Other variables could be possible reduction of your white cell and platelet counts that could make it dangerous for you to be active.

colonel77

no need to worry, it will go away, and you'll make the ride and have a great time doing so, i 'll pray for you, in JESUS mighty name all will be well.

colonel77

no need to worry, it will go away, and you'll make the ride and have a great time doing so, i 'll pray for you, in JESUS mighty name all will be well.dust off that bible and read psalm 23, and 95.by his stripes we are healed.

redden

Thanks for all the kind words and useful advise. So far the Lungs, bladder and prostate are clear.

Jack858

Im so sorry to hear this, dont let anything get you down, best of luck

joeprim

Good luck.

joe