Five . . .
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Five . . .
. . . years ago this week I had the last session of my final round of chemo for stage 4 colon cancer. That means I've now officially beaten the 30% five-year survival rate for folks with my brand of cancer. I guess now I'll have to come up with a different excuse.
About four years ago I made my first post on BF 50+, encouraging all us old folks to get a colonoscopy. There have been a few colonscopy threads since then, all with the same message - preventing colon cancer beats several tons of cure. I know all of us know enough to get our test; take this as a reminder to tell your friends and colleagues that they need the test, too.
When I was diagnosed, I was a sedentary, overweight, over-stressed lawyer and father who figured serious illness was for other people. I know differently now. While doing chemo the first time around, I read a study that showed a strong negative correlation between exercise and the recurrence of colon cancer. So I decided it was time to start getting serious about exercise. In 2004 I started swimming - three hurricanes wrecked my house that summer, so I took up cycling while we were in a rental. When the cancer came back in my liver, I was in much better physical shape and tolerated the surgery and chemo much better than the first time around. July 19, 2006, was the last chemo.
You folks have played a big role in helping me beat cancer. I've learned a lot, and I've had great cycling experiences as a result of the folks I've met here. I credit good doctors, good medicine, and good luck with making it, and you guys helped. For that I thank you. And get your colonscopy.
About four years ago I made my first post on BF 50+, encouraging all us old folks to get a colonoscopy. There have been a few colonscopy threads since then, all with the same message - preventing colon cancer beats several tons of cure. I know all of us know enough to get our test; take this as a reminder to tell your friends and colleagues that they need the test, too.
When I was diagnosed, I was a sedentary, overweight, over-stressed lawyer and father who figured serious illness was for other people. I know differently now. While doing chemo the first time around, I read a study that showed a strong negative correlation between exercise and the recurrence of colon cancer. So I decided it was time to start getting serious about exercise. In 2004 I started swimming - three hurricanes wrecked my house that summer, so I took up cycling while we were in a rental. When the cancer came back in my liver, I was in much better physical shape and tolerated the surgery and chemo much better than the first time around. July 19, 2006, was the last chemo.
You folks have played a big role in helping me beat cancer. I've learned a lot, and I've had great cycling experiences as a result of the folks I've met here. I credit good doctors, good medicine, and good luck with making it, and you guys helped. For that I thank you. And get your colonscopy.
#2
Have bike, will travel
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Liked 290 Times
in
160 Posts
I got mine last year!
Great story of triumph and beating the odds.
Cheers,
Michael
Great story of triumph and beating the odds.
Cheers,
Michael
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Ormond Beach, FL
Posts: 235
Bikes: 2005 Specialized Roubaix Elite
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Way to go, K! Congrats on making it through a hellacious regimen. Thanks to your previous post(s) I went for the colonoscopy, which I had neglected for several years. The result was satisfactory and I'm good for 5 more years. Although, at age 71, something else may very well take precedence in that time span.
My son and I rode with the Space Coast Freewheelers a few weeks ago and had a great time. Are you connected with that group?
Regards,
Bob P.
My son and I rode with the Space Coast Freewheelers a few weeks ago and had a great time. Are you connected with that group?
Regards,
Bob P.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 461
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I had the exam last yearand I'd like to tell those of you who might be putting it off that it's a walk in the park. No reason to dread this at all. You drink the stuff they give you, do the bathroom trip in the morning, go in for the exam, they hit you with a little bit of feel-good medication, and chat with you right through the exam, which isn't even uncomfortable, just odd.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Bucks County PA
Posts: 168
Bikes: Cannondale Carbon Synapse 2, Cannondale F 500
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's an understanding of what we live for, how we go about dealing with what life presents and discovering the joys of every day. K, congratulations on all that you have overcome and accomplished. Many of us have had "events" that changed our lives. So many here have changed for the better. Good to hang with all of you.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 5,585
Bikes: 2017 Colnago C-RS, 2012 Colnago Ace, 2010 Giant Cypress hybrid
Liked 122 Times
in
85 Posts
Congratulations on your beating colon cancer. Having Chronic Leukemia and just finishing my therapy for prostate cancer in April, my doctors are very persistent about me getting a colonoscopy with and endoscopy on a scheduled basis. I had one three years ago when diagnosed with the prostate cancer and they found three polyps in the colon and one in the stomach, all benign. I had one done this year and got the all clear, no polyps anywhere. Due for another one in 5 years. Too many people don't worry about things like this until they get cancer and then it's too late. A simple test will detect it and save you a lot of grief.
__________________
HCFR Cycling Team
Ride Safe ... Ride Hard ... Ride Daily
2017 Colnago C-RS
2012 Colnago Ace
2010 Giant Cypress
HCFR Cycling Team
Ride Safe ... Ride Hard ... Ride Daily
2017 Colnago C-RS
2012 Colnago Ace
2010 Giant Cypress
#7
Senior Member ??
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Englewood,Ohio
Posts: 5,098
Bikes: 2007 Trek Madone 5.0 WSD - 2007 Trek 4300 WSD - 2008 Trek 520 - 2014 Catrike Trail
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Congratulations on hitting the 5 year mark
__________________
=============================================================
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
-- Antonio Smith
=============================================================
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
-- Antonio Smith
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I'm not, but I've done the Intracoastal Century twice. Let's plan on doing it this November. Also, you need to plan to do our ride across the state later in November.
#10
Sincerest congratulations on beating both liver cancer and colon cancer - each one a potential killer, and together - well WOW!!
I remember your first post, and am so glad that you decided to stick around this nutty bunch of contrarians. Keep up the good work. I bet you are a GREAT judge, also.
I remember your first post, and am so glad that you decided to stick around this nutty bunch of contrarians. Keep up the good work. I bet you are a GREAT judge, also.
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Middle of da Mitten
Posts: 12,495
Bikes: Trek 7500, RANS V-Rex, Optima Baron, Velokraft NoCom, M-5 Carbon Highracer, Catrike Speed
Liked 739 Times
in
459 Posts
I had my first 'pooper-view' at 50 and they found 2 small polyps, which were removed. Just had my second one yesterday. Clean bill of health this time! I sure wish the test was less involved, though; the hospital part is a cinch, but hoo boy the prep!
#15
rebmeM roineS
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Metro Indy, IN
Posts: 16,217
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Liked 349 Times
in
227 Posts
5!
Woo-hoo! Keep up the good work wearing out bike tires.......................
Woo-hoo! Keep up the good work wearing out bike tires.......................
__________________
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Posts: 947
Bikes: Litespeed Ultimate 2006, Litespeed Pisgah , Specialized Roubaix 2008, Trek Madone 2011
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Congratulations on making the five years! I had a resection in march 09 followed by 6 months of chemo. The pathology report classified me as stage 3 but I've been ok to date.
I previously had cancers of the larynx and bladder and started to ride in 95'. I believe that cycling saved my life as I was able to get back on the bike 6 weeks after my surgery and I was able to ride most days in the chemo cycles. The bike kept my head in a different space.
I previously had cancers of the larynx and bladder and started to ride in 95'. I believe that cycling saved my life as I was able to get back on the bike 6 weeks after my surgery and I was able to ride most days in the chemo cycles. The bike kept my head in a different space.
#20
just keep riding
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia
Posts: 13,560
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
Liked 33 Times
in
22 Posts
Congratulations on passing the 5 year mark. I'm halfway there.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Medina, OH
Posts: 5,804
Bikes: confidential infromation that I don't even share with my wife
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
You have seen the bikes hanging around in my garage. I'm sure one could fit you in 10 minutes. Keep that in mind when you come in.
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#23
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,877
Liked 9,732 Times
in
4,763 Posts
Good job, tough guy. Where's Bud Bent been lately?
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Posts: 6,489
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
That five year mark is a great one to celebrate. Thanks for posting.
__________________
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831