Today is Not that Day
+16
Julie
KBFitz
Chris M
Michele "1L" Keane
Michael Enright
Dave Wolfe
charles.moman
dot520
carleenp
Nick Morris
Glenn
mul21
Mark B
ounce
Jim Lentz
rhondda h
20 posters
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Today is Not that Day
I hope most of you remember me. It's been a long time. So where have I been? Some of you know vague details. More specifically,...
A little less than 3 years ago, 6 weeks after puking my way through Boston, we sat in a stone faced surgeons office and (prior to complete biopsy results) he told me my condition was "grave" and that best estimate was 24.
In shock I assumed he meant chemo treatments as he handed us an oncology referral appointment. My husband Keith knew he meant months
and was speechless and shaking for the long ride home.
Thankfully despite his bedside manner he did right by us and referred us to the wonderful Dr. K. Dr. I don't believe in statistics, expiration dates, and treat
every one as an individual and strongly encourage clinical trials. He with scan and all test results in hand pointed out positives and chose words such as
treatable, chronic illness, young, otherwise extremely strong and healthy.
I began on a clinical trial of weekly chemo infusions. Being my old stubborn self I continued to work full time, never missed a day, and run (slower and slower and slower). I "ran" through the 12th month of chemo. Then a nurse missed my vein on an IV, infiltration of chemo into my hand, and my arm swelled almost to the size of my leg, blood clot, nerve damage, weeks of physical therapy, followed by surgery to install a port, all halted even my stubbornness to remain fit.
Isn't this an uplifting blog so far?? Geesh get to the good stuff already!
Four additional months of weekly chemo followed (and eating kale and broccoli until I turned green!!). And then, Dr.K normally pretty reserved walked into the room smiling and shook my hand. He used the words amazing and fantastic. I was NED(no evidence of disease). I continue maintenance for 5 years via hormone blockers and monthly infusions, check scans every 6 months. 5 complete years of NED and then I will be considered one of the approximate 5% who achieve cure.
A couple of months post chemo I started "running" again. On the exact day Dr. Doom predicted I would no longer be around, I finished a 5K, For the Cure (puke....I despise pink washing and all things Susan Komen...good thought...bad administration) with my husband, daughter and speedy son in law. It was dang hard and defeating. Mentally couldn't adjust from remembering feeling like I was flying up and down the hills of Boston at sub 9 pace, to feeling like I was about to pass out at 13 minute pace.
I decided I was done with running. I even gave away my fuel belt and all my cute running skirts, threw away my lucky sponge. I walked and rode my bike a bit here and there.
I tracked the vteamers on Boston Marathon day and felt ridiculously sorry for myself. Not a common emotion for me because I truly believe I am one of the lucky ones. The things I see every month at treatment make me feel almost guilty. And it could so much worse, I have a 2 year old great nephew battling a brain tumor.
Got out of that funk and then they set up a marathon in my hometown along the beautiful routes I loved to run. It was last weekend. I volunteered at an aid station. I agreed to pick up my daughters bib from the expo. You could feel the excitement and adrenalin as you entered the room. Overhearing all the excited chatter I realized how much I truly missed it. Seeing the marathoners on their journey made me feel like I would give anything to be in their shoes.
One of the posters I made said, There will come a day you can no longer run, today is not that day.
So I had a conversation with Dr. K. "Go live your life, the only limits are what you set based on what your body tells you!" Don't you love him?
So what limits will my body set?
The hormone blockers make my bones and joints feel 80, chemo induced menopause causes hourly hot flashes that make me dizzy, puky and short of breath, the monthly infusion causes achiness and a headache that cause me to lose a day or two a month, and the port in my chest throbs when I run "fast" (ha!).
And yet, I always loved a challenge so here WE (Keith has agreed to run) go. We are signed up for Fox Valley, IL half marathon. There is also a 20 miler and full, so I don't have to worry about the finish line closing on us. Simple goal is just to finish. Dr. K wants a picture of me with my medal to hang in his office.
Somehow someway he'll get it.
I'll be run walking most likely. I looked at Galloway but it seems goofy. Too short of time switching back and forth. Run one walk one would drive me bonkers. We'll see what works tomorrow on the first long run of the training plan...a 3 miler!
Race day is 9-21. (Sticking my tongue out at Dr. Doom ). At least I kept my lucky race panties and my favorite racing tank.
A little less than 3 years ago, 6 weeks after puking my way through Boston, we sat in a stone faced surgeons office and (prior to complete biopsy results) he told me my condition was "grave" and that best estimate was 24.
In shock I assumed he meant chemo treatments as he handed us an oncology referral appointment. My husband Keith knew he meant months
and was speechless and shaking for the long ride home.
Thankfully despite his bedside manner he did right by us and referred us to the wonderful Dr. K. Dr. I don't believe in statistics, expiration dates, and treat
every one as an individual and strongly encourage clinical trials. He with scan and all test results in hand pointed out positives and chose words such as
treatable, chronic illness, young, otherwise extremely strong and healthy.
I began on a clinical trial of weekly chemo infusions. Being my old stubborn self I continued to work full time, never missed a day, and run (slower and slower and slower). I "ran" through the 12th month of chemo. Then a nurse missed my vein on an IV, infiltration of chemo into my hand, and my arm swelled almost to the size of my leg, blood clot, nerve damage, weeks of physical therapy, followed by surgery to install a port, all halted even my stubbornness to remain fit.
Isn't this an uplifting blog so far?? Geesh get to the good stuff already!
Four additional months of weekly chemo followed (and eating kale and broccoli until I turned green!!). And then, Dr.K normally pretty reserved walked into the room smiling and shook my hand. He used the words amazing and fantastic. I was NED(no evidence of disease). I continue maintenance for 5 years via hormone blockers and monthly infusions, check scans every 6 months. 5 complete years of NED and then I will be considered one of the approximate 5% who achieve cure.
A couple of months post chemo I started "running" again. On the exact day Dr. Doom predicted I would no longer be around, I finished a 5K, For the Cure (puke....I despise pink washing and all things Susan Komen...good thought...bad administration) with my husband, daughter and speedy son in law. It was dang hard and defeating. Mentally couldn't adjust from remembering feeling like I was flying up and down the hills of Boston at sub 9 pace, to feeling like I was about to pass out at 13 minute pace.
I decided I was done with running. I even gave away my fuel belt and all my cute running skirts, threw away my lucky sponge. I walked and rode my bike a bit here and there.
I tracked the vteamers on Boston Marathon day and felt ridiculously sorry for myself. Not a common emotion for me because I truly believe I am one of the lucky ones. The things I see every month at treatment make me feel almost guilty. And it could so much worse, I have a 2 year old great nephew battling a brain tumor.
Got out of that funk and then they set up a marathon in my hometown along the beautiful routes I loved to run. It was last weekend. I volunteered at an aid station. I agreed to pick up my daughters bib from the expo. You could feel the excitement and adrenalin as you entered the room. Overhearing all the excited chatter I realized how much I truly missed it. Seeing the marathoners on their journey made me feel like I would give anything to be in their shoes.
One of the posters I made said, There will come a day you can no longer run, today is not that day.
So I had a conversation with Dr. K. "Go live your life, the only limits are what you set based on what your body tells you!" Don't you love him?
So what limits will my body set?
The hormone blockers make my bones and joints feel 80, chemo induced menopause causes hourly hot flashes that make me dizzy, puky and short of breath, the monthly infusion causes achiness and a headache that cause me to lose a day or two a month, and the port in my chest throbs when I run "fast" (ha!).
And yet, I always loved a challenge so here WE (Keith has agreed to run) go. We are signed up for Fox Valley, IL half marathon. There is also a 20 miler and full, so I don't have to worry about the finish line closing on us. Simple goal is just to finish. Dr. K wants a picture of me with my medal to hang in his office.
Somehow someway he'll get it.
I'll be run walking most likely. I looked at Galloway but it seems goofy. Too short of time switching back and forth. Run one walk one would drive me bonkers. We'll see what works tomorrow on the first long run of the training plan...a 3 miler!
Race day is 9-21. (Sticking my tongue out at Dr. Doom ). At least I kept my lucky race panties and my favorite racing tank.
rhondda h- Newbie
- Posts : 24
Points : 4717
Join date : 2011-06-24
Re: Today is Not that Day
It is great to hear from you Rhondda. I wish the last couple of years had gone better for you. Good luck with the race, but if I know you will crawl to the finish if you have to. In your face Dr. Doom!
Jim Lentz- Explaining To Spouse
- Posts : 1171
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Join date : 2011-06-15
Age : 62
Location : Downers Grove
Re: Today is Not that Day
Well, Rhondda, it's been a while. But I would say that if you can tackle chemo, then a half ain't nuffin.
ounce- Needs A Life
- Posts : 6750
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Join date : 2011-06-26
Age : 66
Location : houston
Re: Today is Not that Day
You know you're on to something special when the blog title alone brings you to tears.
I am so thankful that not only are you still in the world, but that your experiences have not silenced that little voice inside you that says, "Go!"
I am so happy that you're ready to dig out those lucky panties (never thought I'd type that...) and charge back out there again. So excited to see the beginning of this new journey. So hopeful for what is to come.
Welcome back, Rhondda. We've missed you.
I am so thankful that not only are you still in the world, but that your experiences have not silenced that little voice inside you that says, "Go!"
I am so happy that you're ready to dig out those lucky panties (never thought I'd type that...) and charge back out there again. So excited to see the beginning of this new journey. So hopeful for what is to come.
Welcome back, Rhondda. We've missed you.
Mark B- Needs A Life
- Posts : 8139
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Age : 60
Location : Vancouver, Wash.
Re: Today is Not that Day
Good for you! And now that I've read that and I'm a little misty eyed, I think I feel like I could go run about 30 miles at 5K pace because it can't possibly be as tough as what you've been through.
mul21- Explaining To Spouse
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Age : 47
Location : St. Louis
Re: Today is Not that Day
Welcome back. What an emotional story! Unlike Mark, I didn't tear up at the title, but that didn't take long once I started reading. I look forward to reading more about the journey!
Glenn- Poster
- Posts : 173
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Join date : 2011-06-15
Location : Utah
Re: Today is Not that Day
Welcome back Rhondda...both to running and blogging!!! You are definitely one of the strongest people that I know (internet or in person). I wish you nothing but the best as you get back at it, no matter how fast.
p.s. We've missed you around here...
p.s. We've missed you around here...
Nick Morris- Talking To Myself
- Posts : 5109
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Join date : 2011-06-16
Age : 43
Location : Madison, WI
Re: Today is Not that Day
Woot!!!! Welcome back!!!! So glad to see you start running again. Only good can come from it. I will be at Fox Valley, probably doing some run/walk myself, since I will be racing a marathon the week before (I want to do both so I can get marathon maniacs). We will have to be sure to find each other there! It is a really nice race too. Pretty course and very well organized.
Re: Today is Not that Day
Hey there, Rhondda! While you've been gone, I've seen your posts on FB and I always wondered if you would show up here again. So glad that you have and that you're ready to run again. Awesome!
dot520- Top 10 Poster Emeritus
- Posts : 780
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Join date : 2011-06-15
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Location : Indy-sporting the cape of awesomeness
Re: Today is Not that Day
Good for you! I use run/walk in my ultras and you can decide the run/walk patterns.
Some run 15 minutes and then walk 5 minutes or whatever.
Jeff pushes short stuff like 30 secs/30 secs and THAT would drive me crazy.
Personally, I like 5/1 and when I feel like it I take an extra walk.
I have a timer on my iPhone set up with various patterns ready to use.
I also have gotten my walking speed up pretty high - I don't amble down the trail.
Congratulations on coming back - I hope to start running again in 5 weeks.
Some run 15 minutes and then walk 5 minutes or whatever.
Jeff pushes short stuff like 30 secs/30 secs and THAT would drive me crazy.
Personally, I like 5/1 and when I feel like it I take an extra walk.
I have a timer on my iPhone set up with various patterns ready to use.
I also have gotten my walking speed up pretty high - I don't amble down the trail.
Congratulations on coming back - I hope to start running again in 5 weeks.
Re: Today is Not that Day
Once a runner . . . even when the day does come when we can't run. And while you obviously don't need luck you should not have thrown out your lucky sponge. You guys will do great.
Dave Wolfe- Poster
- Posts : 326
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Re: Today is Not that Day
Awesome.
You will get it done, and you will thrive on overcoming the adversity.
Just don't get hit by a car this time...
You will get it done, and you will thrive on overcoming the adversity.
Just don't get hit by a car this time...
Michael Enright- Explaining To Spouse
- Posts : 1521
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Join date : 2011-06-16
Age : 67
Location : Portland, CT
Re: Today is Not that Day
It is so wonderful that you are back. In loosely following your journey, I wondered when (not if) you would be back out there again and I doubted anything could keep you down again.
Funny aside. I have a sticker that I found in a pile of stuff I was sorting through that said "Today is the day". I have had it next to my bed since before Boston and read it every day. I have a feeling that "Today" will soon be your day.
Funny aside. I have a sticker that I found in a pile of stuff I was sorting through that said "Today is the day". I have had it next to my bed since before Boston and read it every day. I have a feeling that "Today" will soon be your day.
Re: Today is Not that Day
Such a great story and good for you on sticking it to Dr. Doom and his naysaying ways. Keep us posted!
Chris M- Explaining To Spouse
- Posts : 1061
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Re: Today is Not that Day
It's a real treat to have you back Rhondda. Courage!
KBFitz- Explaining To Spouse
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Re: Today is Not that Day
So glad you're back, Rhondda! I'm so thankful you've done so well with all your treatment. It sounds quite brutal but I'm glad you've gotten such an amazing outcome.
Julie- Explaining To Spouse
- Posts : 2747
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Re: Today is Not that Day
I'm glad you are back, Rhondda, and that you provided some of the details I always wondered about. Your story is great, I have no doubt you will persevere.
JohnP- Explaining To Spouse
- Posts : 1226
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Re: Today is Not that Day
Pulling for you to get back to full health. God Bless!
fostever- Explaining To Spouse
- Posts : 1572
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Join date : 2011-06-16
Age : 65
Location : Chicago
Re: Today is Not that Day
Just seeing your name attached to a running blog made me smile. You've long been one of my favorite people I've met through running, and your toughness is one of the biggest reasons why. Getting hit by a car during a marathon and finishing, crawling out of a pot hole to BQ, and now kicking Dr. Doom's prediction right where it counts. There is just no question that you have a special determination about you and I'm looking forward to where it will take you in this next stage of running. I know it won't be easy, but you are an inspiration with every step you take. You have a lot of fans cheering you on. Thank you for letting us be part of your story.
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