365Runners
Welcome to 365Runners! We are here because we all share a running addiction. Whether training for a first marathon, a new PR, a new race distance, or anything else... welcome!

To stop the banner ads, please register and login. Otherwise, please enjoy browsing as a guest.

Join the forum, it's quick and easy

365Runners
Welcome to 365Runners! We are here because we all share a running addiction. Whether training for a first marathon, a new PR, a new race distance, or anything else... welcome!

To stop the banner ads, please register and login. Otherwise, please enjoy browsing as a guest.
365Runners
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.

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

Go down

Today is Not that Day Empty Today is Not that Day

Post  rhondda h Fri May 16, 2014 12:49 pm

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  Very Happy 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  Razz ).  At least I kept my lucky race panties and my favorite racing tank.
rhondda h
rhondda h
Newbie
Newbie

Posts : 24
Points : 4717
Join date : 2011-06-24

Back to top Go down

Today is Not that Day Empty Re: Today is Not that Day

Post  Jim Lentz Fri May 16, 2014 1:25 pm

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
Jim Lentz
Explaining To Spouse
Explaining To Spouse

Posts : 1171
Points : 6674
Join date : 2011-06-15
Age : 62
Location : Downers Grove

Back to top Go down

Today is Not that Day Empty Re: Today is Not that Day

Post  ounce Fri May 16, 2014 2:06 pm

Well, Rhondda, it's been a while.  But I would say that if you can tackle chemo, then a half ain't nuffin.
ounce
ounce
Needs A Life
Needs A Life

Posts : 6750
Points : 19654
Join date : 2011-06-26
Age : 66
Location : houston

Back to top Go down

Today is Not that Day Empty Re: Today is Not that Day

Post  Mark B Fri May 16, 2014 2:37 pm

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.
Mark B
Mark B
Needs A Life
Needs A Life

Posts : 8139
Points : 19817
Join date : 2011-06-15
Age : 60
Location : Vancouver, Wash.

Back to top Go down

Today is Not that Day Empty Re: Today is Not that Day

Post  mul21 Fri May 16, 2014 3:04 pm

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
mul21
Explaining To Spouse
Explaining To Spouse

Posts : 1481
Points : 6922
Join date : 2011-06-15
Age : 47
Location : St. Louis

Back to top Go down

Today is Not that Day Empty Re: Today is Not that Day

Post  Glenn Fri May 16, 2014 3:35 pm

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
Glenn
Poster
Poster

Posts : 173
Points : 4903
Join date : 2011-06-15
Location : Utah

Back to top Go down

Today is Not that Day Empty Re: Today is Not that Day

Post  Nick Morris Fri May 16, 2014 5:20 pm

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...
Nick Morris
Nick Morris
Talking To Myself
Talking To Myself

Posts : 5109
Points : 14250
Join date : 2011-06-16
Age : 43
Location : Madison, WI

Back to top Go down

Today is Not that Day Empty Re: Today is Not that Day

Post  carleenp Fri May 16, 2014 5:23 pm

Woot!!!! Welcome back!!!! So glad to see you start running again. Only good can come from it. Very Happy  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.
carleenp
carleenp
Regular
Regular

Posts : 530
Points : 5597
Join date : 2011-06-17
Age : 56
Location : Shorewood, IL

http://beautyandfashiontech.com

Back to top Go down

Today is Not that Day Empty Re: Today is Not that Day

Post  dot520 Fri May 16, 2014 5:31 pm

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
dot520
Top 10 Poster Emeritus
Top 10 Poster Emeritus

Posts : 780
Points : 5919
Join date : 2011-06-15
Age : 66
Location : Indy-sporting the cape of awesomeness

Back to top Go down

Today is Not that Day Empty Re: Today is Not that Day

Post  charles.moman Sat May 17, 2014 6:33 am

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.
charles.moman
charles.moman
Regular
Regular

Posts : 585
Points : 5842
Join date : 2011-07-01
Age : 72
Location : Seymour, Indiana

http://www.charlesmoman.com

Back to top Go down

Today is Not that Day Empty Re: Today is Not that Day

Post  Dave Wolfe Sat May 17, 2014 8:32 am

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
Dave Wolfe
Poster
Poster

Posts : 326
Points : 5087
Join date : 2011-06-15
Age : 62
Location : NYC

Back to top Go down

Today is Not that Day Empty Re: Today is Not that Day

Post  Michael Enright Sat May 17, 2014 3:03 pm

Awesome.

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
Michael Enright
Explaining To Spouse
Explaining To Spouse

Posts : 1521
Points : 6821
Join date : 2011-06-16
Age : 67
Location : Portland, CT

Back to top Go down

Today is Not that Day Empty Re: Today is Not that Day

Post  Michele "1L" Keane Sat May 17, 2014 3:57 pm

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.
Michele
Michele "1L" Keane
Needs A Life
Needs A Life

Posts : 5030
Points : 14202
Join date : 2011-06-15
Age : 62
Location : Atlanta, GA

http://1lranthere.blogspot.com

Back to top Go down

Today is Not that Day Empty Re: Today is Not that Day

Post  Chris M Sat May 17, 2014 9:57 pm

Such a great story and good for you on sticking it to Dr. Doom and his naysaying ways.  Keep us posted!
Chris M
Chris M
Explaining To Spouse
Explaining To Spouse

Posts : 1061
Points : 6042
Join date : 2011-06-14
Age : 55
Location : Washington, DC

Back to top Go down

Today is Not that Day Empty Re: Today is Not that Day

Post  KBFitz Sun May 18, 2014 10:54 am

It's a real treat to have you back Rhondda. Courage!
KBFitz
KBFitz
Explaining To Spouse
Explaining To Spouse

Posts : 1078
Points : 11120
Join date : 2011-06-15
Age : 65
Location : Off-center

Back to top Go down

Today is Not that Day Empty Re: Today is Not that Day

Post  Julie Sun May 18, 2014 9:09 pm

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
Julie
Explaining To Spouse
Explaining To Spouse

Posts : 2747
Points : 8914
Join date : 2011-06-17

Back to top Go down

Today is Not that Day Empty Re: Today is Not that Day

Post  JohnP Sun May 18, 2014 9:36 pm

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
JohnP
Explaining To Spouse
Explaining To Spouse

Posts : 1226
Points : 6556
Join date : 2011-06-15

Back to top Go down

Today is Not that Day Empty Re: Today is Not that Day

Post  fostever Sun May 18, 2014 10:55 pm

Pulling for you to get back to full health. God Bless!
fostever
fostever
Explaining To Spouse
Explaining To Spouse

Posts : 1572
Points : 8774
Join date : 2011-06-16
Age : 65
Location : Chicago

Back to top Go down

Today is Not that Day Empty Re: Today is Not that Day

Post  Mike MacLellan Mon May 19, 2014 9:30 am

3 cheers for second opinions.  Glad to see your name pop up here, Rhondda.   What a Face
Mike MacLellan
Mike MacLellan
Explaining To Spouse
Explaining To Spouse

Posts : 3191
Points : 10058
Join date : 2011-06-14
Age : 37
Location : Arlington, VA

https://www.facebook.com/mike.a.maclellan

Back to top Go down

Today is Not that Day Empty Re: Today is Not that Day

Post  Matt W Tue May 20, 2014 12:11 am

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.
Matt W
Matt W
Poster
Poster

Posts : 381
Points : 5100
Join date : 2011-06-15
Age : 47
Location : Las Vegas

http://www.redrockrunningcompany.com/

Back to top Go down

Today is Not that Day Empty Re: Today is Not that Day

Post  Sponsored content


Sponsored content


Back to top Go down

Back to top

- Similar topics

 
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum