Postby NHMike » Sun Aug 25, 2019 1:08 pm
There's a YouTube video of me playing tennis while on Chemo and Radiation. Most people that see it tell me that it doesn't look like I had cancer. But I did and the chemo and radiation did a number on my RBC and WBC and that means that I had about 1/3rd of my usual stamina.
My last surgery was July 30, 2018 and I did walk five miles after surgery and nine the next day.
I was originally diagnosed June 2017 and I had just run forty miles. Last week I ran 20 miles which is the first time that I'd done so since diagnosis. I have not felt like running a lot but have been doing a lot of strength-training instead.
The treatment alone takes a big toll on your body. Then there's the recovery and we're talking years. It can be much shorter for some people. Then there's dealing with the side-effects which can reduce your quality of sleep or just take a lot of time out of your day so you struggle to get things done.
I do find that exercise helps quite a bit. I'm stronger today than I've ever been. My balance is decent and I'm working on getting my cardio back. I would encourage getting exercise - especially if you know how and can judge your limits. For others, a trainer, especially one that is familiar with older clients, may be helpful.
6/17: ER rectal bleeding; Colonoscopy
7/17: 3B rectal. T3N1bM0. 5.2 4.5 4.3 cm. Lymphs: 6 x 4 mm, 8 x 6, 5 x 5
7/17-9/17: Xeloda radiation
7/5: CEA 2.7; 8/16: 1.9; 11/30: 0.6; 12/20 1.4; 1/10 1.8; 1/31 2.2; 2/28 2.6; 4/10 2.8; 5/1 2.8; 5/29 3.2; 7/13 4.5; 8/9 2.8, 2/12 1.2
MSS, KRAS G12D
10/17: 2.7 2.2 1.6 cm (-90%). Lymphs: 3 x 3 mm (-62.5%), 4 x 3 (-75%), 5 x 3 (-40%). 5.1 CM from AV
10/17: LAR, Temp Ileostomy, Path Complete Response
CapeOx (8) 12/17-6/18
7/18: Reversal, Port Removal
2/19: Clean CT