Riding with cancer

[Jared #620]

Hey everyone last week I was diagnosed with cancer, meaning I'll have to undergo chemotheropy for the next 6 months, but I still want to race the VIC series, so I was just wondering if there is anyone else out there who has had this problem before, if so did you have any problems with the full face affecting the skin or any other problems with your gear. Any information would be great, thanks

 

[Nathan_S]

my aunt just had breast cancer and she felt very sick afterwards, might not be a good idea if your having the chemo before the race, or is it after the series?

 

[Warwick]

Sorry Jared.

 

[g-fish]

Ask you doctor?

The doctor knows best, it's like any injury, you don't want to be doing unwanted damage.

 

[dunndog]

Geez mate, that's a bit rough. I wish you all the best in your fight.. Good on you for still wanting to race and not letting it dictate terms to you, first step is a positive attitude!! Can't help with yr question about gear but i'd probably suggest racing during or after yr chemo may not be the best idea, i'm sure you'll figure it out. All the best Jared. Smash Bandages or Glory to pieces!!

 

[robwa]

My mum had breast cancer about 10 years ago and was bed ridden usually after ceemo threatments.

You lose a lot of energy and muscle because you dont have much energy. Also it depends whether you will have any lymph nodes removed and where it is.

As others have suggested consult your doctor and all the best buddy.

 

[Emmett]

Although I can't help with your question I tip my hat to you for asking it in the first place.

Good luck with it all!

 

[Hugor]

Shit man....best of luck and great to see you keeping positive spirits through all of this.
I'm a health professional and from my dealings with cancer patients chemo is like the worst hangover you've ever experienced.
I think you should do what makes you happy but I don't think flogging yourself on a bike track is the way to go.
Certainly keep up your riding in moderation and safety but chemo knocks your energy levels, skills, concentration, healing capacity and immunity to pieces.
I wouldn't recommend racing.
Cheers buddy and I hope all goes well for you.

 

[VEZ69]

as hugo said, do what makes you happy. you could go for rides still but racing may be a bit hard on the body.

good luck and best wishes mate

 

[Jared #620]

I have asked my doctor about racing and recently they've brought out strong as nausea pills and he said they work perfectly in 90% of cases he also said I'll be fine to do anything I want just as long as I don't kill myself doing it so if I can walk I'm gonna ride coz I'm not waiting 6 months

So I'm guessing I'll just have to wear a balaclaver or something and just long clothes under my armour?

 

[Moggio]

My brother in law went through chemotherapy for testicular cancer. He is a real bull of man and into long bushwalks and hikes over several days... that sort of thing.

During the therapy he was up and down... sometimes still out and about and doing some smaller walks and other times were more of a sit on the sofa and weather it. When it was finished he recovered really quickly. I think it would be a wait and see how it goes and grab your opportunites when you can.

 

[Spanky_Ham]

Spanky watched two close friends go through chemo... one only recently

One had a very aggressive cancer that required intense chemo followed by radio therapy to mop up..... he was insanely sick after each chemo treatement... then slowly get better, then they'd stick him up again. He had about 9 months of not doing much... but his HALO playing skills are now l337.

Second person, had a less aggressive, easier to treat form of cancer, and if you didn't know it.. you wouldn't of picked it....

so, guess it depends on the 'type' of cancer and how aggressively they chase it.

Only other thing to concider, is your immune system and healing abilities will take a hit during chemo.....

best of luck, but yeah.. work with your docs on this one

s

 

[BrumbyJack]

Jared you will find you are not alone... hopefully you can meet up with people that have been, or are in, the same situation.

Your positive attitude is wonderful and is worth so much when it comes to recovery!!

Good luck with your treatments and recovery, ride when you can but don't push it too far.

See if you can find a silk balaclava, it won't be as hot as the thicker ski ones and will be kinder to your skin. Maybe a long sleeve technical fabric shirt to wear under your armour so you don't get too hot... like a long sleeve XC jersey type casual top.

 

[Cypher]

Ironically a positive outlook does not improve your chances at beating cancer (http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2007/10/23/2067473.htm).

You could be the worst curmudgeon the world has seen and you still have the (relatively) same chances as a "positive" person. So you should never feel guillty if you feel your are not "positive" enough.

However being positive probably makes the whole experience much easier for you and everyone else. Really in the best of circumstances who wants to hang out with an annoying, cranky sod? I rather dislike myself when I am cranky, cancer or no.

So Jared, I hope you ride free and ride well and enjoy yourself as much as you can. All the best!

 

[Wednesday]

It all depends on the individuals ability to tolerate the given type and/or method of chemo and the stage your cancer is at in relation to your health.
I was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma (not good) and have 5 months of chemo left in front of me.
I race road which obviously is more aerobic in its nature (im guessing your DH by the previous posts) and have had little effect from the chemo apart from reduced O2 output, more sweat and increased heart rate when exercising.
Unfortunately the itching will drive you mad. Totally mad.
If your riding dh you will be open to significant bruising, bleeding and healing time time from the chemo induced anaemia and would be very carefull (especially if you end up with broken bones). That will be a serious problem.
You will always be given the worst case scenario by your Oncologist and Specialist but use your brains and listen to your body and you will be fine. Perhaps you should think about riding just for enjoyment for the next six months and focus on your health instead?

At the end of the day, the race season will be there next year?

 

[Topple's]

I am 29 and am now 6 months into my chemo regime for Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumours, I have 3 months of treatment (at least) left. I do 3 days straight of chemo every 3rd week. I am about to swap to a stem cell treatment (big doses of chemo, then boost me with my own stem cells and blood transfusions). What I have learned is this.
1. do whatever makes you happy, whether that's spending some cash, riding a bike. Feeling normal is the one thing I truly craved through my treatment and have only just allowed myself to achieve.
2. Your body will tell you what you can and can't do. No if's, no but's. If your well enough to ride (I have been with my mates, however I only last about 15k of xc in Glenrock with frequent stops) then by all means do it. Just be careful of mental fatigue and a possible lack of strength/co-ordination. I find that my riding is not as fluid as it once was.
3. Take plenty of water, I now sweat a lot despite the fact i only have hair on my eyebrows and very thin leg hair.
4. Only ride with mates. Avoid the solo trips. It's simply a safety thing as my body feels a little confused at times.
5. Racing. I planned on doing a lap or 2 in the Awaba Vestil Virgin 10 hour, I am still considering this.
6. I have been water skiing a few times and find that in strength sports I can go fine before a sudden and instant loss of strength. Doing martial arts when i can as well at the moment and just have to pace myself.
7. Chemo leaves me stupid and as previously mentioned in another post, like i have the worlds biggest hangover. Have plenty of frozen pizza, pies etc on hand. When you feel like eating, eat. But it's so much easier if the food you want to eat is available.
8. Energy. I just don't seem to store any. When exercising I need to take something to boost me.

That's about it for now. I also use natural supplements alongside my chemo.
If you want any info about anything I've said, or anything I haven't said (and I mean anything, I'm a teacher so I don't mind passing on info) please PM me.
All the best.
Koen

Edit: I forgot to mention to not read too much info, especially on the net. You only need to know what you have. It's very hard to stay positive if you have too much negative information

 

[eyes]

I read the blurb of Lance Armstrongs latest book yesterday - even he had 5 months off the bike completely for Chemo treatment.

Edit: I forgot to say all the best in your recovery... even if you get off the bike - you will come out of this mentally fitter than ever...

 

[hubbie]

Your an inspiring dude. good luck with it all man!

 

[Fifteen.Hundred]

Firstly, best of luck with the treatement. I hope it has the desired outcome.

I went through cancer when i was 19 (12 or so years ago now) and in the early stages of chemo kept playing soccer. I was advised of the dangers if i broke a bone or started bleeding but chose to keep playing. As i progressed through the treatement i progressively got more and more tired without even doing anything remotely active so the soccer had to stop. Within about the firsr 4-6 weeks of treatement, any level of fitness i had just dissapeared.

The drugs they will give you may also be a big determining factor. Different drugs for different cancers will affect people differently.

I do agree with others though, your immune system will be pretty low and giving your body every opportunity to recover through the treatement is the most important thing.

 

[alisikone]

i wish you the best in this mate,
including your races.