I have been through a great deal in the last twelve months — Stage 4 Lung Cancer that metastasized to my bones, broken arm, multiple meds, weight gain, confusion, and even withdrawal issues when getting off some of the meds. However, I am currently in a good position — finally!
First, they put me on some drugs that offset the confusion caused by the chemo drug that I take on a daily basis. This has given me some sanity and clarity. The only side effects of this drug are dry mouth and loss of appetite — yay!! The worst part about cancer drugs is that you end up on numerous combinations of drugs — some cause you to want to eat vast amounts and some curb your appetite. The last one made me feel like I could not eat enough. I am “erasing” that “damage” with the “clarity” drug.
Furthermore, I continue to work out on a regular basis. I am currently down 11.5 pounds and would like to lose another 20 pounds. That would erase the damage caused by the “anti-depressant” that they put me on after I broke my arm. It was an “instant” weight gain and very frustrating.
However, I am making strides every month on cutting into the “damage” caused by the “break”. I work out four times a week and track everything I eat. I am hoping to try to lose the “rest” by late Fall or Thanksgiving. I am extremely thankful that despite having Stage 4 Lung Cancer, I am actually in a good place.
For right now, things are stabilizing and I am able to enjoy some of the fruits of life. I am missing a chunk of lung which sometimes makes it difficult to breathe, but I have increased my overall lung capacity by working out regularly. We sold our business in January which allows me extra time to spend with my kids and to really appreciate life.
I am primarily focused on making myself as healthy as possible and enjoying the Summer. I would like to try to play golf again soon. I lost the ability to swing a club for the past year. However, through physical therapy and Orange Theory, I have drastically improved my right arm range. I am very close to “normalizing” which would offer me the opportunity to possibly play golf.
You never know how good you have it until you don’t have it anymore. One thing that I have learned is to be extremely thankful all the time. We have a huge range of mobility and it’s easy to take it for granted until you suddenly cannot do regular activities. I have a steel rod from my right shoulder to my right elbow and it’s taken incredible effort to regain my range of motion.
I am very close to having the full range back and thus being able to resume playing golf, basketball, etc… I cannot wait to spend a full Summer with my kids — since I am not working — and to really appreciate life!!