Feeling lots better

But not running, maybe just wait til after the Labor Day week end.  Meeting the grand kids and family at South Haven, MI for a few days of water, sun, eating, showing them why we love this area.  Can't wait.

No chemo on Friday, got to watch the sunburn, and continue treating my intestines my way.  Eating light, drinking water and taking my supplements.  Just waiting on the next Ct scan which is scheduled for 9/8, see what the results will be.  Have to remember this is all new to me and I have to find some happy medium for the right results.

Thanks for you all, God Bless, Captain

Intestines giving me fits again

First, referring back to yesterday the dr. said not to worry about not taking the pills if I don't need them. They are primarily for nausea and since that is not a problem not taking them is a not to worry about situation.  Work was fine last night energy was at an acceptable level.

Today am trying to get my intestines under control.  Yesterday I tried some over the counter medicine and the reaction was not was I was expecting at all.  So I'm back to my supplements, magnesium, probiotics, etc., only now I'm playing catch up.  I'm trying not to get graphic here, but I know what I should be doing and I'm trying to get there as quick as possible.

So obviously I'm not running today.  Watching the stock market and sleeping..  Also, this is weird, right now I have on a long sleeve T=shirt, long pants and heavy socks trying to stay warm.  Even though it is 83 outside I've been chillin all day.

Enough about me, Mo sent me the nicest email today after our brunch on Saturday,  I guess I''m going to have to find some $$$$ inheritance for her if she keeps babbling on like that.  I won't embarrass her or myself, but she came to me as a 20 year old, I was about 36 and trying to establish a balloon decorating business.  She grew with me learning the trade, and working the hours that needed to be worked. Oh, we had some minor battles, but I would depend on her for anything.  When we had large jobs I have been know to fly her in from New Hampshire to help.  So today, even though we don't see each often I know she is there in the background sending me positive thoughts and peace. I know I'm now rambling, but Mo you mean something to me and to others in your life.......... I know it. Thanks for being there all these years.

Thanks for all of you all do with your thoughts and prayers, God bless, Captain

Still a beautiful day

But I'm fighting an energy loss over the last 24 hours.  Maybe I was not taking my meds properly after the chemo and I have a call into the Dr. as we speak. 

You may have read that yesterdays run was not so hot.  After lunch, my eyes were so heavy I laid down and slept for 3 1/2 hours ( wife said I was snoring, guess that means I needed that nap ) after that I didn't want to leave the recliner.  And went back to bed @ 9 PM and slept all night in 2 hour naps with a trip to the john in between.  Been awake since, did drive out to the grocery for small trip.  So thinking I'm getting better.

Anyways just taking it easy today, and see what the doctor says.

Thanks for thoughts and prayers, God Bless, Captain

What a beautiful Day

I jogged the 1.7 course this AM and it was a terrible feeling jog.  I felt sluggish, I wanted to quit, my intestines were screaming gas pains, I wanted to quit, my brain said to pull up and stop, I wanted to quit, I think I started off too fast, did I say I wanted to quit.   But did I, no I didn't, I completed the jog, actually the last part of the jog felt much better than the first 3/4 of the run. 

Never give up, you may have to rest more than you want, you may have to take it slower.  I have to remember  " this is the first time I have run while having cancer and taking chemo."  My body is different and I guess I have to get used to that, it won't react the same as in the past.  Not ready to accept that fact, but I'm going to have to at some point.  All bets are off, it's a different world now.

I think the woman really wants to go to a State Park and walk a trail, so I'm getting things ready to do that. 

Did I say it was a beautiful day.....Live each day that the Lord as made.

God Bless, Captain

Not a total waste for running

I just ran 2.5 miles, I felt at a faster pace than in the past.  Just shows that taking a few days does not kill the time it has taken you to get to this point.  Normally, at least I heard this or read it somewhere.  If it has taken you 4 months of training to get to this point, you will not lose it in the next 48 hours, or even 2 weeks, just be reasonable.  Don't take a month off and then try a 5K race for your first run after that kind of a break.  So today was good, that will make 5 miles for the week, and yes I'm still sweating before the shower. sorry about that.

Chemo was fine, my blood work obviously good, platelets were 178 down from 348, but still in the good range.  Next week off will allow the body to rebuild again.  Then CT scan on 9/8 to see if any progress is being made, so next dr's appt is 9/9, and then another 2 weeks of chemo.  That is what I know at this moment.  But it's good to be alive and with family and friends.

Looking forward to my trip to South Haven, MI. over Labor Day.  Looks like the daughter's family and grand kids will be joining us for some time there.  It will be good to see their reactions to the sand and beach.  It will be great for them to experience some new things in life.  I can't wait, so excited.

One of my balloon girls Mo is taking me brunch this morning @ 11am, can't wait for that either, life is good, one day at a time.  Guessing I haven't seen her in 7-8 years.  That will be kool, peace mo.

Going to get my green tea and a shower, see you later and God Bless, Captain

All hooked up & no place to go

Finally figured out how to type in the box. Some delays this am as the port wouldn't work right. It was like clogged & they had to put a drug in to open it up. Now the IV is beeping, guess the first bag is done, and going for the second.

Wife showed up with some lunch, see you in a few.

Chick Filet sandwiches were ok. I'm about to get out of here.

Feeling ok. Talk again later.

God Bless, Captain

I'm still here, just vegetating !!!!!

We probably should just cross this week off as throw-a-way running week.  I did just walk my 1.7 mile course and I'm a little sweaty.  But I did enjoy the beauty of the day.  Sometimes we run through life to get to the next time slot and forget to look around.  At the beauty of the green grass, the colorful flowers, the animals playing, a mother with her children in the park. 

We don't take the time to notice the rest of the world at a slower pace.  The walk today was good and peaceful, no music playing in my ears, no talking with a fellow walker, just time to myself.  NOW for a bowl of ice cream.

No run tomorrow, chemo at 9:30.  Will update live during the event.  I know it's not as exciting as football updates, but what can I say.  You get what I give you.

Thanks for all the cards, the thoughts and the prayers,  God Bless, Captain

Not running today..

But energy is back.  I'm getting ready to shuck 4 doz. ears of corn for the freezer this winter.  Also have fresh okra to freeze.  Yum......yum.  Going to miss the jog today and tomorrow, just letting the body recover and looks like a couple of warmer days.  So Thursday looks like the next jog/run.

My brother and his wife send me cards out the wazoo.  Today.... " There are two ways to journey through life. You can march or you can dance............  I'm dancin'  You live each day with spirit and an openness to life's gifts."  Let's all believe.

God Bless and thanks for all your thoughts, Captain

Speaking of Energy, I had none today!!!

I know you've beed waiting all day for this and for some you may have missed it today.  But, the first time I picked up the prescriptions from the pharmacist after the first chemo; he said it would hit on the 3rd day.  Well, something hit me today, called " don't do anything but sleep". 

Although I felt good enough this morning at 8 Am to whop my son in golf again. Gave him 3 shots on the first 2 holes, and won running away.  But maybe I still swung the club too  many times, as I have been wiped out since noon.  Take a nap, get up for potty break, take another nap.  No energy at all, just fed the dog ( 4:45 PM )  Trying to stay up here, but I bet I could sleep again.  Will be watching the situation for the next couple of days for sure.

Obviously did not jog today.  Going to work later tonight, should be fun, we'll see what happens there.  Trying to stay awake long enough to eat something. The wife is baby sitting the grand kids for a while in order for the parents to meet the new first grade teacher at school.  Oh, how time flies.

Living one day at a time, God Bless, Captain

Sleeping good and got a late start

Missed church because I couldn't stop sweating in time to shower.  I jogged the 2.5 mile course, felt good, took no water, warmer outside about 70 degrees, humidity now is 76%, dew point 71, so still got some heat to get through.  Next cool day I'm going to push to 3 miles, just so you know.  Tomorrow probably around the 1.7 length to give it a slight rest day.  Back and forth, vary the distance push 1 day, rest the next, build the base, build the base....can't say it enough.

No big reactions to chemo, just itching around the neck area, right where your collar would hit it.  Benadryl now has a clear cream on the market seems to work well, and no drowsiness like taking a pill. Just so you know.  This blog is a real learning experience for us all.  I know I enjoy writing it.  Although I'm not ready to right any songs or poems yet, so don't hold your breath.

Well I've probably bored you enough today, so God Bless you all, Captain

Ran at 8 AM and more

Actually slept a little late this am, chemo not bothering me any, no bathroom trips last night, feeling OK.

I jogged my 1.7 mile course, could feel the speed coming back.  This week with the longer runs thrown in there - the total miles for the week were 9.4 miles jogged, up from 7.4 last week, so you can start to see how LSD is increasing slowly without injury.  Just for the heck of it, I looked up Nov. of 09 in my running records, and in that one month I started from nothing and by the end of the month was up to 2.5 miles.  So either the heat and my concern for injury affected me this summer, or I'm that much older.  There I said it before you could, ha.  But I feel good about where I am at this point and again, I have plenty of time before next May.

There are a couple of readers and friends who have contacted me and said that I have shamed them into exercising by going to the gym and/or starting a walking program.  Good for me, and Great for their health.  Keep up the good work guys.  Amazing as it seems I know you will feel you have more energy by expending energy.

One thing I forgot during my chemo yesterday which may interest you.  Two weeks ago they cancelled the chemo because my platelets were too low.  Week 1 platelets were at 148, week 2 @ 76 and chemo was cancelled.  Without any changes on my part ( no prescriptions, no special diet changes, etc. ) just the body taking charge, my platelets yesterday were 342.  Just to follow up with you who might be interested.

So once again thanks for your friendships and all the prayer chains.

Just one day at a time with God Blessings to all, Captain

Doing my thing @ The Drip Station

 11 AM  -  I brought my laptop today and so am posting this from the chair while listening to the drip...drip...drip of the IV bringing the chemo drugs into my body.  I'm going to try to post a picture so you can see the set up.

4 PM  -  Finally found the picture, don't know if this was at my best or worst.  But hey, I got cancer, give a guy a break.   So you must believe me,  I'm sitting in a recliner with my feet up, I have a flat screen TV hanging on the wall ( which is not turned on ). I'm hooked up to the IV which is on wheels so I can visit the john when needed. I have my cell phone, what more could I ask for... Other than not to be here and fighting an incurable cancer.  Yeah, what is wrong with this picture.
My wife went next door to the food court to find something to eat.   Had some Donato's pizza, not bad.

Will try later on the pic.  Captain 

Now done and all is fine

Got a Late Start Today

Trying to get some future concerns out of the way, or at least try to figure out my options.  It is now 85 degrees and I have decided not to ruin a good week of running by trying to run in the heat.  So I am taking 2 rest days.  Hopefully will run again on Saturday.

Tomorrow I go back to the Oncologist @ 9 AM and then 6 hours of Chemo with some new dosages to try and control the blood platelet problem from a couple of weeks ago.  So I'm trying to get the mental frame of my mind ready for chemo tomorrow.  Course, we all know my mental state of mind needs help anyways.

Trying to live each day at a time.  " Rejoice .... This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. "  Psalm  118:24

God Bless you all, Captain

LSD works every time

Long Slow Distance, jogged another 2.5 mile course today.  Did just fine, took water, temp. was about 72, humidity 66%.   There is just no need for speed yet.  Remembering back to my first MINI, I just ran all winter, and ran my first 10K( 6.2 mile ) for a Groundhog's day race in Carmel, no I don't remember the finishing time.  I just remember it was cold and very windy.  Towards the end I was behind a guy who was running about the same pace, and I got right up behind him and ran in his footsteps to block the wind.  Then I passed him at the end, cause I had saved that strength letting him break the wind....lol. ( I can't remember passing him, I do remember running at his back though.)

Don't know about tomorrow yet, may play golf again, supposed to rain. We'll see.

Thanks to all, especially my buddy at work, God Bless, Captain

Not much today

Just jogged a short little 1 mile today.  Wanted to loosen up from the last 2 days.  Will do the 2.5 again tomorrow.

Loving the cooler weather All is fine in other areas.

God Bless you all, thanks for the prayers, Captain

Another good run...........

Jogged my 1.7 mile course this am, did just fine.  Am finally building the base now, after this week I could probably run a 5K ( 3.1 mile ) race if I had to, not at a 9 min/mile pace but at an acceptable pace.  Building a base means that if I run maybe 2 or 3 9-10 mile training runs before the MINI I will be able to run 13.1 miles without a lot of problems.  That's because of so many 5-8 mile runs leading up to the 10 milers.  Build the base to run the distance.

Felt just fine, breathing good, weather cooler.  I will run another 2.5 er this week, with shorter rest days in between.

God Bless you all, Captain

2.5 Miles in the books, Finally

More later, got to shower and get to church.  Back to finish, and I wasn't even going to run today.  Why, because I had 3 showers yesterday and I was tired of showers.  I know kind of a funky reason, but it was working until I woke up @ 6:30 AM on Sunday morning and it was 64 degrees, overcast to light fog and I said today is the day.

OK, so you think this is not a big deal, but I have been trying to reach this distance for a couple of weeks now and I finally did.   The fact that this was so hard for me was a combination of factors.  The heat was terrible but I was still trying.  I think even though I have been preaching LSD ( long, slow, distance ) I was probably jogging to fast.  Also, in thinking back, I kept having trouble continuing the run and perhaps my breathing and building up the lungs to support running had not come back as fast as I anticipated.

The weather was better, I started off slower and continued at that pace, and that did not tax the breathing so badly.  In the past my mental state during the run just kept saying..... why don't you stop and walk, just walk the rest of the way, and finally my body gave into the mental side of getting to the end.  Well today all factors worked towards completing the whole 2.5 mile distance.  I really was starting to set a real mental block against that distance, but now that I'm there, the rest will be easy..........lol.  But now I know I can do it.

I have lots of time, there is no rush, just slow and steady, the end goal is what's important not any one day of trouble.   NEVER GIVE UP....... that's where I'm going.

Special note today, Please remember those killed and injured at our Indiana State Fair last night.  Praises to all those who helped to free the injured who were trapped under the stage rigging.  God Bless you all,  Captain

Just finished a run

Jogged my 1.7 course thru the park.  Did fine after yesterday.  For the week I jogged 7.4 miles, slowly increasing the distance.  It was 77 degrees but a nice breeze was blowing.  Took water.

Not much else, God Bless, see you tomorrow, Captain

NO Run Today

For some reason I can't get my intestines to cooperate with me.  So I don't want to be out on a 30 minute run, and looking for a place to...........you get the picture, sorry.

It seems that is a problem for me after taking just 2 chemo's.  Hopefully it will be better tomorrow.

God Bless, Captain

Played Golf

Met my son at 9AM for 9 holes of golf, not saying who won, but I got the trophy............lol.  I wore my running shoes, does that count for a run.  I walked 9 holes, sheeeeeeeeeesh, what a hard crowd.  No, I'm not going to to run today.

Everything is fine with my health, no chemo this Friday, this was an off week anyways. 

That's all for now, just can't think of anything else.  God Bless you all, Captain

Cooler Weather Finally, Yahoo ....

Jogged my 1.7 mile course, much cooler, about 68 degrees, lower humidity.  Didn't even take along water today ( what a rebel ).  Yes, I seem to be stuck on that mileage, but on the other hand, I'm just trying to get through this heat, with some training under my belt.

Tomorrow I'm going to play golf with my son, first time this year for both of us.  I told him to bring his A game.  We'll see what he's got for me............lol.

Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers,  God Bless, Captain

NO Run Today

Going to rest from the last 2 days.  I know it's cooler and that's what we've waiting for, but tomorrow is going to be cooler than today.

I weeded and cleaned out my waterfall/pond this am, and am resting.  Also have eaten some lunch, you can't run on a full stomach.

See you tomorrow with running results,  God Bless, Captain

Pushing On...

Cooler ( 72 ) still 95% humidity, tried for 2.5 miles this early am, made it about 2.3.  Getting there slowly but surely.  Felt OK just ran out of juice. Walked the rest of the way.

Rest of week posts will be later as jogs will be later in the day.  Not much else here, our church had a pool party at the City Park pool last night and the wife and I went to sit in the shade, eat some peaches and cookies and visit.  Nice and relaxing.

Thanks for all you do for others, God Bless, Captain

Where have you been???

You might be asking me that question.  But I'm right here, didn't run yesterday, no chemo on Friday so not much to report.  No great running thoughts, no chemo concerns that weren't talked about on Friday anyways.

I'm feeling fine, the cancer is not bothering me in any way.  In fact if the Dr. hadn't said " You have cancer"  I wouldn't know it.  I can say that the chemo really has been affecting my bladder on the past 2 week ends. as the last 2 nights have been very restful.  So let's talk some running.

Remember way back when we started to jog and " building a base", and the talk of " LSD and long, slow distance"  Well even though you my be thinking, " the captain is taking off a lot of days ".  Remember it is HOT, so about anything I do ( or you do ) to try and maintain any kind of exercise is going to help you later.  Remember we talked about building your miles slowly so as to avoid injury, and now I'm am jogging everything and not walking during these training runs.

2 weeks ago I jogged at total of 9.3 miles in 1 week, that was up from 5-7 miles the last time we talked miles, last week was 5.7 miles, it's OK to take some time off to rest.  This week is supposed to be cooler ( no kidding ) mid 80's and I expect to run between 7-9 miles again.  And again we talked that the speed will come automatically, well I can feel it creeping in there here and again.  So we are doing fine not spending a lot of time making daily running charts.  That what we are doing now will reach our goal in next May.  You will see some 4 and 5 mile runs thrown in there by the end of Sept. first of Oct, again just training no speeds.  Avoid Injury, avoid, avoid. 

Perhaps I will look for a 5K race somewhere around mid Oct, or Nov and then we will see the speed come back and a time.  Obviously a 9 minute pace should put the time at around 27:30 to 28.  With chemo and all we'll see where we end up.

But for now I'm going to forget about the cancer and live my life carefree but with God at my side.  I or you can't spend our lives moping around like the end is around the corner.  Enjoy the time you/we have, make every day the most important.

Thanks for your prayers, God Bless, Captain

Chemo Cancelled...... See Below

This roller coaster ride goes up and it seems to come back down.  Every week before chemo they draw my blood to check how my body is reacting to the chemo.  They check white blood cell counts, hemoglobin, and platelets, being cautious.  Last week my platelet count was 148, with a normal being 150-450 and anything over 100 is ok to receive chemo.  Today the the blood draw showed my platelets had dropped to 76 and because of that they cancelled the chemo to give the body time to rebuild the platelets.  (  low platelet counts increase the chance of bleeding. )

I was assured that this was not considered any kind of setback, just that we need to re-adjust the dosages and amount of chemo that I am receiving.  So NO chemo today, and next week is a off week.  So in 2 weeks we will see the Oncologist @ 9 am and then off to 6 hours of chemo with adjustments.

So although it not a setback, it's like you mentally prepare and then are left "  all dressed up and no place to go "

So the wife and I went to Chili's and I had a plate of their Classic Nachos, she had soup and salad.  Very good, and we felt better.

I think I will take a quick nap to settle the food, and then head to the gym for a run.

Thanks for the prayers, God Bless you all, Captain

Took the day off...........

Chose not to jog today after a couple of good days.  Instead, I bought and shucked 5 dozen ears of corn.  Sat out side under a shade tree, like in the old days, weather felt great being a little cooler.  Storing for the winter like the squirrels, but it will be good tonight and it will be good in December.

Tomorrow back to the " Drip Station " for another hour long treatment, taking Mom and Dad this week to satisfy their curiosity.  Not expecting anything different.  Have worked every night this week and it feels ok.  Planning on going in on Friday night, we'll see what happens.

That's about it, just wanted you to know I haven't forgot you.

God Bless, Captain

Treadmilling it again today

Jogged 2 miles, started at the 11:06 pace, at 1.75 miles went down to 10:42 pace just to get it over with, just can't feel comfortable on one, but it much better than not running.

Again no real effects from the chemo, although I'm feeling a little itchy ( possible side effect ) mainly around the neck, like where your t-shirt circles your neck.  More like a irritation than a series of mosquito bites, but enough to feel like there are now small welts there.  Got some Calamine lotion and that helped.

Getting ready to shower after my run, have stopped sweating and will soon smell great again.

Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers,  God Bless, Captain

Still here, just got smarter ??????

Last night while working and thinking about running in this heat, it occurred to me that I have 4 months left on my health club membership, and you know what, they have treadmills in air conditioning.  What a concept.  Now I don't really like treadmills, but if the alternative is to run in 97 degrees, or not run at all, I guess I will choose the treadmill.  I jogged 2 miles, ending at a 11:06 pace ( which I don't really agree with the electronics ) but it's better than nothing.  After all I don't want to peak too early.....lol

The posts will be more in the early afternoon, now that I'm back to work.  The heat in the building was not as bad as I anticipated, not quite understanding, but will accept that too.  Just trying to be a more accepting guy.

Don't know much else, no side effects to speak of.  Still have hair, feeling a little like Sam Malone on Cheers.  He was always concerned about messing up his hair.

Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers,  God Bless you all, Captain

PS I made reservations at a B & B for the wife and me for Labor Day week end, in South Haven, MI.  We seem to have found a place that we both love and enjoy.  Don't have the $$$$ but now is the time to enjoy life.

Did Not Jog this AM

I bought some new walking shoes yesterday and wore them enough to make my calves and thighs sore from breaking them in.  Besides it was still hot, I was tired and so I didn't jog this morning.

The family is now pretty much gone.  Great to see them, but it was very emotional this year,  also very tiring with chemo, and 6-8 hours a day of visiting with them.  Today I'm resting, have to go back to UPS tonight, not sure how I'll do in the heat.  It just seems like it saps my strength quickly and then I start feeling a little tingly, not so much dizzy, but just shaky.

Getting ready to take a little siesta @ 10:30, mb mow the grass this pm, who knows, I can do it tomorrow.

Thanks for everything, God Bless Captain