2012 in review and a look ahead

As I looked at this blog it was obvious that I haven’t updated it in a long while. I had big plans for last year having nicknamed it my recovery tour. My expectations are much higher than what became reality. In August I did run the Wildwood, NJ triathlon and that clearly pointed out that I would not be ready to run the Nation’s Triathlon in September. The organizers of the Nation’s Triathlon granted me another deferment so that I can attempt in to 2013. The primary focus was to return to the Seagull Century Ride in Salisbury, MD.

My wife and I created Team Lewis and rode to find a cure for cancer with Team In Training. We raised over $3000 and trained 100’s of miles and completed the 100-mile ride in 6 hours and 15 minutes. This is was 2 hours and 15 minutes faster than I did it in 2011. This was the finial event of 2012 and in October 2012 I had my right shoulder operated on and spent 4 months recovering.

2013 Team Lewis is going to take part in the Eagleman Half Ironman in June. The team for this event is myself and daughter Tesia. We have committed to raising $5000 to find a cure for cancer. We started out training in January and are gearing up for the intensity as we progress forward. What we need is your encouragement and your donations. Remember all donations are tax deductible and can be made at this secure site http://pages.teamintraining.org/md/Eagle70313/TeamLewis. 

BCA! - CANCER FREE

To many CANCER SURVIVORS getting the chemo port removed is a sign that not only are you cancer free but that you won't be getting anymore treatments. Today was my day to feel that joy and I can tell you that this is another day I will never forget.

The surgery went as planned, I reported to the Outpatient window at 10:15 AM and was on my way home prior to noon. From a timeline of my Cancer it was June 26, 2011 that I had my colonoscopy  and was told there was a blockage. July 2, 2011 my wife brought home the report from the test and I found out that 4 out of the 5 polyps tested positive for cancer. July 15, 2011 I was having a scope to tattoo the tumor and that is when I was told that the cancer was in Stage 3. August 3, 2011 I had a colon resection and the doctor said chemotherapy would start within 6 weeks. Beginning of September 2011 my chemo port was implanted and I started treatments September 15, 2011. My last treatment ended February 15, 2012 and today the port was removed.

While I am a survivor I also consider myself as a fighter and continue to fight this horrible thing called cancer. Yesterday I started acupuncture to help get me some relief from the side effects that continue to cause me some issues. My training is starting over as I need to rebuild the muscle loss from the treatments.

On Sunday April 29, 2012 I will ride my bike for 36 miles and continue to train for the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon, May 20, 2012. These events will help me mentally that I can rebound and show everyone that you can succeed no matter what the odds are.

Post run pain

Okay on Saturday I ran/walked a 5K and since then my joints have been killing me. Let me say that the pain level has been a plus 10 on a scale of 1-10. The joints from the hips down are in pain and I have had to rely on using a cane so I don't fall from the dizzy spells. These little pitfalls are keeping me from advancing my recovery. What I need to do is find a way to train around the pain and gain the advancement needed for me to run a 10 mile run April 1, 2012.

Going to see my oncologist this afternoon to see what can be done if anything to get through this sooner than later. You see, I just want to be me and out there running, biking and swimming.

St Patty's Day 5K Ocean City, MD by bclqac at Garmin Connect - Details

This race was the most difficult one ever, I was having joint pain from head to toe and still went out there. My pain level post run is about an 8 and raising.

St Patty's Day 5K Ocean City, MD by bclqac at Garmin Connect - Details

First Ride Post Chemo Treatment by bclqac at Garmin Connect - Details

So today was the big test and could I ride outside or would the side effects from the chemo keep me indoors. The ride went well and I will get out there whenever the weather permits it. The adrenaline is still pumping so I will see how long I stay pumped but this is a big milestone for me.
First Ride Post Chemo Treatment by bclqac at Garmin Connect - Details