RedDoug
Trail Wise!
Trail active, stand back.....
Posts: 634 
|
Post by RedDoug on Dec 8, 2015 22:27:25 GMT -8
I am both reluctant and curious about asking this. Reluctant because maybe its better to leave one area free from cancer memories and talk, but then again I wonder how others who have had cancer have had their backpacking impacted by their treatment.
This January I will be 6 years out from radiation, stage iv prostate cancer. I don't think I have ever really gotten over the effects of the radiation. Just wondering what others may have experienced or been through.
-RD |
|
|
|
Post by hikinggods on Mar 23, 2016 20:10:43 GMT -8
Wish you had gotten a response to this-- it caught my eye, because this is of sudden, huge interest to me. 2 weeks ago, while on vacation in AZ (to go BPing in the Superstitions) my belly started to fill with fluid. I had felt in perfect health up to that moment! I ended up at Mayo in Phoenix (thank God!), was diagnosed with Stage III Ovarian cancer, and in surgery within a few days. I start chemo next week and am very worried that, while it may save my life, it may permanently rob me of my vigorous good health, and wreck my backpacking future.
|
|
mk
Trail Wise!
North Texas
Posts: 1,217 
|
Post by mk on Mar 25, 2016 18:16:02 GMT -8
I'm so sorry to hear of this. Scary how ovarian cancer can hide. I hope all goes well with your recovery from surgery and upcoming chemo. Sending healing thoughts your way. |
|
|
|
Post by hikinggods on Mar 25, 2016 18:55:08 GMT -8
Thanks so much, MK. I am uplifted by all the well-wishes and prayers! While I am dreading the chemo ordeal, I truly feel confident that I will win out in the end.
|
|
|
|
Post by paula53 on Mar 29, 2016 19:29:37 GMT -8
I was diagnosed with breast cancer 6 years ago. Chemo for me was very doable. Your body will recover from the treatments. Don't rush. You might find yourself doing day hikes soon after treatment ends.
|
|
|
|
Post by paula53 on Mar 29, 2016 19:32:41 GMT -8
I pray for a quick and full recovery for you. The time will pass quickly.
|
|
|
|
Post by hikinggods on Mar 29, 2016 20:27:54 GMT -8
Thanks so much, Paula-- it's good for me to hear from people who have made their way, successfully, through a similar challenge. It's funny, I was diagnosed in AZ while on vacation, the very day I was supposed to head out on a backpacking trip. At first, I was almost as upset about losing out on my backpacking trip, as I was about the cancer diagnosis. So, at least I am in great physical shape for the chemo, and have recovered pretty well from the surgery. Chemo starts Thursday!
|
|
idahobob
Trail Wise!
many are cold, but few are frozen
Posts: 198
|
Post by idahobob on Apr 5, 2016 9:44:39 GMT -8
I hope things work out for you folks and all those affected. I have never been down that road, but I know in general that physical activity is the one magic drug that helps everything. I hope you are back on the trail soon. Bob
|
|
|
|
Post by hikinggods on Apr 5, 2016 20:49:29 GMT -8
Thanks, Bob. The first day of chemo I was jogging in the hallway with my IV pole and collecting miniature chapsticks for my BPing kit-- It took a couple of days to hit, not I am just huddling in a ball waiting for things to improve. And still visiting the forum, so there must be hope!
|
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,693
|
Post by rebeccad on Apr 9, 2016 19:54:33 GMT -8
I have watched various people go through chemo, and it seems to hit them all differently. But all have bounced back when it's over, though it can take a while.
One thing my mom learned the hard way was how long after the chemo ended her immune system remained depressed. I think it was two or three months.
You'll be back on the trail!
|
|
|
|
Post by hikinggods on Apr 11, 2016 18:51:20 GMT -8
Thanks, Rebecca. I'm sure that, with a little discipline, I will get back in shape. It just totally sucks to have to start from scratch, after pretty much a lifetime of fitness, and at age 57.... I don't even recognize my own pale, weak, skinny body!
|
|
|
|
Post by hikinggods on Jul 11, 2016 19:02:26 GMT -8
Wow! Three months have passed, and I've gained back 10 pounds, have regained some muscle, and gotten a tan. But lost all my hair. On Saturday I hiked 4 miles, gaining 700 feet. I have a goal to go backpacking in October--September would be even better.
Today was my final chemo treatment and labs look good! I will be a Hiking Goddess again!
|
|
mk
Trail Wise!
North Texas
Posts: 1,217
|
Post by mk on Jul 12, 2016 19:16:57 GMT -8
Today was my final chemo treatment and labs look good! I will be a Hiking Goddess again! Yay!! That is great news, hikinggods . I've been wondering how you've been coping with the chemo challenges. Glad to hear you're doing well!! |
|
BigLoad
Trail Wise!
Pancakes!
Posts: 12,947
Member is Online
|
Post by BigLoad on Jul 18, 2016 8:10:31 GMT -8
Congratulations, and good luck with your re-conditioning!
|
|
|
|
Post by hikingtiger on Jul 21, 2016 6:01:35 GMT -8
|
|
