Up until today, I've been telling people individually about my cancer diagnosis mostly because we didn't have complete tests run on all aspects of the disease. As of earlier today, the final (biopsy) results are in and it turns out my seminoma from 2009 and 2011 has returned. I have three swollen lymph nodes larger than 1 cm. There are two in my neck I've nicknamed the twins (20mm and 17mm) and one (14mm) in my upper chest just behind my esophagus. I found the twins and after a CT scan earlier this week and a biopsy last Friday with final results today, the doctors have determined that it's all completely Seminoma (Testicular). Organ invasion is negative, which means my prognosis is very high.
There are enough successful treatment options for this type of cancer that managing long term side effects become more important in determining the particular course of treatment. These days, the choices are between BEP and EP. The 'B' in BEP is Bleomycin, which is known to cause irreversible lung disfunction in a non-insignificant percentage of patients. As post-chemo lifestyle is important, particularly continuing my athletics, I have opted to avoid the Bleo. Instead, I'm doing four cycles of EP. This does increase my lifetime chances of getting a nasty form of leukemia (from 1% to 1.33%), so it too is not without risks. Everything's a trade off.
Chemotherapy starts April 29th. Each cycle is three weeks (1 week infusions, 2 weeks rest). So, that's 10 weeks elapsed with a few months recovery. Checking the calendar, I'll have Chemo one week in each of the next four months (Apr 29, May 20, Jun 10, Jul 1). It's so nice of San Francisco to schedule some fireworks the night before my last infusion day. I'm hoping you all will celebrate with fireworks wherever you are, too.
To whatever extent possible, I will continue to exercise (run and CrossFit) through this period and rest when I can't. I have plenty to keep me busy, including getting a product launched for the company Rupesh and I are building.
In the meantime, for those of whom I've already told, thank you for your concern, advice and well wishes. Your support buoys me. If any of you have any doubt about me fighting through this and winning, I refer you to one of my favorite XKCD comics (yes, I had radiation treatments for my first recurrence in 2011).
Friday, April 19, 2013
Cancer Sing Along Songs
Those fabulous hits you remember so well, reworked to help you through those troubling times all packed into one incredible CD:
- It's My Cancer and I'll Cry If I Want To
- Me and my Tumors (melting from the Che-ee-mo)
- My Cancer's Back (and I'm gonna be in trouble)
Check back here for more tunes.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Pose Running and Forward Thrust
I've been having a debate with some folks about Pose Running and Forward Thrust. The heart of the debate is whether or not there is any forward thrust generated during Post Running. In Pose Running, the forward leg lands and presses upward only into a post (while simultaneously leaning forward). The idea is to minimize bob while stiffening the leg and letting gravitational torque carry the body forward. It is only the forward component of the body's acceleration due to gravity that imparts forward motion. That no backward kick form the leg is necessary, nor even desired. A backward kick is a fault in execution.
I argue that the idea of eliminating the backward kick has created a false hypothesis that during Pose Running, there is no forward thrust (force imparted from the legs against the ground propelling the body forward). In fact, studying the running system, the body must push against the ground to overcome internal joint friction, other internal forms of friction, wind resistance, ground resistance, etc.
To answer this question, first, we should examine the literature and review the running models proposed in Pose Running. Then, we should review scientific papers looking for data on Ground Reaction Forces.
See list of links for possible info:
I argue that the idea of eliminating the backward kick has created a false hypothesis that during Pose Running, there is no forward thrust (force imparted from the legs against the ground propelling the body forward). In fact, studying the running system, the body must push against the ground to overcome internal joint friction, other internal forms of friction, wind resistance, ground resistance, etc.
To answer this question, first, we should examine the literature and review the running models proposed in Pose Running. Then, we should review scientific papers looking for data on Ground Reaction Forces.
See list of links for possible info:
- Running on Ice Video
- Geometry of Running Paper
- Scientific Basis of Pose Running
- Scientific Research & Pose Method
- Running is a Post Falling
- Impact Forces at Knee Joint
- Compare Pose & Heel Running
Monday, February 11, 2013
Digital Echoes
You know when you get one of those strange out of time email messages and wonder what the heck that was about until you realize your friend's outbox finally was able to connect to the mail server and deliver a reply. They deserve haiku.
Appears from nowhereOr, perhaps this one:
An email stuck in limbo
Digital echoes
Why did I get thisThe thing about haiku is that once you start, it can be hard to stop.
Month-old and suddenly-free
Delivered message?
Surprising message
A server never forgets
Past conversations
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Yes on Proposition 37
Recently, I participated in a Facebook discussion of Prop 37.
After reviewing links there and discussion, I'm voting YES on 37.
I dug into the original article Dan posted at the start of the thread. That article has zero science and is an opinion position containing ad hominem attacks on GMO study authors, no refutation of Prop 37, position that scaring people tactics will tire people from real issues surrounding Prop 37. I dug into other articles he wrote on Slate and on his Blog, plus articles he referenced in support of his positions. He likes ad hominem attacks and happily uses them against every pro-37 individual (eg, Michael Pollan).
The FDA process for GMO food testing relies on the PRODUCERS of GMO to test their product. That is, NOT A PEER REVIEWED study. This throws any arguments that the food is safe out the window. Note, that does not make GMOs inherently unsafe, but it cuts the legs out from under any safety argument.
Genetically Engineered GMO foods (the ones I am most concerned about) have the opportunity to introduce genes which may induce allergic reactions either directly or through the novel change. I, myself, have a number of food allergies and am vigilant in my consumption of those allergens.
This is a side argument not directly in support of 37, but I make it nonetheless, the economics and history of food and big ag is a complete mess, when you examine it from the world perspective (and not just the success of a business perspective). The lives of local farmers in third world countries have been decimated by first world economic farming practices. The economics of farming has been turned upside down under the auspices for the betterment of mankind. However, the results are questionable (yields often do not increase) and, more importantly, farmers are displaced losing their way of life (creating poverty, joblessness and devastating local life). I recently saw a documentary on Indian farmers and BT cotton (Monsanto) - I'm saddened by the film. It is mentioned in the radio piece (around 38 minutes) pointed at within the FB thread.
I will concede one point, I wish that the labeling was an Informational Note and not a Warning.
Here's an article countering some arguments against 37.
Whichever way you lean, get out and vote today.
After reviewing links there and discussion, I'm voting YES on 37.
I dug into the original article Dan posted at the start of the thread. That article has zero science and is an opinion position containing ad hominem attacks on GMO study authors, no refutation of Prop 37, position that scaring people tactics will tire people from real issues surrounding Prop 37. I dug into other articles he wrote on Slate and on his Blog, plus articles he referenced in support of his positions. He likes ad hominem attacks and happily uses them against every pro-37 individual (eg, Michael Pollan).
The FDA process for GMO food testing relies on the PRODUCERS of GMO to test their product. That is, NOT A PEER REVIEWED study. This throws any arguments that the food is safe out the window. Note, that does not make GMOs inherently unsafe, but it cuts the legs out from under any safety argument.
Genetically Engineered GMO foods (the ones I am most concerned about) have the opportunity to introduce genes which may induce allergic reactions either directly or through the novel change. I, myself, have a number of food allergies and am vigilant in my consumption of those allergens.
This is a side argument not directly in support of 37, but I make it nonetheless, the economics and history of food and big ag is a complete mess, when you examine it from the world perspective (and not just the success of a business perspective). The lives of local farmers in third world countries have been decimated by first world economic farming practices. The economics of farming has been turned upside down under the auspices for the betterment of mankind. However, the results are questionable (yields often do not increase) and, more importantly, farmers are displaced losing their way of life (creating poverty, joblessness and devastating local life). I recently saw a documentary on Indian farmers and BT cotton (Monsanto) - I'm saddened by the film. It is mentioned in the radio piece (around 38 minutes) pointed at within the FB thread.
I will concede one point, I wish that the labeling was an Informational Note and not a Warning.
Here's an article countering some arguments against 37.
Whichever way you lean, get out and vote today.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Collection of Mobility WOD Highlights
If you're an athlete, you should check out Mobility WOD. If you're a human, you are an athlete.
- Legs: get in your Paleolithic Chair with episode one and retest two months later.
- Lungs: fix your breathing and everything lungs attach to with Parts One, Two and Three.
- Feet: rebuild them, Part One and Part Two.
- Shoulders: need end range? Try this fix. Then, modify your grip for a better pull-up.
- Icing Bad: why you should stop icing.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Open Letter to my Hero: Come Clean
Lance,
(Please excuse the informal, but you've become familiar to us all).
You are my Hero and will always be my Hero. Not for the seven Tours you won (but, that was pretty cool). You are my hero for what you've done with LiveStrong. I recommend your book, It's Not About the Bike, to anyone I know diagnosed with cancer. You fought through incredible physical and emotional pain and survived to make a career for yourself, raise kids and create an amazing foundation that has touched millions of lives.
We have something in common - I, too, was diagnosed with and fought against testicular cancer. Your story supported me. Now, I'd like to support you.
Lance, you have a great opportunity set before you. You can be a leader, a shining beacon. You can once again be at the top and touch the world. You can do what other athletes at the very top have never done (like Alex Rodriguez or Barry Bonds). In one fell swoop, you can clean up pro cycling and, quite possibly, many other professional sports.
Please, tell the world the entire story. Be honest and open with us. You apologize, we forgive you. We forgive you, you are redeemed. Your redemption will make you one of the greatest athletes who ever lived. You will be remembered for your many achievements, including the one moment when you bravely stood before the world and tried to change it.
Sincerely,
A fan.
(Please excuse the informal, but you've become familiar to us all).
You are my Hero and will always be my Hero. Not for the seven Tours you won (but, that was pretty cool). You are my hero for what you've done with LiveStrong. I recommend your book, It's Not About the Bike, to anyone I know diagnosed with cancer. You fought through incredible physical and emotional pain and survived to make a career for yourself, raise kids and create an amazing foundation that has touched millions of lives.
We have something in common - I, too, was diagnosed with and fought against testicular cancer. Your story supported me. Now, I'd like to support you.
Lance, you have a great opportunity set before you. You can be a leader, a shining beacon. You can once again be at the top and touch the world. You can do what other athletes at the very top have never done (like Alex Rodriguez or Barry Bonds). In one fell swoop, you can clean up pro cycling and, quite possibly, many other professional sports.
Please, tell the world the entire story. Be honest and open with us. You apologize, we forgive you. We forgive you, you are redeemed. Your redemption will make you one of the greatest athletes who ever lived. You will be remembered for your many achievements, including the one moment when you bravely stood before the world and tried to change it.
Sincerely,
A fan.
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