I invented a sport today, it's called Mountain Bike Walking.
Here's what you do, First, get cancer.
Second, load up your bike and drive to your favorite riding destination.
Lastly, push your bike around your favorite destination due to lack of energy and strength...fun times.
Well it wasn't all walking, but there was alot of it this morning.
I don't know how much of it is physical and how much is mental, but it sure gets frustrating....
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Hey all....
Not a whole heck of alot say the last few days. Pretty much standard stuff.
Bad news...because of the holiday, I go in on Wed. this week which means a shortened "good week" going into the next round.
Good news.... It's #6 which menas we're halfway there!
Got out for a ride yesterday, hope to be able to squeeze a couple more in before Wed.
Other than that, we're still stunned and grateful for all that everyone did for us last Saturday. It's an experience that none of us will forget.
THANK YOU ALL!
Bad news...because of the holiday, I go in on Wed. this week which means a shortened "good week" going into the next round.
Good news.... It's #6 which menas we're halfway there!
Got out for a ride yesterday, hope to be able to squeeze a couple more in before Wed.
Other than that, we're still stunned and grateful for all that everyone did for us last Saturday. It's an experience that none of us will forget.
THANK YOU ALL!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
By popular demand...
THANK YOU to everyone...words can't begin to say how I feel....!
This is my thank you from the fundraiser...keep in mind that it was meant to be read aloud by me, not printed... So ignore any mistakes...
On Februrary 4th when Connie and I found out that I had cancer, the one word that always came to mind was "stunned". Getting cancer was never anything that I would have thought could "get" me. Now I can say what has happened here tonight has stunned me also.
When I first heard what was being planned, my intitial thought was "That’ll be fun, friends getting together having a few cocktails and some laughs. I never thought it could balloon into something like this. I’ve had these feelings of overwhelmingness, a sense of embarassement, and awe.
There are some people here tonight I need to thank. In not really knowing the full scope of what people have done to put this together, I know I won’t mention everyone that needs to be, but I’ll do my best to hit the highlights.
Stacey and Scott Tinker....Just the work and the effort that you could for someone is unbelievable. I’ll always be grateful
Deb O’Leary... Not just for this, but also for the fun chats we have at the playground in the morning which helps makes things easier.
Fellow stay at home dad Jim Bankowski, who couldn’t be here. Always there for a laugh...
Nicole Hart, Kathie Monroe, Teri Carlson, Nicole Sidwell, Pam and Dan Harrison, Nicole Mitchell, Nancy and Jim Arnold, Michelle Zwick, Deanna Cawley, Caryn Russell and Kim Joyce. Judy Carson of Savory Palete... all I can say is WOW to what she’s done.
Scott Guay for always being around so we can bust each other’s chops.
And I know there are A LOT of others, but we’ll be here all night.
Everyone who donated items or baked food to plump me up, or called or wrote or have watched the kids so I could nap and on and on.
A big thank you.
I want to thank my family. My dad comes up every over Monday and spends the day tending to the kids so Connie can be there at the chemo sessions with me. This is our quality bonding time... On Weds, my Uncle Gary and Aunt Sandy pick up the kids at school so I can make my appointments and then be able to nap.
And there is a reason besides the obvious on why I think so highly of you all. As much as this disease blows, I almost feel lucky to have it. Over the years I’ve gotten complacent in my life... wife , kids and life tend to do that... And I’ve taken a lot for granted. Everyone here is an inspiration for me not only to beat this, but to appreciate everything I have and get more out of my and other’s people lives. A lot of what comes out of tonight will help me accomplish that.
You are all an inspiration to do things and to continue to pay life forward, and help those not as lucky as I am, and that’s what I’m the most grateful for.
Most of all, I need to thank my wife. 15 years ago when we got married, none of this was part of the plan. I know you have to find out a lot about how I feel from others or on my blog, But I hate to worry you. We’ve always stuck by each other, and you’ve always done it with a strength and tanacity that I admire. Thanks for choosing me.
Cancer is a really tough disease. I’ve always said that it’s 80% physical and 20% mental. I might even bump that up to 90/10 as I get further into treatments. The 80% kicks the crap out of you but it’s the 20% that gets you through it. It can be a lonely disease, too. You just feel like crap all the time and no one really "gets it" unless they’ve been through it themselves. Everyone in this community has made the 20% much easier...
This is my thank you from the fundraiser...keep in mind that it was meant to be read aloud by me, not printed... So ignore any mistakes...
On Februrary 4th when Connie and I found out that I had cancer, the one word that always came to mind was "stunned". Getting cancer was never anything that I would have thought could "get" me. Now I can say what has happened here tonight has stunned me also.
When I first heard what was being planned, my intitial thought was "That’ll be fun, friends getting together having a few cocktails and some laughs. I never thought it could balloon into something like this. I’ve had these feelings of overwhelmingness, a sense of embarassement, and awe.
There are some people here tonight I need to thank. In not really knowing the full scope of what people have done to put this together, I know I won’t mention everyone that needs to be, but I’ll do my best to hit the highlights.
Stacey and Scott Tinker....Just the work and the effort that you could for someone is unbelievable. I’ll always be grateful
Deb O’Leary... Not just for this, but also for the fun chats we have at the playground in the morning which helps makes things easier.
Fellow stay at home dad Jim Bankowski, who couldn’t be here. Always there for a laugh...
Nicole Hart, Kathie Monroe, Teri Carlson, Nicole Sidwell, Pam and Dan Harrison, Nicole Mitchell, Nancy and Jim Arnold, Michelle Zwick, Deanna Cawley, Caryn Russell and Kim Joyce. Judy Carson of Savory Palete... all I can say is WOW to what she’s done.
Scott Guay for always being around so we can bust each other’s chops.
And I know there are A LOT of others, but we’ll be here all night.
Everyone who donated items or baked food to plump me up, or called or wrote or have watched the kids so I could nap and on and on.
A big thank you.
I want to thank my family. My dad comes up every over Monday and spends the day tending to the kids so Connie can be there at the chemo sessions with me. This is our quality bonding time... On Weds, my Uncle Gary and Aunt Sandy pick up the kids at school so I can make my appointments and then be able to nap.
And there is a reason besides the obvious on why I think so highly of you all. As much as this disease blows, I almost feel lucky to have it. Over the years I’ve gotten complacent in my life... wife , kids and life tend to do that... And I’ve taken a lot for granted. Everyone here is an inspiration for me not only to beat this, but to appreciate everything I have and get more out of my and other’s people lives. A lot of what comes out of tonight will help me accomplish that.
You are all an inspiration to do things and to continue to pay life forward, and help those not as lucky as I am, and that’s what I’m the most grateful for.
Most of all, I need to thank my wife. 15 years ago when we got married, none of this was part of the plan. I know you have to find out a lot about how I feel from others or on my blog, But I hate to worry you. We’ve always stuck by each other, and you’ve always done it with a strength and tanacity that I admire. Thanks for choosing me.
Cancer is a really tough disease. I’ve always said that it’s 80% physical and 20% mental. I might even bump that up to 90/10 as I get further into treatments. The 80% kicks the crap out of you but it’s the 20% that gets you through it. It can be a lonely disease, too. You just feel like crap all the time and no one really "gets it" unless they’ve been through it themselves. Everyone in this community has made the 20% much easier...
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Cheer for Me!
http://www.livestrongaction.org/rideforlivestrong
Find my name at the bottom of the page and help raise money for cancer research! Best of all, it's free!
Search Under "Todd" then scroll down to "Todd H. rides for me..." No idea why my full name doesn't work
Here's the link to me...
http://www.livestrongaction.org/bike/todd-rides-for-me
Find my name at the bottom of the page and help raise money for cancer research! Best of all, it's free!
Search Under "Todd" then scroll down to "Todd H. rides for me..." No idea why my full name doesn't work
Here's the link to me...
http://www.livestrongaction.org/bike/todd-rides-for-me
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
More on "why I hate Most people..."
Here is what happened according to MDC records
) some details about the incident ( reportedly part of the public record.. but verbally transmitted to the Recreation Committe at tonight's meeting).a) incident happened in 2002b) riding a mountain bike - she was/is a very athletic individualc) Racing a friend (male) .. he took the fire road west to east that has Overlook road intersection on the left.. she took the Red Road ( black top) going 'backwards" .. down the hill and hit the closed barrier ( yellow painted pipe) at a high speed. She admitted she was racing, not looking up and hit the barrier. Said she didn't know there was a barrier there. Her friend said they were racing and she was at fault.d) broke some vertebrae ( don't know the full extent of the injuries)- but apparently is once again very active athletically.e) MDC records show the barrier was always locked long before the incident and was only opened for special events.f) no info about an appeal of the judgement.
WTF is wrong with people today?
) some details about the incident ( reportedly part of the public record.. but verbally transmitted to the Recreation Committe at tonight's meeting).a) incident happened in 2002b) riding a mountain bike - she was/is a very athletic individualc) Racing a friend (male) .. he took the fire road west to east that has Overlook road intersection on the left.. she took the Red Road ( black top) going 'backwards" .. down the hill and hit the closed barrier ( yellow painted pipe) at a high speed. She admitted she was racing, not looking up and hit the barrier. Said she didn't know there was a barrier there. Her friend said they were racing and she was at fault.d) broke some vertebrae ( don't know the full extent of the injuries)- but apparently is once again very active athletically.e) MDC records show the barrier was always locked long before the incident and was only opened for special events.f) no info about an appeal of the judgement.
WTF is wrong with people today?
Monday update.. on Tuesday
Well Monday's done and really nothing to report.
Everything looks good so far, sat there for 3 hours...blah blah blah.
I asked the doctor "how do we know if this works?. His reply? "You don't get any tumors again"
Simple and makes sense, I never thought of it that way, but I like it. I'm not a statistic with percentages labled to them, so I'm ready to keep going.
He was surprised that my weight has been maintained. I had to explain to him it's not "good" weight, it's from all the wonderful "comfort" foods from my fantastic family and friends...lol.
He laughed and said he understands now.
Why does it take D.O.T. forever to finish their bridge projects?
The work of some of Glastonbury and Hebron finest grafitti artists...
My attempt at riding over a bridge while I take a pic... not so great idea...
Well not much else to say... fun party coming upon Saturday... Can't wait to see old friends and meet new ones....I just hope I'll be able to stay up for the whole thing....
Everything looks good so far, sat there for 3 hours...blah blah blah.
I asked the doctor "how do we know if this works?. His reply? "You don't get any tumors again"
Simple and makes sense, I never thought of it that way, but I like it. I'm not a statistic with percentages labled to them, so I'm ready to keep going.
He was surprised that my weight has been maintained. I had to explain to him it's not "good" weight, it's from all the wonderful "comfort" foods from my fantastic family and friends...lol.
He laughed and said he understands now.
Went out for a ride my pre-chomo ride on Sunday. I'm definately getting weaker and more tired as this process goes on. The though of racing is definately out for the time being. I guess I should just be happy and feel lucky enough to be out there. There's alot of people who can't, or won't, be doing this.
Here are some pics:
Why does it take D.O.T. forever to finish their bridge projects?
The work of some of Glastonbury and Hebron finest grafitti artists...My attempt at riding over a bridge while I take a pic... not so great idea...
Well not much else to say... fun party coming upon Saturday... Can't wait to see old friends and meet new ones....I just hope I'll be able to stay up for the whole thing....
Friday, May 14, 2010
Well it's Friday...
The good news it that I'm feeling pretty descent last day or so. Energy levels seem to be coming back, Might even try a couple rides the next few days.
Bad news is that the chemo cycle starts again on Monday. Knowing you only have 2 days left weighs pretty heavy on the mind. If I think about it too much, those higher energy levels seem to magically dissappear...lol. Gotta stay strong.
I need to tweak my diet, too. Too much comfort food and not enough of the good stuff for me lately....
Still not surre if the race on the 23rd is going to be doable for me. It falls right at the end of the chemo week and the side effects are lasting longer everytime.
To the ladies of O.W.B.C., I promise I won't let you down and get in a few races during all of this!!!
Enjoy the week end !
Bad news is that the chemo cycle starts again on Monday. Knowing you only have 2 days left weighs pretty heavy on the mind. If I think about it too much, those higher energy levels seem to magically dissappear...lol. Gotta stay strong.
I need to tweak my diet, too. Too much comfort food and not enough of the good stuff for me lately....
Still not surre if the race on the 23rd is going to be doable for me. It falls right at the end of the chemo week and the side effects are lasting longer everytime.
To the ladies of O.W.B.C., I promise I won't let you down and get in a few races during all of this!!!
Enjoy the week end !
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Turn around day
Well it seems that after the chemo, we sit and wait for the "turn around day". That's the day where I start to feel reasonably normal again and side effects aren't around. I think yesterday was it. Not overly tired, got some stuff done around the house and didn't fall asleep at 7pm.
Seems the turn around days are getting later and later in the cycle though....
Cold sensitivity is still there though in my fingers, but I can tolerate cold drinks again... Diet Coke, here I come! LOL....
Monday, May 10, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Long week this week...
Just constantly tired and in the crappy sleep cycle where I fall asleep around 8 pm, but then I'm wide awake at 4:30 in the morning only to be exhausted all day again. Not too bad nausea wise, but the cold is neuropathy is really getting to me.
Tough time mentally too. Just kind of in the doldrums and lonely.
Lot's of people checking in, but still not the same....
Tough time mentally too. Just kind of in the doldrums and lonely.
Lot's of people checking in, but still not the same....
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Colon Cancer Myths....
Five Myths About Colon Cancer
Many times, colorectal cancer can be prevented. Still, it's one of the 5 most common cancers in men and women in the United States. Colorectal cancer is also one of the leading causes of cancer death in the United States. Don't let these 5 common myths stop you from getting the lifesaving tests you need, when you need them.
Myth: Colorectal cancer is a man's disease.
Truth: Colorectal cancer is just as common among women as men. Each year, about 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and about 50,000 die from the disease.
Myth: Colorectal cancer cannot be prevented.
Truth: In many cases colorectal cancer can be prevented. Colorectal cancer almost always starts with a small growth called a polyp. If the polyp is found early, doctors can remove it and stop colorectal cancer before it starts. These tests can find polyps: double contrast barium enema, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy).
To help lower your chances of getting colorectal cancer:
Get to and stay at a healthy weight
Be physically active
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
Eat a diet with a lot of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and less red or processed meat.
Myth: African Americans are not at risk for colorectal cancer.
Truth: African-American men and women are diagnosed with and die from colorectal cancer at higher rates than men and women of any other US racial or ethnic group. The reason for this is not yet understood.
Myth: Age doesn't matter when it comes to getting colorectal cancer.
Truth: More than 90% of colorectal cancer cases are in people age 50 and older. For this reason, the American Cancer Society recommends you start getting tested for the disease at age 50. People who are at a higher risk for colorectal cancer -- such as those who have colon or rectal cancer in their families -- may need to begin testing at a younger age. Talk to your doctor about when you should start getting tested.
Myth: It's better not to get tested for colorectal cancer because it's deadly anyway.
Truth: Colorectal cancer is often highly treatable. If it is found and treated early (while it is small and before it has spread), the 5-year survival rate is about 90%. But because many people are not getting tested, only about 4 out of 10 are diagnosed at this early stage when treatment is most likely to be successful.
Many times, colorectal cancer can be prevented. Still, it's one of the 5 most common cancers in men and women in the United States. Colorectal cancer is also one of the leading causes of cancer death in the United States. Don't let these 5 common myths stop you from getting the lifesaving tests you need, when you need them.
Myth: Colorectal cancer is a man's disease.
Truth: Colorectal cancer is just as common among women as men. Each year, about 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and about 50,000 die from the disease.
Myth: Colorectal cancer cannot be prevented.
Truth: In many cases colorectal cancer can be prevented. Colorectal cancer almost always starts with a small growth called a polyp. If the polyp is found early, doctors can remove it and stop colorectal cancer before it starts. These tests can find polyps: double contrast barium enema, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy).
To help lower your chances of getting colorectal cancer:
Get to and stay at a healthy weight
Be physically active
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
Eat a diet with a lot of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and less red or processed meat.
Myth: African Americans are not at risk for colorectal cancer.
Truth: African-American men and women are diagnosed with and die from colorectal cancer at higher rates than men and women of any other US racial or ethnic group. The reason for this is not yet understood.
Myth: Age doesn't matter when it comes to getting colorectal cancer.
Truth: More than 90% of colorectal cancer cases are in people age 50 and older. For this reason, the American Cancer Society recommends you start getting tested for the disease at age 50. People who are at a higher risk for colorectal cancer -- such as those who have colon or rectal cancer in their families -- may need to begin testing at a younger age. Talk to your doctor about when you should start getting tested.
Myth: It's better not to get tested for colorectal cancer because it's deadly anyway.
Truth: Colorectal cancer is often highly treatable. If it is found and treated early (while it is small and before it has spread), the 5-year survival rate is about 90%. But because many people are not getting tested, only about 4 out of 10 are diagnosed at this early stage when treatment is most likely to be successful.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
New bike news....
Well now I can spill the beans. I'm an unofficial official member of the Airborne Bicycles Flight Crew (I just need to sign the agreement)!
I'm really looking foward in riding some new product and working with some super cool people who have really stepped up and lifted me up.
I think I was also able to convince them over there in Ohio that they need a 29er in their line up, so that may be a project I hope to work with them on in the future.
Also in bike realted news, I was able to "aquire" a new 29er frame to replace my aging Inbred frame so there will be two ScopeThatColon! rockets available for me on the trails!
Exciting stuff!
BTW, Janey...today is May 5th
Monday, May 3, 2010
It's May 3rd and #4 is done...
There Aunt Jane... I put the date on there for you...can you keep up now? Smiles at ya!
Not much to report. Same thing. My Doctor's appointment checked out pretty well and I got in a nap during chemo.
Other than that, I was able to get out for a "training" ride yesterday and Thursday with mixed results, I'm traing for a race in Winstead on the 23rd. Saw a fellow racer I know when I was struggling a bit and he basically said he was impressed I was out there trying. So that made the second half of the ride a bit better...thanks for the kind words Charlie!
Well that's it for now. I'm ready to go watch some Office reruns.
I still hope to have some realy REALLY cool bike news soon, too!
Not much to report. Same thing. My Doctor's appointment checked out pretty well and I got in a nap during chemo.
Other than that, I was able to get out for a "training" ride yesterday and Thursday with mixed results, I'm traing for a race in Winstead on the 23rd. Saw a fellow racer I know when I was struggling a bit and he basically said he was impressed I was out there trying. So that made the second half of the ride a bit better...thanks for the kind words Charlie!
Well that's it for now. I'm ready to go watch some Office reruns.
I still hope to have some realy REALLY cool bike news soon, too!
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