23 August 2010

Anyone interested in drinking wine and fighting cancer?

If so, and you're in Denver, you may like the Taste of Victory II.   This is a Livestrong Colorado event coming up on September 11th.  $25 will get you 4 tastes (or one glass of wine), and you'll be supporting the mission of Livestrong.  
The event will take place at the Bonacquisti Winery in Denver.  As a disclaimer, neither Sarah nor I have ever been there, but we've already purchased our tickets.  You can get yours here.


18 August 2010

Leadville Trail 100

This past weekend Sarah and I went up to watch the Leadville Trail 100 as "One Fun Thing."  This was a race I'd been wanting to watch for a while, but Leadville isn't the easy place to shoot up to for a day.


For those interested, they made a movie about last year's race, which Lance Armstrong won, called Race Across the Sky.  The movie is worth watching.   This year, Lance Armstrong bailed out of the event roughly a week before.   We wanted to go anyway.


This race was going to be (Radio Shack professional) Levi Leipheimer's first mountain bike race.  Ever.


Staging starts VERY early.
The race allows for roughly 1500 riders, and it is quite difficult to get picked to race through their lottery system, unless of course, you are a Tour de France rider, in which case you can roll up at the last minute.

At this point of the morning, it is quite cold in Leadville, which sits at an elevation of about 10,200.  Here we are all bundled up.
The race has a "shotgun" start (literally), but it is also a neutralized start through town.  In this picture, you can see race director Ken Chlouber, with gun, hugging Colorado favorite and six-time LT100 winner Dave Wiens.  (Dave Weins was who rode with Lance at the Ride 4 Yellow event 2 weekends back).  Next to them is Leipheimer.

With a blast from the shotgun, the race was on.  For some, the race would take 12 or more hours.  For the best riders, it takes just under 7 hours.

Why did Sarah and I have so much yellow and black on?  A few days prior to the race we got an email and I saw a tweet that Livestrong needed volunteers.  Since we were going to be up there anyway, we were excited to volunteer.
Livestrong had two booths, one up near the race's Start/Finish, and one at the Rocky Mountain Bike Festival, 5 blocks into the course.  Basically, volunteers were their to share their stories, solicit donations for bands, and in general raise awareness for what the organization can do for cancer survivors as well as their loved ones.

In general, the people were very supportive and obviously, many who visited the booths had a connection to cancer.  Many already wore the bands.  Some had done Livestrong events.  A few had no idea, but in general, if you are hanging around the bicycle community in some way (such as at an event such as the LT100), you know about Livestrong.

What was neat is that many of the volunteers were the same folks Sarah and I met at the Livestrong workshop 3 weekends ago.   It was great to see them again, and there is some real energy to continue volunteering and raising money within the Colorado group.

Sarah and I ducked out about 6 hours after the race began to wander the 50 yards back over to the start/finish.   We wanted to see who would win the race.   As it turned out, Levi Leipheimer had no trouble making the adjustment from the road bike to his new custom Trek mountain bike.  Levi crushed the field, and smashed Lance Armstrong's year old course record by 12 minutes, finishing in 6 hours, 16 minutes, and obviously setting a new record.  We were there with the camera.
The Livestrong crowd was pleased to see Leipheimer sporting the infamous "28" jerseys.  Additionally, he was a class act by hanging out signing autographs for the fans and posing for pictures.   While we didn't get over in time for either of those, I did get a shot of his bike.
I really like his bike, but I prefer mountain bikes with larger wheels.  Incidentally, I picked up a great shirt at said bike fest that day to this point.  

It was a great day and Livestrong raised some money.  I'm told what we raised was approximately one quarter of what was raised last year, but that was when Lance Armstrong himself was racing, and the crowds were much bigger.  Every little bit counts and helps, though.

The next day, Sarah and I decided to do a little mountain biking of our own, since we had the hotel all day.  Basically, we slept in, relaxed, rode, and then came home in the afternoon.  Pretty good weekend.





15 August 2010

Is this the end?

This seems like an appropriate time to end the blog.  The story was cancer, and it is a story that has hopefully ended, right?


I spent nearly all of the fall of 2009 sick.  In January, 2010 I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  I started a blog for the purposes of communication and journaling.  I went though 6 cycles (12 doses) of chemotherapy.  I read the Livestrong guidebooks.  I read many pamphlets from the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.  I made Sarah read actual journal articles.  I shaved my head.  I gained 30 pounds.  It wasn't muscle.  I met a lot of new people and heard a lot of stories.  I was sick much of the time.  I developed some taste aversions.  I got a central line.  I got a line removed quickly thereafter.  I got a port.  I started a whole bunch of new ancillary medications.  I re-learned how to calculate an ANC.  I stopped trading securities and derivatives.  I was recommended marijuana, many times, never by my oncologist. Often, I thought that the cure was worse than the disease.  I couldn't exercise as I liked.  I missed work frequently and regularly.  I ordered a bowflex.  I adopted "One Fun Thing" and have tried to live by it.  I've actually tried to increase upon OFT, and have encouraged others to do the same.   I had to give up alcohol and many of my favorite foods.  I started wearing a yellow rubber bracelet.  I spent many nights sleeping in the basement due to temperature fluctuations, sometimes my own, sometimes the house's, sometimes to give Sarah some peace.  I fell in love with ginger ale.  I fell far "out of love" with ginger ale.  My eyebrows fell out.  I met more doctors than I could name.  I bought a new mountain bike.   I became a stranger to people I'd worked with for years who didn't recognize me.  I stopped recognizing myself in the mirror.  At times, I've eaten healthier than ever before, but early on, I ate worse than ever before.  Sometimes, I didn't eat at all.  I got a port removed.  I got some new tattoos for radiation, to go with all my other new scars.  I bought many new synthetic t-shirts to treat my new tape allergy.  I also got a bunch of long sleeve t-shirts to protect from the sun.  I watched a lot of TV.  There were times I wanted to give up.  Six months never felt so long.  When the end came, I was nervous that it was over and I wasn't sure what was next.


Last month I was given the news that my body had a "complete response" to the chemotherapy fighting the lymphoma.  Remission.   Then I found out that radiation might not be the best option for me when the risks and benefits were weighed out.   All of this great news was punctuated by a great time in Steamboat Springs with the "Ride 4 Yellow."


Now seems like an appropriate time to end the blog.  Guy gets cancer, learns a bunch of things, has some trying moments, laughter, tears, goes into remission.  Happily ever after.  The end.


Only it isn't the end.  I'm not sure where the end is, or even if there is one. Even if you can get far enough out that oncologists will use the word "cure" instead of "complete response"or "remission."


Phone calls, emails, and get-well cards slow down, appropriately. Doctor's visits slow down as well, thankfully.  The fight isn't over.  I didn't want it, but I also didn't get a choice.  People in the world of cancer discuss a "new normal."  I'm not even sure I'm there yet.  I've also blogged about the "obligation of the cured" a few times now.  


And so, "Josh Vs Lymphoma" will continue, although the focus will shift somewhat.  I'll still note some fun things, but the frequency may be less.   Please check in if you are so inclined to find out the results of my oncology follow-up appointments, or what I'm doing to continue my fight.  In the meantime, I hope this has been an enjoyable read.



11 August 2010

Ride 4 Yellow, Part 2: Sarah's Story

This post is another "very special" edition not written by me, but rather by Sarah:


Josh asked me to be a guest 'blogger' since he and I had very different experiences at the Ride 4 Yellow Event in Steamboat Springs this past Sunday. I have pretty big shoes to fill considering Dave's blog on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society bike ride that was posted earlier this month! 

I woke up ~ 4:45 a.m. (which is early for a non-morning person, but even earlier when you have attended a 3 hr wine fest the night before). Josh and I were dressed and packed in about an hour. I even had a chance to down a Soy Joy bar and some water (not in the mood for the Red Bull pick-me-up I purchased the night before). 


We arrived at the Meadows parking lot a few minutes later. It was dark and brisk (maybe 50 degrees), but not cold. I think there were 4 buses waiting to take the bikers to the beginning of the ride when we arrived. Around 6:20 Josh hopped on the 3rd bus. Dave Nagel, who organized the event, picked me up ~ 6:30 along with his brother Steve (who drove in from Texas to do the ride). How was I able to ride with the organizer you might ask? I sent him an email a few weeks earlier telling him about Josh and how it would mean a lot to cheer him on at the beginning of the race. Dave replied 1 week later and said he would make special arrangements for this to occur. He also asked me if he could share Josh’s email. So I told Josh what I had done –thankfully he was not upset.  Little did I know this email would be printed on every map/program for the event and distributed to hundreds!!! 
We arrived at the ride’s start ~ 7. It was cloudy, misty and cold! Thank goodness there was coffee and music. While we waited for the ride to begin Dave introduced to me to lots of people. He definitely has connections. In fact, he told me how he and Linda (Armstrong) started planning this event at the end of the Tour de France back in 2009. 

The energy was palpable as riders began to arrive. I saw our friend Scott first. Then, I saw Josh and got very excited. To me this was more than a bike ride. It was about surviving cancer and having my husband/best friend back.

Riders began picking up their bikes and lining up. The ride was to begin ~ 8:15. Before the start of the ride several guest speakers offered words of encouragement, Dave Wiens, Lance Armstrong, and Governor Bill Ritter to name just a few. I had a prime spot to take pictures at the front of the line (much easier to get around w/o a bike). 
Unfortunately, I do not remember much of what was said. I know Governor Ritter was funny and Lance was inspirational. 
I was just so shaky and emotional because of how far Josh and I had gone to arrive at this very moment! As the speakers finished, I ran back to Josh and our friend Scott to take a few more pictures. They were the leaders in the third group which made it easier for me to shoot away! 
After the last wave of riders left I found Dave again (which was easy to do considering how quickly everything cleared out). Dave said he would to take me to the gondolas – this would be our transportation to the top of the mountain/end of the bike ride. However, we needed to make a detour first. 


We met up with Dave’s sister-in-law, Lee (a 5 year cancer survivor – her husband Steve, who I met earlier, was riding in her honor), Lance Armstrong’s mom, Linda, Linda’s husband, Ed Kelly, Lance’s girlfriend, Anna, and their little boy, Max (14 mo old). 
I have to say Max was just adorable in his little Mellow Johnny’s T-shirt - like father, like son! 
After a few more pictures we were off to the gondolas. Even though I’ve lived in CO x 6 years I’ve never been on a gondola. The gondola I rode in fit 6 people so I sat alongside Anna, Max, Linda, Ed and Jim McCreight, one of the event organizers. Majestic views certainly added to the surreal experience. 
As we hopped off the gondola (maybe it was about 10 a.m.) Lance was just finishing the ride (under 2 hr). I took pictures of him riding up the hill before he snuck behind a door. 
I think Lance was gone for maybe 30 minutes? I wasn’t really keeping track of time. I just pulled out his book, 'It’s not about the bike' in the hopes I would get him to sign it. I started reading this book when Josh was first diagnosed with cancer and then finished it the night before his last chemo treatment. I also kept my camera close by in order to get more pictures (Lance and his entourage move very quickly so I needed to be ready which is not easy to do with a hangover, little sleep and an empty stomach)  At last, Lance came out. 
As you might imagine people swarmed him for autographs. I was one of them, I guess. I thanked Lance for signing my book and told him ‘good job.’ He said thank you. Looking back I’m not sure why I said good job, but it was all I could get out. I think I meant for everything: his foundation, serving as a symbol of so much hope and inspiration, etc.
As quickly as Lance signed my book he was back on his bike and making his way to the stage. Dave Wiens spoke first, he was followed by a brain cancer survivor (you’re considered a survivor the day you are diagnosed), and last but not least Lance Armstrong spoke again. 
This time I was able to hear and process more of what Lance said. He spoke about the ‘obligation of the cured’ (which Josh and I totally get now), having the choice to walk out of the hospital and not have anyone know what happened or having the chance to walk out of the hospital and let everyone know what happened. He obviously chose the latter. He was kind of emotional and said he wasn’t sure why. 


He was also pretty funny as he verbally acknowledged every time a rider crossed the finish line. I guess you had to be here for this so I’ll try to explain. Before Lance arrived on stage to address the crowd there was a line of people on either side of the finishing area to clap/cheer for the riders as they finished. However, when Lance started speaking the crowd moved and the riders silently approached the finish line. 


Lance realized this and therefore began acknowledging every rider as they crossed the line  – which took the finishers by surprise.  After a while, Lance was off again so I took a spot by the finish line to wait for Josh and cheer on the riders. Josh and his friend Scott finished ~ 12:45. So it only took them about 4 hours to complete this 26 mile mountain bike ride – not bad at all! After a few pictures we headed up for lunch. 
Lunch was a feast of healthy salads, noodle dishes, wraps, etc. We ate our lunches outside overlooking the beautiful scenery. After lunch we headed back in to hear from the top 10 fundraisers (one of which was there for his non-smoking brother who had recently been diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer). 


After watching the new Livestrong manifesto, Lance’s mom spoke. She talked about Lance’s childhood, how his passion for biking developed, his stage IV cancer diagnosis at age 25, and his fight to get to where he is today. I read about all of this in Lance’s book, ‘It’s not about the bike,’ however, it was different hearing from his mom. Again, a bit emotional for Josh and I. For me it was Lance’s mom, as the caregiver, verbalizing so many of the things I felt/thought about during our recent journey.
The lunch ended with an auction. I told Josh he could bid on something, but he did not. There were lots of great items (a private ride with Dave Wiens, a Radioshack Madone bike built to the winner’s specifications, an autographed Lance Armstrong jersey – he wore this as he crossed the finish at the Tour de France marking his 7th straight victory, and a chance to ride with Lance and others during the Ride for the Roses weekend). 

At the end of the auction I of course had to take a few more pictures – a sign that showed Josh was one of the fundraisers who raised more than $1000 and Josh next to his ‘I am a survivor sign.’ 
We then thanked Dave Nagel for the most incredible day and then we were off. I thought we were all going to take the gondola down, but Scott and Josh wanted to bike down the mountain (guess you can never get in enough biking). 
While waiting at the base of the mountain for Josh, I saw Linda Armstrong, and the Nagels (David, Steve and Lee) one last time. Steve said he would like to get Josh’s email address because he would like to meet Josh at the Hotter than Hell 100 ride in August – which would be very cool because Steve and his wife, Lee, are close to Lance’s mom and do lots of fundraising in Texas. 


Josh and I eventually made our way back to the Meadows Parking lot where the day began 10 hours earlier. What a wonderfully, exciting, awesome surreal day. Definitely a day to remember. And no doubt that it met Josh’s criteria for ONE FUN THING!

Ride 4 Yellow, Part 1: Josh

As noted in a previous post, this past weekend I did the "Ride the Divide" course as part of the Ride 4 Yellow event in Steamboat Springs.  This was nothing short of an amazing event.  I was very excited to be a part of it from when a friend first told me about it. Certainly the fact that Lance Armstrong would be there is a draw, but so is any event associated with Livestrong, even if he doesn't come.

I linked to the course profile in a previous post.  "Ride the Divide" is 26 miles with a couple thousand feet of climbing.   On a road bike, that's an average after-work ride.  On a mountain bike, riding a technical trail, somewhere above 9,000 feet, that's not so easy anymore.  This ride had some of the most amazing views I've ever seen.

The event actually started August 7th with packet pick-up.   This ride had easily the best packet I've ever gotten.  The T-shirt is awesome (it is a "tech-t-shirt" with the ride logo).
While waiting in line, a volunteer came by with more goodies, the coolest of which were yellow hats from previous TdF's which Lance had won.  There were several types available, but I picked a 2003 US Postal team hat.
Also in the bag was a livestrong bracelet, an event sticker, postcards for future events and advertisements, a pair of yellow "Ride 4 Yellow" chums, a bag tag, some Honey Stinger gel and a bar, and a yellow "Ride 4 Yellow" toothbrush.  Now even my toothbrush fights cancer.  Also given away in the line were some yellow and black socks bearing the logo of the local cycling club.

The next morning started early, with us waking up before 5am.  Fuel consisted of Red Bull and Larabars.  I also had a Honey Stinger bar to support the local company right there in Steamboat.
All of the riders were shuttled to the top of the pass on big tour buses.
It was a long drive up, but once there, it was clear that this was where the event was starting.  People were everywhere and our bikes (dropped off the night before) were waiting for us.

Almost immediately I found Sarah and our friend Scott, from Milwaukee.
I was really excited that I was going to be able to ride with Scott.  I've ridden with him before, he is a great rider, and he and his wife have been a big source of support for Sarah and I.

Before the ride, a couple of fairly famous cyclists walked right past us and gave a small speech each.

Really, they walked right past us as in less than an arm's length.  Both times I was surprised despite expecting it. First, Dave Weins' bike is unmistakable, and I recognized that before I recognized him.  After that, it is hard to miss a Radioshack full kit walking right past you, moving with a purpose.
Also pictured (To Lance's right) is Governor Bill Ritter who also gave a humorous speech.  Obviously, Lance Armstrong and Dave Weins rode first.   After that, the riders went out in waves.
It was here at the very start where I got to meet event organizer Dave Nagel who treated Sarah like a VIP.  He is pictured to my far right, and below with Sarah.
I cannot say enough good things about the "Ride 4 Yellow" staff and organizers.  

The ride itself wasn't easy.  We started on a fast fire road.
It didn't take long to get into the singletrack, though.  Shortly after a few climbs, we had a few moments where we got to "cyclocross" it.
I wasn't alone.  Here's a picture of some better riders doing it much earlier than I at the exact same spot.  When I'd heard about that, I didn't feel so bad for not attempting to ride through that stuff.
The ride was very well supported with many volunteers along the way and a couple of aid stations.  There was even a helicopter keeping watch.
The views from the top were spectacular.
So we had to stop for a few pictures.
This is what speed looks like:
For those interested, Lance rode a hard tail, carbon fiber Trek (2011 GF collection?) 29er with Sram XX components.  Armstrong and Weins were finished in about 2 hours.  It took Scott and I just over 4 hours to finish.

The finish wasn't technically at the bottom but rather at the top of the Gondola.  This is where the party was.  Sarah was there to meet me at the finish as well as capture pictures of the last little drop into the party area.

Here, Scott and I crossed the finish line.

After this was lunch, which was terrific.  Dave Nagel, the event director highlighted the top 10 fundraisers, and a few shared their story, which is always special.

The keynote speaker was Lance Armstrong's mom, Linda Armstrong Kelly, introduced by Dave Weins, who also spoke again.  

She is an excellent public speaker.  I think she may have talked for 25 minutes.  She had a lot of great points, good stories, a few laughs, and there were a few moments where I felt like I was getting a little teared up.  It is weird, since everyone in the room knew her story and Lance's, but the way she tells it really hits anew, and probably more so if it is something you can directly identify with, which I'm sure virtually everyone can.  For me it was the chemo stories.  For Sarah, I suspect it was the role of the caregiver.


Obviously she got a standing ovation when she finished.  Her message was positive and uplifting and the audience responded.

The final event of the day was an auction which was hosted by Verne Lundquist, who makes his home in Steamboat Springs.
That was largely the end of the event, other than the well-wishes and goodbyes.  After that, Scott and I rode down the rest of the mountain to the base into Steamboat Springs.

The whole day was a great experience, and I cannot wait to go back again next year.