I won't bore anyone with being overly detailed about what's been going on since my last post. Riding, running and staying busy. Added a couple more ultras to the resume. Even updated my palmarés a bit. Some races and some relaxing. 2018 was a good year. I raced the WORS open fat bike class. And got my ass handed to me! I did two gravel events - Badlands Gravel Battle in Medora, ND and Grit Gravel Grind in El Dorado, KS. Both events kicked my ass! The relentless hills of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Badlands and the punishing winds with nothing to stop them of Kansas. Are you sensing a common thread here? The beatings I took all summer did pan out in some late season success, and made the suffering worthwhile. I pulled off an age group win (55-59) at the Reforestation Ramble on my single speed. I capped off my season with a first in the single speed class in the Short and Fat at the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival. A decent year and overall I was happy with my results and training. 2019 turned out to be more of a running year. I headed back to the Ice Age 50 trail run and helped a good friend/training partner to her first 50K finish. Then it was off to Titletown Ultra Series and an eight hour run. Toss in some shorter races and the anchor leg of a triathlon relay and that was 2019. Work and life seemed to get in the way and event weekends just never slotted in with weekends off. Such is life.
At the end of 2019 I figured it was high time to start getting some medical checkups. It had been a while. You know how guys are, right? Invincible! Bury our head in the sand! If I ignore it it will go away. (In the interest of TMI , let's just say that things weren't always working like they should). Off to my urologist and the familiar tests. If you're a guy of a certain age, you know what I'm talking about. A few pokes, prods and tests later and 2020 was off to an interesting and less than stellar start.
2020 started with more appointments, tests and due to COVID-19, a few telemedicine visits. At the end of February I received the test result nobody ever wants to get. CANCER. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I was a little prepared for this, but I don't think anyone ever is ready to hear that word. I know I wasn't! I didn't feel sick. Or at least how I thought cancer should feel. I assumed as a guy got older "things" didn't always rise to the occasion. (Okay, enough childish double entendres). I was training hard, had a good program going, felt fast and strong. I had my fastest time in five years at the Point Bock run. I was riding outside all winter. I had a 100K road ride in by early April. I couldn't be sick!
Surgery was scheduled for May 5th. I had the weekend off before and filled it with friends and as much running, riding and outdoor time as possible. I did a 48 mile ride with two friends who I haven't spent enough time with lately. Thanks Todd and Mike for hauling my ass around and taking pulls in that bitch of a headwind. The beer was worth it! I got in a nice hike. I did a trail run with my better half and even managed to push the pace for a bit. On Monday I did a nice solo ride around the area. Just relaxing and realizing this would be my last ride until ????
So that brings me to surgery on May 5th. I'd lie if I said I wasn't nervous and scared. I guess I'm not as tough as I thought I was. I had robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. Crap, that's enough to scare the crap out of almost anyone! I don't remember much about the surgery. I recall being wheeled in to the operating room and then I was in my room! I would be remiss if I didn't give a huge thank you to the entire staff at Appleton Medical Center. From registration to discharge and everything in between everyone was compassionate, kind and helpful. It made the entire process a bit more bearable.
I was discharged the following day and now starts the recovery. I head back to have staples and catheter removed on the 13th. Hopefully then I can get in some longer walks and progress steadily from there. I'm being cautious, patient and as positive as I can. One day at a time! I don't know what to expect as far as recovery goes. I'm sure it won't be what I want for but will be more than I honestly hoped for. We'll see.
Finally, I need to give huge shout outs and thanks to so many people. Please don't be offended if I don't mention you. Trust me, every kind word, gesture, thought and helpful deed is appreciated more than you can ever imagine.
Of course I have to thank my better half, Tammy. I have tried to be a good patient. Really! I wouldn't be getting through this as easily and positively as I am without her. She truly is my angel. To the moon!
Todd Meerdink and Michael Kosobucki for that last long ride. That meant more than you can imagine. And Julie and Ruby for the pre-ride breakfast and green jello, because green is for boys!
Rachel Tilley and Ben Mikkelson for some great single track miles. Gentlemen's pace!
John and Becky Dudek for all the positive thoughts and help and some sweet dirt miles!
Suzanne Meerdink for supplying Tammy with puzzles so she can have some down time!
All my kids- Lara, Chelsea, Glenn and Travis, their better halves and all the grandkids. Your love and crazy care packages are so cool!
My sisters Amy and Trish and their families. I promise I'm behaving!
Of course my mom and dad! Love does help heal!
A few great coworkers. If you're reading this you know who you are and how much I appreciate the thoughts-and the bourbon!
All the other countless friends and neighbors. Your offers of any help we might need is above and beyond.
A few great coworkers. If you're reading this you know who you are and how much I appreciate the thoughts-and the bourbon!
All the other countless friends and neighbors. Your offers of any help we might need is above and beyond.
And again, all the medical personnel who have been involved in my care and recovery. In this crazy corona virus world you can't imagine how grateful I am for all you did and do!!
Okay, that's enough for now. I have a feeling I'll have time to update this in the future. Thanks for the read. Comments and questions are always welcome.
#fxckcancer #onedayatatime #oldmanpower #svenstrong #iwillbeback
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