I Ride For: Nicole
These were “easy” rides for Nicole. I did 3 outside and 1 on a trainer. The first outside was cold and windy, but I did it with my Dad. The second was outside, alone, and colder, but no wind and I climbed the big hill for the first (and only) time in 2023. The third outside was cold but warmer than the other two, no wind, sunny, and I listened to the 4th quarter of the UofM game as they were victorious over Ohio State. And finally the last one was back on my trainer. Not bad, but not as nice as being outside. (Recumbent just does not do well in the snow and ice. Imagine!) I wrote “easy” but not suffering free.
My stuff was “easy” because what Nicole is going through is completely the opposite. From what I have gathered (from a very reliable and unnamed source) she is 40 years old, has Stage 4 Breast Cancer, a 3 year old, and the cancer is the aggressive kind. That is a tough row to hoe. The toughest I have been connected with so far this year. This kind of row puts me back in my “pissed off” mode that I used to be in a decade ago. It almost tips me over to the “FU Cancer” camp.
No matter what my attitude is, Nicole has taken on “What ELSE can I do?” No sugar or carbs (sugar free KETO), cold plunges twice a day, and long walks. She is also at Sloan-Kettering, which Jeri and I have heard nothing but good things about as we have researched in 2023. Chemo every Wednesday, which for sure has made my “Crabby Thursday” much less Crabby. I can only imagine Nicole’s day after Chemo, but I know my sleep deprivation does not compare. Suck it up, Jeff, right!?!?
Nicole, I doubt I have any research on Myeloma that will help you with Breast Cancer. If, however, you want to pick my brain, call me anytime. (I go on airplane mode when I really need to sleep. Also my reliable source is your Dad who has all my contact info. ) There IS some info you might be able to help me with. Why two cold plunges a day, how cold, and for how long? I’ve been doing cold baths but not iced and have never found any research data not generated by the Ice Bath equipment makers. Ha! If you are board and have any information, I will read, listen, watch whatever you send. I hope your row gets easier as your cancer dies and your healthy cells once again take over. While the flag is done, I will think of you most Wednesdays and every Thursday when I get “short”.
SHINE!
The Road Rider