I Ride For: Michael

“Cancer may leave your body, but it never leaves your life.” LiveSTRONG Manifesto

I remember hearing this 15 years ago (along with the rest of the manifesto) and wondering what this would be like. While no one believes that cancer has left my body, no one can find any indication that is is there either. But every blood test is a question. I no longer have to wonder. Even when I get poison ivy, my first thought is, “Will it affect any of the medications I am on?”

Michael has a different cancer (Prostate) and is in the same boat. They caught it early. It is the less aggressive kind. He was advised and agreed to take the wait and see approach. It is very likely that Michael will go the next 40 years of his life and never have any progression. But as he told me a couple weeks ago, every blood test is a roller coaster.

Michael, I rode 160 miles and sat on my bike for 11 hours over 7 days with you waving behind me. I usually write about how much I suffered on this climb or with that weather. There was none of that. It was beautiful, warm, and not windy. But like the “chronic disease” you and I both have, I was never at rest. I still had to drink enough, eat enough, and rest enough. And just like you, I go to bed many nights wondering if I did enough to keep the cancer dormant. I hope you continue to answer yes more than you answer no.

SHINE!
The Road Rider

PS Why do these questions only come up when I am going to bed? Not a mental hurdle I recommend trying to sleep with. Ha!