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Post by IronMan on Sept 24, 2008 13:57:47 GMT -5
Within the past two months I have been diagnosed with a relatively uncommon form of cancer which resulted in the surgical removal of my left lung. But, that appears to have resolved the problem; no chemo or radiation is currently thought to be needed.
I'm a life-long lifter, PLing the past two years. While I appeciate that there will be some things I can't do now as a result, I'm not about to jump ship prematurely either.
If anyone has been down a similar road and/or is a lifting MD or RRT, I'd certainly appeciate your input.
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Post by franko on Oct 9, 2008 19:50:41 GMT -5
I can not give you any advise as I am not a medical professional.
I will say that after reading your post that I am certain that if there is a way you will find it.
You have my utmost respect and admiration and I am sure that I will see you on a plaform soon.
Stay strong!
Franko
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Post by IronMan on Oct 12, 2008 16:16:30 GMT -5
Much obliged, Franko, for the kind words.
I'm encouraged by what little I see thus far: even though I am working at VERY light weights for moderately high reps, muscle tone is still good and/or recovering quickly, and breath control is gratifying. It seems that the explosive nature of PL with its relatively short bursts of breath may MAY actaully complement this particular condition better that other sports which rely on a high VO2 max. If any of that makes sense.
Less lung will mean curtailed workouts, for sure, meaning slower gains.
But I'm having fun; we'll see where it leads...
Best to you,
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Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2008 9:19:37 GMT -5
Ironman, good to see you are back in training. I am new here and as I was scrolling through the forum, I came across your post. As we get older our bodies tend break down and present us challenges to overcome.
A few years back, I had two heart attacks and bypass surgery. The medications I am taking are blood thinners and beta blockers. It is a challenge for me to go hard in the gym, due to lack of o2 flowing through the veins, however I refuse to let these young guys get the best of me.
I manage my medical condition and use it a motivational tool to stay in good condition. My bench is OK, but my goal is 400lbs by mid summer, barring no injuries.
Stay strong and show everyone out there that a medical condition is not a handicap, just an obstacle to overcome.
Good Luck in your training.
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Post by IronMan on Nov 25, 2008 19:36:21 GMT -5
Gameday,
Much obliged for sharing your story and for the kind words.
Like you, I believe there's a lot of merit to viewing one's situation less as a medical condition than a training problem, albeit a serious one.
Welcome aboard,
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Post by IronMan on Apr 16, 2009 16:45:27 GMT -5
For those out there diagnosed with cancer or other scary training issues, hang in there.
Had my first lung function test since losing my left one to a neuro-endocrine carcinoid in September, 2008. Actually scored Low Normal (i.e., compared to folks with two lungs), which the pulmonary specialist attributes to 1) having a good lung to fall back on; and 2) a modified PL (same movements with low weight, high reps, and no pressurized breathing) x cardio mix since the surgery.
Might just make it back to my previous PR bench in another 6 months...
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Post by johnolexa on Apr 18, 2009 17:07:59 GMT -5
Might just make it back to my previous PR bench in another 6 months... God bless you IronMan! Take your time , you got the rest of your life to lift!!  |
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Post by IronMan on Apr 21, 2009 5:58:46 GMT -5
johnolexa,
Point well taken about taking my time...I was getting a bit ahead of myself.
It's a fine line sometimes between aggressive and dumb.
Thanks for the reality check...
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Post by quadancer on Sept 6, 2009 20:44:41 GMT -5
I'll be having the pacemaker changed this Oct. 30th...and I've planned to weight my belt for leg work, leg raises for abs, build a rig for triceps without pulling the pecs...but I'll wonder how long I should wait before benching again. The docs are talking about a LONG time, and that's crapola - I was lifting in 6 weeks last time, albeit with DB's.
I suspect I could wait less this time, since I have the scar pocket for the pacer now.
I'm betting that continuing to lift with one lung will be far, far healthier than going sedentary, and you may end up almost as well off as before the operation. It is anaerobic, after all.
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