Just checking in-- been ill

I've been under the weather with some respritory crud for about a week. It greatly resembles a bad bout of pneumonia I had about 15 years ago. I'll be seeing my GP Tuesday morning.

It is ironic that I managed to avoid hitting that brick wall of fatigue with my IMRT, but I did hit it with whatever this is. Also, the two days before I got sick, I noted that my energy had pretty much returned to normal (as did my good gym workouts). In short, a good recovery from the SRT. But maybe it did screw with my immune system (?).

Also, I decided to take a break from HW (hardly even lurking) and I've done that. I do find once I make a key decision (in this case, setting up a consultation with Dr. Scholz) I often relax a bit more and at least return to a semblance of my pre-PC normal life.

Looking in now, I see so many new posters. Good luck to all.

David -- a special good luck to you on your PSA result. I gather you will be finding out on Monday?

Mel

He thinks it is a respritory virus. He gave me an inhaler prescription (albuteral) for the spasmadic coughing that seems to occur (now only a few times a day). We would like to avoid antibiotics and a chest x-ray if possible.

In a week, I am supposed to fly out to KC to be part of a huge group (one big crowd) grading AP tests. I'll make a final decision on that by Friday (or possibly Monday). I'd really like to do it, but not if I am ill. (I had not considered the danger of large crowds).

It's about 50-50 now. Half the time I lean towards going (when I feel okay) and the other half...

Mel

On that blood test, my white blood cell count was very literally zero, and he was not the least bit surprised. He gave the advice I mentioned about crowds/groups.

I accidentally discovered verification in a strange way - I was being considered to lead a potential project in Central Africa, and was sent to get a number of vaccinations that have to be administered through a public health department. I was refused for two, which were "live" virus based, because of the radiation history. I was told by the CDC and the doctor that I had to wait at least two years, then get more blood work, before I could even potentially be allowed to get them. Bad news / good news sort of thing - didn't get the project, but it was because it never happened, not because I couldn't go.

I also read of this sort of side effect and the same warnings in an American Cancer Soc. booklet on general RT they had at the rad. clinic.

I guess that brings up 2 questions for those who have had radiation:

1) Were you given such post-radiation warnings and

2) Did you experience that type of health issue post-radiation?

I'm going to look into this.

Mel

Had RT after surgery.  Finished this past April 12th. Was not given any such warnings by anyone.  I don't think my white blood cells were even checked. If so, they did it when I was not looking. However, have not had any illness such as that post radiation. We travelled two weeks after radiation, exposed to aiirplane air, crowds, etc. No symptoms other than a little fatigue.

Due to my current ill health, I'm not doing much at all. I might go see the RO today. But, regularly, here is what I try and do 2-3 times per week,:

During the decent weather, I walk brisky (about 3-3.2) mph to my gym, which is about 0.8 miles each way. I then do 8-14 laps on the treadmill. Most typical is 10 laps, mostly at 3.5-3.9 mph (sometimes a bit lower, sometimes higher), Then I use the sybex machines. I forgot the exact names, but I'll do the:

Chest Press, Pect. Fly, Arm Curl, Back ext., and Lateral Pulldown.

I may be forgetting one or mislabeling one. I will do these 10 times, with 3 reps.

They also have a hydromassage thing and I'll finish my workout with 10-15 minutes of that (but not during SRT as it is like a warm pack, which you are not supposed to do). When done, I walk home briskly.

Now, I just described my best workout and ideally I should be doing this 3 times a week. When I get in a groove, I look forward to doing it. Thee workout takes about 2 hours (from leaving house to returning home).

In your situation, is this a suitable workout? Or do you need to use free weights?

I am certainly not exercising all my muscles. I have a surgically repaired knee and I find some of the leg machines start to irritate my knees, so I've dispensed with that. I've never tried free weights as I also have back problems at times and I am afraid of "moving wrong." Anyway, I find my workout seems to be a good cardio and at least a decent upper body workout.

Mel

By all means, keep me posted. I have NEVER done free weights. My concern would be doing something the wrong and twisting/pulling something. I guess I could consult with a trainer. I'll see what Dr. Scholz says -- hopefully he will not have me on HT, but I guess that certainly depends on PSA results.

Also, I meant to add that once in awhile I switch off and do the elliptical instead of the treadmill, especially if my knee acts up. But usually (90%) it is the treadmill. One of the reasons has nothing to do with exercise. At our gym there is a TV in front of each treadmill. We wear headphones and can tune in to any of the TV's. I often go when there is something I specifically want to watch (go Tigers!). I find it makes a world of difference. When I can watch something, I can do quite a few more laps!!

Mel 

<G>

Yes, I like the machines. It is hard to mess up and pull something, although I've managed to even do that once or twice a year!!!

But are the machines reasonable good exercise for an HT patient (I know I'm not there yet).

Mel