Running the Rock & Roll Half Marathon!
I visited the doctor yesterday. My cell counts are down exactly half from what they were before my first chemo session. Doc says that's normal. I should expect to lose about half of my cell count following each chemo treatment. I've also lost about ten pounds since being diagnosed. Some of that is due to the anti-nausea meds. They tend to put a bit of a damper on your appetite.
Despite this, I've decided to run the Seattle Rock & Roll Half Marathon on June 27th. I asked my doctor about it, and he says I should be okay. I was planning on running it before I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, but once I had surgery to remove my swollen lymph nodes, I couldn't run for two weeks, and put the race on the back burner. But I'm going to do it anyway. I won't be setting any land speed records, but I will finish. I want to make a statement to myself: I am strong. I will perservere. I will win.
I've always been very active. I've completed five marathons and several triathalons, not mention long-distance swims, and mountain climbs, but this will undoubtedly be one of the most challenging races I've ever taken part in. I will have undergone three chemotherapy sessions at that point. I'm working hard to maintain my fitness, so my energy level stays as high as possible through therapy. I work out everyday. I played hockey yesterday with the Legends of Lunch Hockey at spacious Olympic View Arena in historic Mountlake Terrace. Skated about 3/4 speed. Scored a couple of nice goals.
I also got some exercise by playing badminton at my buddy Murray's house. It was just as thrilling as the French Open (which we monitored while playing), except that we played on grass, and neither of us had a huge interest in moving. I kind of dominated the match. I think the turning point was when I shamed Murray when he scored a point: "Oh, nice. You beat a guy with cancer. You must be so proud."
The following is from the forthcoming Bill Wixey's Badminton Basics.
If you are playing a novice opponent, charge the net and employ the overhead smash.
Fig. 1.1 The overhead smash
When serving, always let loose with a terrifying grunt at the moment of impact.
Fig. 1.2 The serve
The biggest change I've made in my lifestyle is that I'm closely monitoring what I eat. No more white flour, no more refined sugar. I have been doing some research about foods that cause inflammation in the body and foods that can help slow or actually decrease inflammation. Certain foods, spices, vitamins and supplements have proven anti-cancer properties, so I am loading up on those. I consider it a matter of life and death now.
For the first time, I'm carefully reading food labels, and avoiding processed foods. My kids were having a bowl of Top Ramen last night. Glancing at the label, I realized that stuff is nothing but chemicals. I told my kids that we're not going to be having any more of that stuff. They whined a bit, but the rest of the Ramen will end up as a donation to the community food bank. My 7-year old daughter, Gigi, asked Catherine why white bread is bad for you.
"It tastes good. I like it." Gigi contended.
"But when you eat it, it turns into glue in your body." Catherine said.
"Glue?"
"Um. Yeah."
Gigi pointed at her throat.
"You mean it gets stuck right here? Is that what happened to Daddy?"
It's hard explaining some of this stuff to your kids. My 9-year-old son, Will, asked me what beer tastes like. I told him it tastes like soap. He doesn't really want to try it.
Despite this, I've decided to run the Seattle Rock & Roll Half Marathon on June 27th. I asked my doctor about it, and he says I should be okay. I was planning on running it before I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, but once I had surgery to remove my swollen lymph nodes, I couldn't run for two weeks, and put the race on the back burner. But I'm going to do it anyway. I won't be setting any land speed records, but I will finish. I want to make a statement to myself: I am strong. I will perservere. I will win.
I've always been very active. I've completed five marathons and several triathalons, not mention long-distance swims, and mountain climbs, but this will undoubtedly be one of the most challenging races I've ever taken part in. I will have undergone three chemotherapy sessions at that point. I'm working hard to maintain my fitness, so my energy level stays as high as possible through therapy. I work out everyday. I played hockey yesterday with the Legends of Lunch Hockey at spacious Olympic View Arena in historic Mountlake Terrace. Skated about 3/4 speed. Scored a couple of nice goals.
I also got some exercise by playing badminton at my buddy Murray's house. It was just as thrilling as the French Open (which we monitored while playing), except that we played on grass, and neither of us had a huge interest in moving. I kind of dominated the match. I think the turning point was when I shamed Murray when he scored a point: "Oh, nice. You beat a guy with cancer. You must be so proud."
The following is from the forthcoming Bill Wixey's Badminton Basics.
If you are playing a novice opponent, charge the net and employ the overhead smash.
Fig. 1.1 The overhead smash
When serving, always let loose with a terrifying grunt at the moment of impact.
Fig. 1.2 The serve
The biggest change I've made in my lifestyle is that I'm closely monitoring what I eat. No more white flour, no more refined sugar. I have been doing some research about foods that cause inflammation in the body and foods that can help slow or actually decrease inflammation. Certain foods, spices, vitamins and supplements have proven anti-cancer properties, so I am loading up on those. I consider it a matter of life and death now.
For the first time, I'm carefully reading food labels, and avoiding processed foods. My kids were having a bowl of Top Ramen last night. Glancing at the label, I realized that stuff is nothing but chemicals. I told my kids that we're not going to be having any more of that stuff. They whined a bit, but the rest of the Ramen will end up as a donation to the community food bank. My 7-year old daughter, Gigi, asked Catherine why white bread is bad for you.
"It tastes good. I like it." Gigi contended.
"But when you eat it, it turns into glue in your body." Catherine said.
"Glue?"
"Um. Yeah."
Gigi pointed at her throat.
"You mean it gets stuck right here? Is that what happened to Daddy?"
It's hard explaining some of this stuff to your kids. My 9-year-old son, Will, asked me what beer tastes like. I told him it tastes like soap. He doesn't really want to try it.
Posted by Bill Wixey at 6/3/2009 7:22 AM 
Categories: cancer, diet, hodgkin's lymphoma, seattle rock and roll marathon, bill wixey, half marathon
Tags: will gigi diet hodgkin's lymphoma seattle rock and roll marathon cancer bill wixey
Categories: cancer, diet, hodgkin's lymphoma, seattle rock and roll marathon, bill wixey, half marathon
Tags: will gigi diet hodgkin's lymphoma seattle rock and roll marathon cancer bill wixey
Hey Bill, Good for you on getting back to running. Also glad to see that you are making a huge effort into taking additional care of your body by what you are putting into it. You are such am inspiration with your positive out-look not only for others but mostly for your kids! THANK YOU for not allowing cancer to beat your spirit and for sharing everything.
I am doing the LIVESTRONG on the 21st (Happy Fathers Day) and also the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk in September. You will be added to my SHIRT and website of people I am walking for to find a cure for ALL CANCERS. My best to you & your family!
Kari
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Hi Bill,
I hope that your treatments are going well. I hope you have a fantastic time at the marathon. I wanted to do the half, but just didn't get in enough training.
I want to send you some tablets that may help in your treatment process. They are called Frooties and are made from miracle fruit. They are a natural way to help food taste better. My Mom has had cancer 3 times and I am fully aware that the treatments make food taste horrible. These tablets allow sour things to taste sweet, a lemon tastes like lemonade. I use lemons to sweeten vegies so my girls will like them better. I am going to send some to the station so that you can try them. I hope that they can give you some food relief during your treatments.
Here are some links to article on CNN and NY times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/28/dining/28flavor.html?_r=1
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/03/25/miracle.berries.weightloss/index.html
God Bless, Nicole
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Bill,
I haven't seen you since little league baseball, We were on the Mariner's together (I was the pitcher). Even though I haven't seen you for 30+ years, I recognized you immediately when I saw you on the news!
My wife was diagnosed with cancer about 5 years ago. She had surgery to remove the cancer and node, underwent chemo and radiation. Since the treatment regular checkups show no sign of any further problem and we have been blessed with 2 boys who are now 1 and 3 years old. I will be praying and looking forward to hearing the happy ending for your battle as well!
Sincerely,
Matt Hume
www.mmawizard.com
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Bill, my mother and I watch you every day. And we are sorry for what you are going through. However, you are a strong man with a strong wife by your side. And your children will provide so much needed support just because they love their daddy. My family has been praying for you and will continue to do so. Just take a few steps back and breath. And know that you are loved. And no matter what happens you - you have touched the lifes of so many people. Not just your family, but the people who invite you in their homes everyday. You are an amazing man. A man every child could look up to. Take care of yourself, do what you need to do to stay happy with your family. And always, may God Bless.
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We have formed a team with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's "Light the Night" walk. The team?? Walk For Wixey!! Please, everyone- take a minute to sign up with our team and walk with us at Greenlake on Sept. 26th If you can't walk with us, donate to our team who will do all the walking for you AND for Bill. I am trying to gain support and team members! Please take a second to join us!! http://pages.lightthenight.org/wa/SeattleL09/WalkingForWixey
I started this team because I want to help you fight the good fight, Bill. We're all rooting for you!
Peace, love and clean underwear!!
Lori
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Bill, I'm interested to hear what new foods you are trying. I took a little guided tour of our local Whole Foods recently, and a couple of my new favorites are the bottles of fizzy fermented kombucha tea (there is one with raw ginger) and bulk sprouted almonds.
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Hi Bill,
Your upbeat attitude is very inspiring! I am currently training to run the Portland Marathon with Team in Training, in honor of my mother who has leukemia. One of our coaches (Ginny) told us about your cancer diagnosis. Changing your eating habits is a huge step in the right direction. I'm guessing the most difficult part of that will be convincing your children to stop eating what most Americans eat everyday---junk! One comment, instead of donating your ramen to the food bank, why not just throw it away? Instead, donate something healthy. Good luck running the Rock and Roll Half Marathon.
~Deborah
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Hi Bill, I was watching the news this morning and heard about your story. I am home on medical leave as I was too recently diagnosed with Cronic Lymphoma Leukemia. I am trying to get a grast of what the future holds to me an my family and your story has given me hope and the will to fight. Thank you for your words of inspiration. I really needed to hear them today.
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Keep your chin up. A close friend of mine just went through treatment for non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He is doing well. When his hair started falling out, he decided to just shave his head instead. That was hard for him since his hair was always his pride and joy and we used to joke that he spent more money on hair products than most women.
Such great strides have been made in treating cancer. My mother had breast cancer when she was 42 and then most recently had lung cancer (unrelated to the earlier breast cancer). Mom is 62 and still truckin'!!
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