Drew Wohl

Four years ago today I opened a report on a scan that I had the day before.  At the end of the report was a note with a recommendation for a further scan. "Focal abnormal 1.2 cm enhancing focus involving the right pubic bone which also demonstrates diminished enhancement a neoplastic lesion cannot be excluded. Correlation with a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis and bone scan is recommended." I felt fine.  There was nothing wrong with me.  I had no symptoms whatsoever of any problem.  It was clearly an example of people being overcautious.   Two hours later I had incredible pain in my abdomen.  Two weeks later a scan made it clear - cancer. I started Triathlon Training last December when a second scan confirmed that my cancer was back for the third time in three years. It was inoperable.  Since then I was in an immunotherapy trial, which did not work, had radiation for a tumor in my back that went into my spine and had to go back into chemotherapy...

One year ago to this day, I opened the report from @sloankettering saying that there was no doubt, the #cancer was definitely back and spreading. Signed up for my first #triathlonand began looking for a coach. Started #Triathlontraining within the week‬. 

I started chemotherapy almost two months ago.  It has been a lot less pleasant than the first time through it all.  Not that the first time was a barrel of laughs, but this one is tough. I thought I would get hooked-up every other Monday, have a pump hooked into my chest, disconnect that Wednesday and then start running or biking that evening.  Of course I did not plan to go crazy that night.   Just a little bit on the trainer or treadmill.   No two-hour sessions.   Maybe just a half-hour. Though I avoid clichés like the plague, in this case it was an example of the best-laid plans of mice and men. At first I thought it was on track.  I was a little bit tired the first Wednesday, so decided to rest.  I was still a bit tired the Thursday, so another rest day.  I did a 3-1/2 mile run on Friday.  All systems go.  Rested a couple of more days, then a 4 mile run the next Tuesday.  Felt good.  The bottom fell out t...