It's been a year

A year ago, I was fortunate enough to have found out I had early-stage testicular cancer. Fortune plays a role. I went to Dr. Batter of Norwalk Urology Associates, who immediately sent me to get an ultrasound. I had a cancerous testicular tumor, which Dr. Batter removed. Then I went to the Whittingham Cancer Center, which is part of Norwalk Hospital. There Dr. Rich Frank assessed the situation (you need the tumor analyzed to know what to do). Stage 1A seminoma cancer (quite good in the overall scheme because it moves slowly and is treatable).
Off the bike for a couple of weeks so that I could heal, then I was back racing again. And then Dr. Pathare, an expert Radiation Oncologist (it means he knows how to use radiation to eradicate cancers which are susceptible to such treatment), prescribed 17 days of therapy (skipping the weekends). I continued to race through the treatment and I trained every day. I did get tired and certainly was nauseous most of the time. No, I did not lose my hair (that's chemotherapy). I did lose bone marrow cells and my red blood cell count was measurably suppressed (it has not yet fully recovered -- it takes a year or so).

Why I am retelling this story? Well, Dr. Frank has just published a book called Fighting Cancer with Knowledge and Hope: A Guide for Patients, Families, and Health Care Providers.

I recommend that anyone who has to deal with issues arising from cancer (family or friend related) should read this book from a person/hero who's entire life is devoted to helping others. Now, we are trying to get Dr. Frank to come exercise with us (he has two young boys and is a busy man, but so are we all and we know health starts with you).

He is doing two book signings:
Stamford Town Center Barnes and Nobles 4/22 at 6 pm
Westport Barnes and Nobles 4/29, 7 pm
And here's the link to the book. published by the Yale University Press.

Hope to see you there. And in the meantime, I have a few bicycle races to go to. Thanks Doc.

Comments

[Eneas Freyre]

Way to go Rick!
E.F.