Running my Race: Preparation

You knew eventually that I would formulate the comparison between running and my cancer journey.  After all, I have identified myself as a runner ever since completing my first cross-country season as a freshman in high school.   (Even if I only ran cross-country to get in better shape for basketball!)  Whether you’re a runner, a chess player, a musician or artist, there are four P’s that are necessary for continual, steady improvement:   preparation, practice, patience and perseverance.  These are exactly the same qualities needed to push through a cancer diagnosis, whether you are the patient or a close family member, friend or loved one of an individual with cancer.  And, as with running, it’s always nice to bring friends along to help you! 

Since each of these 4 P’s is important independently, I will break them up into separate blog posts.  Read:  it’s too much homework to do in one day!  Preparation includes thoughtful analysis, input and planning.  As many an athlete will claim about the difference between winners and losers:  the separation’s in the preparation.  The better prepared you are for an event or life changing diagnosis, the better the outcome.

As a runner, one not only has to train regularly but also mentally prepare for every race.  In high school, this meant running the course the day before a race and memorizing every hill, curve or narrowing along the path.  As a team, we would analyze where would be best to pass people, where we needed to be sure we were properly positioned to avoid being slowed by others and where we would have to make our final kick.   In the 1-2 hours prior to a race, I would reach into my inner self and visualize the course in my head and strategize throughout.  If I knew my competition, their individual race strategy (whether they had a fast kick, were a good pacer or liked to put the squeeze on you) would be incorporated into my game plan.  This routine would imprint my race plan and improve my odds of successfully executing my race plan once the starting gun was fired and the legs were in motion. 

How does this relate to cancer?  As I’m early in this process, I’m just learning what I’m going to need for preparation.   As a physician, it started even prior to diagnosis.  When I knew my symptoms weren’t acting like a typical infection (sinus or pneumonia) but having the fevers, chills, sweats and cough, I started doing my research and suspected lymphoma.  So, I did my research to determine what tests needed to be performed if indeed my chest xray showed the lymphadenopathy (lymph node swelling), that I was suspecting.  I arrived prepared to get these done at my first appointment. In the event it showed the appearance of lymphoma, I knew what the next steps were to ascertain the type and then proceed with assessing treatment options. 

Even the mental preparation started long before I made the appointment to get my chest xray and lab work.  After reviewing UPTODATE.com* (while on vacation), I mentally prepared myself for what lay ahead of me.  The testing, the biopsies, the treatment were all on my radar.  What I would have to do for work, who I wanted on my care team, even how, what and when I would be able to tell my family were on my mind…if I was correct in my assessment.  Although I didn’t want to jump the gun, I’ve always wanted to be prepared.   After growing up with boy scouts, marrying an Eagle Scout and now having sons in boy scouts (and 1 who has achieved Eagle), I’ve always lived by their motto:  Be Prepared. 

After the CT confirmed my suspicion for lymphoma and the biopsy revealed the type (Hodgkin’s), I was on my way to preparing for the treatment.  With the help of a colleague who does lymphoma research and a review of UPTODATE.com again and a few other resources, it was clear how Hodgkin’s lymphoma is generally treated.  Then, I could move on to researching the medications involved.  Once I reviewed the medications, I could prepare for the potential risks and side effects and what it may take to alleviate or persevere through these effects. 

But, I didn’t just rely on my research.  Throughout this process, I definitely listened to my care providers.  My oncologist, pharmacist, surgeon, pulmonologist, family doctor and cardiologist have all provided extremely valuable input and the experience to go with it.  They have been excellent resources for the questions that only experience can answer and articles don’t always address.  I continue to prepare each week for my appointments and treatments.  When I have signs or symptoms that I can’t explain or concerns for which I can’t find causes, they are my coaches.  They are the ones that I lean on for finding or giving the answers to my concerns. 

Although I still have a long way in my journey, the preparation will continue.  Even making sure that we pack a lunch on infusion days (so that Chris doesn’t have to buy a Snicker bar and a coke) will be part of the preparation.   Having humorous videos available for the days where I don’t feel like doing much helps me enjoy the day even when I can’t do the things I want to accomplish.   Most importantly, keeping in touch with the people I love, keeps me engaged and mentally prepares me for the rougher days that lay ahead.  Just like a marathon, the early training is fun and easy and I know it will get more and more difficult.  However, I will push through and just like in running, I know that my preparation will pay off and take me to the finish line. 

Before anything else, preparation is the key to success. ~ Alexander Graham Bell

*UPTODATE.com is an excellent resource tool which aggregates studies and journal articles to produce the most up to date, evidence-based information to help diagnose, treat and understand different injuries or disease states.  One may obtain basic information without a subscription but most medical personnel (including myself) maintain a subscription to get the more detailed research and statistics.