The new outlook

Things are looking up here at the Ritter household. Now that my meds are all figured out and I can ride my bicycle again. I feel like I lost 10 years in age. I'm riding with new purpose and feeling great doing it. I've really struggled with having Smoldering MM. It is something you watch, not something you treat! That doesn't fit my personalty. I'm a "let's get it done right now" sort of a guy.

On that note, I was able to spend some time talking to my oncologist. He said I needed to lose 20+ pounds, below 25% BMI, and add a bunch of exercise to my week. He then explained that it really wasn't a suggestion but part of his treatment plan. Now he had my attention! A treatment plan, NOW! He explained that although he didn't have any research to back it up, he has noticed that his patients with MM do much better when they follow his advise and get fit. He had several patients where their cancer numbers went down when they got in shape and stayed there. He did caution that it might not be my experience, but if it wasn't, then I would know I gave it all I could. I totally agree with that. I want to give myself all the advantages I can in fighting this thing. I never want to look back and ask myself, what if you had just done that? There is enough confusion just picking the many treatment options available for MM patients. This is a simple treatment that I feel can only help, not hurt.

So now when I'm thinking about not getting on the bike. Going ahead and having that big burger instead of something healthy. I just think to myself, are you going to skip your treatment medications when things get hard or when they make you feel bad? I then get off my butt and get it done or eat the way I know I should! My friends say that I'm crazy that way, I make up my mind and it just happens. I guess they are right about that, I never really just sit on the fence. I make up my mind and away I go.

Jenni is fully supporting me and is tagging along. We bought some Walmart comfort style bikes and she is riding with me about 2 or 3 times a week. This morning she asked to double our normal ride tomorrow! All I can say to that is "You go girl!!!".

On a sad note: We had a friend here in Redding die this week of cancer. He had a very nice wife and 3 young boys. All I can say is how sad that makes me. This cancer thing SUCKS, not just the MM but all cancer! It doesn't really care that you have 3 boys to raise, or if you have 5 grandchildren to watch grow up. When it hits it hits.

Well enough of the downer part because I do have a good outlook on what is happening. My life is full and surrounded by wonderful people both here in Redding and in the blogisphere.

The body is sick, but thanks to Jesus the soul is alive and well...

A change in Season

It is spring here in Northern California and I like it. We are still getting some rain and wind but mixed in with that are sunny and 80+ degree days! The wild flowers are in full bloom,and me being a cyclist, I really get to enjoy it! We have lots of big open fields where I ride and there is no better time of year to ride by those fields. Nice and green and full of flowers. Things will turn brown much to soon but I will enjoy it as long as it lasts.

Jenni has also noticed my mood change. Mostly because of the medication for my PN. However; I think some of it is the nicer weather and being able to get out and ride. When I ride I can think, and I usually don't think "bad" when I'm on the bike. I normally feel strong and that helps me feel positive about my health and life in general.

I've also noticed a change in the bloger's postings lately, more positive and uplifting. I think spring has that effect on people. The clouds are going away, we can be outside doing things and the sun is bright, warm and inviting. It picks up the spirit and you really do think you can take on the world again.

I'm also watching a web cam of 3 new eaglets growing up in a nest. It's fun watching new life grow. It is a great use of the internet. Even 5 years ago you couldn't really watch something like that on a day to day basis. Just this week the chicks have gone from gray down feathers to more adult black feathers and are starting to stand up!

So we have new life all around us and it makes you understand that life is a cycle. It begins, grows, reproduces and then it is gone, all to start again the next spring. What a wonderful system God has created!

I hope everyone can enjoy this spring, even if it includes cockroaches..right Dan?

The body is sick, but thanks to Jesus the soul is alive and well...