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...