ANA Discussion Forum

General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: Palace on October 05, 2006, 06:46:16 am

Title: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Palace on October 05, 2006, 06:46:16 am
Hello


I'm not that familar with holistic meds.  I did speak with the surgeon, a holistic MD and will see the rad-therapist soon.  I think I will be having the CK approach within this month.  Perhaps I will incorporate holistic pills/help with the Western way.  I'm very allergic to sterois so, I wonder how doctors would treat any post-CK swelling, etc.  I'm getting quite educated on this foreum.



Thank you,



Palace
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Palace on October 05, 2006, 07:27:31 am
Hello:


I have done much reading in the past three-plus months, since my diagnosis.......online and off.  Since I had the A-shock and spent the night in emergency when I took the two days of heavy steroids, I'm so interested what people are given to take after having CK.  I was supposed to take steroids for ten days and that was before, my MRI diagnosis.  (you know, to try and save some hearing; it wouldn't have helped anyway)  I have two large and entergetic Golden Retriever dogs (littermates) and I hope they don't help me with my "balance" after CK.  Are you supposed to lay there and "sort-of" stagger to the bathroom, when need-be?  I have gathered much information to *opt* for CK and not the traditional surgery but, any in-put from you kind people, would be appreciated.  I will know so much more after a consultation with the radiation therapist.  (the surgeon consultation was well over a week ago, now)  Right now, I'm in the "stress-and-think" stage.



Regards,



Palace
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Sue on October 05, 2006, 12:34:05 pm
Hi Palace,

Others much more knowledgeable will no doubt help out with some answers for you. Are you having balance problems now?  Some do, and some don't.  Having CK does not automatically produce balance problems. I had GK and I got around just fine after treatment, but I didn't have balance problems before my treatment. Several people who have had CK told us that they went out afterwards for lunch and shopping!  I did have steroids for a week after to help with swelling. I have no idea what would have happened if I did not have the steroids, but some people have had radiation and were not given steroids. I do know, however, that I would have slept better!  Steroid insomnia is the pitts!!  >:(

Sue in Vancouver
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: marystro on October 05, 2006, 02:13:16 pm
I did not have balance issue before CK nor after.  I took a small steriod pill that they gave me after each CK treatment which I had a total of 3.  Not much side effects now except higher level of tinnitus which I had some before and small, very small facial sensations on and off which I also had between dx and treatment.

I am one of those who went shopping, sightseeing, playing basketball with my son after each day of treatment.  And the treatment was a breeze.  First day they fit you with a soft mesh mask.  Then the following 3 - 5 days depending what dosage your doctors plan for you, you just lay there with the soft mask on, your street clothes, listen to music (bring your favorite CDs if you wish) and get up after 30 minutes and go your merry way.  You may want someone to drive just in case.  In mhy case, I did not have any side effect and could have driven but my husband insisted to drive.

Hope this helps,
Mary
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Palace on October 05, 2006, 03:55:38 pm
Hi there:


I cannot thank you enough and I feel somewhat better already, just getting some information from my post on the forum.  You are appreciated from the bottom of my heart.  I was feeling rather "down" and now, I'm encouraged.

My balance is good so far considering I had five foot surgeries on the right foot.  I tore out ligaments on a dog hike in the mountains.  I was supposed to have only one surgery but, ended up with four more because, I was severly allergic to Vicryl sutures that the foot surgeon, used!  (the cells went crazy)  It is difficult to tell if the slight off balance is due to AN or a painful and partly numb right foot.

I have had 18 major surgeries in the past 24 years and one more as a really young girl.  (all not AN related)  I felt like I wanted so much to never have another surgery of any type and I've only had a few months since my last surgery so, not much time to heal mentally and physically in the past.  I'm no stranger to pain however, I'm hoping to beat this thing soon.  I was diagnosed about four months ago but, I'm going through the *red-tape* with everything, including my insurance process.

I'm taking 50 pills a day after speaking with both a person that is more than "just knowledgable" at a health food store and spoke with a holistic MD, last night.  I know I probably should stop those pills now that I'm aware that I can't beat this holistically.  (might be dangerous before the CK)  Just because they are over-the-counter pills it doesn't mean it is safe for me with (only hours old decision) path I'm going very soon.  My 22mm AN is very loud.  (heavy metal band in the right ear all the time)

I'm stressed-out, maxed-out and feeling somewhat better after hearing from two people.



Thank you so very much,



Palace

Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Palace on October 05, 2006, 06:13:07 pm
Hello Again,


I forgot to mention that the CD's is a "two-thumbs-up" and will bring them to the CK appointment  You got me to eat!  I couldn't even think of eating these days.  It is over-whelming!  Stanford hasn't called me with the appointment series, just yet.  (tongue somewhat numb, cheek going numb and sore)  I have very little hearing left from this AN, already.  It was very scary, the A-shock with my throat almost closed from the Pred. (when I had to spend the night in ER)  It is a long drive out of the mountains, to the emergency.  Thank you for any info and the support.



Sincerely,



Palace
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: SuzeAN on October 05, 2006, 09:34:42 pm
Hi,
I had CK for my 2.5 cm AN and was never given anything for it after treatment.  I have had those head "pangs" very infrequently so I take a Motrin.  My doctor recommend motrin right after CK,  he said he would wait and see if I needed to take any steroids.  So far balance has been ok, sometimes in the morning I may step out of line or sideswipe the doorway or couch as I am walking by...nothing too serious.  But I do also have the tinitus in my ear, that static sound like after you've been to a loud rock concert with out ear plugs or NHRA drag races.

I have read from Jamie on older posts here something about not taking any supplements before CK, so you may want to look into that.

Cheers,
Sue (Las Vegas)
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Chris on October 06, 2006, 02:09:31 pm
Hi,
I have heard often about people taking steroids after treatment. Is that for pain?
Regards
Chris
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: krbonner on October 06, 2006, 02:15:24 pm
Hi,
I have heard often about people taking steroids after treatment. Is that for pain?
Regards
Chris

I was on steriods post-op for about 4 days to help control swelling.

Katie
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Palace on October 06, 2006, 02:21:12 pm
Hello Fellow Members:


I quit the holistic meds last night as, a pre-caution to the CK procedure coming up.  I will tell you a few of the over-the-counter pills I was taking as a recommendation to build up my immune system and stay stronger.  I did take, Sam-E in the mornings just after my news of AN.  I was taking L-Proline, (L-Lysine) EGCg, (Green Tea Extract) Turmeric force, (considered protective botanical for maintaining healthy inflammation response, hear, cardiovascular and liver function) Ginkgo Biloba, (for the ringing in the ear) calcium citrate caps, Zyflamend, milk thistle, Host Defense, (the ultimate immune enhancing mushroom complex) and Kyolic.  (aged garlic extract)  I have Holy Basil which I haven't used yet.  It supports normal cortisol, blood sugar and insulin metabolism.  It protects healthy cells from radiation damage and elevates the spirit.  I need to ask the two doctors that will be working on me if the Holy Basil med will be OK to take soon after the CK procedure.  I thought you might be interested in what pills I was taking prior to CK.  My first possible radiation date is the 18th and the Cat-S. would be a couple days before the Rad series of three days.



Palace
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Palace on October 06, 2006, 02:47:58 pm
Dear People of this forum:


Make sure you *always* clear any "over-the-counter" medication with your doctor.  Just because we can easily get what might sound good, right off the shelf........it really doesn't mean it's safe.  (and especially for us AN patients who are having health issues. as well)



Be Careful,



Palace
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Palace on October 06, 2006, 05:36:16 pm
Hey there folks:


On the subject of holistic life-styles, I grew up in LA and had a few of my surgeries there.  (not holistic life at all)  Most of my professional medical career was in Los Angeles.  I had my choice of really good doctors when I had surgeries in LA.  Here is my question which I was wondering.  Did any of you think that chemicals that you used at one time or for a duration, could contribute to the AN?  I read that it can in some cases.  I'm sure we all think of where did we get this cell to grow.


I just was thinking about my exposure to mercury (and many other serious chemicals) when I first began into the dental field.  I breathed and handled many different chemicals in my life.  I took a Paralegal course (specializing in Trusts, Deeds, Wills and Estates)  but, never used that field.  I was a private secretary at one time, as well. (two rather safe jobs)   My concern here is that I also did licensed manicuring.  (used awful chemicals there as well)  I chose the medical field for my career.  I was wondering about my AN being a result of chemicals.  I believe that unilateral AN is possibly not inherrited but, if you have it on two sides it is maybe the case. 

I think we all could use good food and healthy life-style living.  I just want to keep from anymore surprises to grow in my body.

Thank you for any answers to my questions.



Palace
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Chris on October 06, 2006, 08:41:05 pm
Hi Palace,

I guess we have all wondered what may have caused this but I am not sure we will ever find the answer. Apart from mercury tooth fillings when I was younger I have not been exposed to lots of chemicals as far as I know, apart from the everyday ones we don't know about. I heard somewhere, on this site I think, it may be related to things that you are introduced to up to your late teens when your brain is still developing. Maybe someone with knowledge can answer this? I did smoke an illegal substance when I was younger but I am sure  everyone here will not associate with that.
Have you heard of Missing Link & Colodial? Minerals. A cancer survivor put me onto those. I must admit I am quite slack and suspicious of taking something that doesn't make me feel better within a couple of weeks lol. What I desperately need is energy!
Regards
Chris
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Chris on October 06, 2006, 08:49:34 pm
Hi Katie,

Does everyone go on a course of steroids? It was never discussed with me and my AN swelled more than they expected causing a temporary increase in symptoms.

Regards
Chris
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: krbonner on October 06, 2006, 09:05:24 pm
Hi Katie,

Does everyone go on a course of steroids? It was never discussed with me and my AN swelled more than they expected causing a temporary increase in symptoms.

Regards
Chris

I have no idea.  The meds weren't something I discussed with the doctors ahead of time, and I wasn't feeling up to questioning it when I was in recovery.   ;)  By the time I did think to ask about it, I was being tapered off of the steriods already.  I was done with them before I left the hospital.

Katie
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Palace on October 07, 2006, 07:09:20 am
Chris


Did you mean Colloidal?  I need to do much more research before, going back on an OTC drugs after CK.



Thank your for your time and effort..........Palace
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: mellowrama on October 07, 2006, 11:02:24 am
Hello,

I wasn't given anything before or after ck (a little over a week ago), just some tylenol.  I'm doing really well, occasional headache.

Palace - How big is your AN ?  That might make a difference...mine is slightly over 2cm.

melinda
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Palace on October 07, 2006, 11:56:45 am
Melinda:


I was told to expect migraine headache after the CK.  My AN is 22 mm in the largest part of it.  I wonder if I would be allowed to take Imitrex for a migraine after CK.  I have taken 30 mg of the Imitrex spray or 100 mg of Imitrex tablets when I had severe migraines for years.  Sometimes two hours later, I would have to take 100 mg more of Imitrex.  I wonder if I can take this medicine right after CK, if I get a migraine headache.  That is a question I don't know yet.  I will ask the next doctor about that.  I do need to know that.  I used to have the feeling my head was blown up with a balloon but, that was totally seperate from my migraine headaches and at different times.  I haven't had that pressure in the head for about a year.  I would happen if I got out of a car or stood up.  I do have very low blood pressure as well.  I would feel faint and HAD to sit somewhere until it all passed.  (again, that was totally seperate from the migraine headaches)  The surgeon told me that the AN grow and pushes the nerve out of the way, etc.  (that is why those spells have passed and they were horrible)  It would stop me for about 5-10 minutes.

Does anyone else have any input on all this?



Have a good day if you can,



Palace
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Chris on October 07, 2006, 05:14:35 pm
Hi Palace

I probably do mean what you said. That one is the concentrated mineral extract and Missing Link is the vegetable extract. I really should look into this again soon.

Regards
Chris
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Palace on October 10, 2006, 09:22:48 pm
Hello Gang:


It was a long and exhausting day at Stanford today.  I went for the consultation with the radiation therapy doctor.  I even made a decision on the spot.  I'm going with the rad as, I have that choice but, it is so large that if it grows much more it would be too large for the radiation procedure.  My only choice then would be the traditional surgery.  I hope they find me a place soon.  Last I heard I would have to wait almost two more months.  This doctor seemed like she would try to fit me in.  (the two doctors working together on my case)  I had had a Cat Scan before but, not with this type of dye.  I hope I'm not allergic to it.  They don't know what to do with me since I'm allergic to steriods.  So, they probably won't give it to me and I will suffer the swelling, etc.  She, (the doctor) says nothing else works for that purpose, like the steroids.  She mentioned the Motrin wouldn't do much of anything for me considering the size of my AN procedure. I was told most people have much smaller tumors.  Then the man doctor said, "I saw a larger one than yours, once!"

I can go back on Holistic Meds six months after my final treatment!

I could use a Valium or a massage right this minute.  i guess I will have to jump in bed and hope the concert in my ear and pain there doesn't keep me awake.  My cheek, lips and tongue are getting more numb.  The pain in the ear is really hard to live with, now.



Hanging in there by a thread,



Palace
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Mark on October 10, 2006, 11:33:44 pm
Palace,

I had CK at Stanford in 2001 and I know "marystro" had it this past year. Please let either of us know if you have any questions about treatment or procedures

Mark
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Palace on October 11, 2006, 05:04:45 pm
Dear Mark and "Marystro,"


Did you or any of you have the rolling colored lines before your eyes on the AN side?  I'm speaking of before your surgery of any kind.  When this happens, I can close that eye and still see the rolling rainbow patterns and not much else in the non-vision.  I have had the migraine headaches for many years and the pressure that feels like a balloon blown up in my head.  That feeling like I would pass-out would make me have to sit down until it passed.  Many of the times it would happen if I were sitting awhile and stood up suddenly but, not always the case.  (more times than not, though)

I took an OTC Valerian root pill today but, this is it for me until I hear about when my big dates are.  Oh, I had to take Imitrex yesterday for a migraine headache last evening.  (the 100 mg pill)  I did have those rolling lines once yesterday actually at Stanford!  I'm not taking anymore OTC meds and I have never abused drugs before, OTC or otherwise.  I never even smoked!  I'm guilty of wine with supper and enjoy every sip.

I'm interested in the various symptoms each of you had that had a very large AC.  (mine 22 mm)



"Honest Palace"
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Palace on October 12, 2006, 04:02:56 am
 On the subject of meds:


On the subject of the Imitrex.  I did ask the resident male doctor I saw a couple of days ago,  if I could use Imitrex right after CK and much to my surprise, the answer was.......*drumroll*.........."YES!"



Palace
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Palace on October 12, 2006, 06:31:45 am
On a more pleasant note...


What hobbies or interests do you all have that you can do, without worrying about foot-balance so much.

I paint and sell my watercolours, locally.  I'm interested in landscapes, nature and animal paintings.

It is a more holistic lifestyle, having time to artistically balance your life beyond work. (and exercise)

Yes, it is difficult to fit it all within a day.  There must be life after AN, right?



Yours,



Palace
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Palace on October 12, 2006, 04:52:25 pm
Hello Forum:


RE: Ct scan and CK appts.

I got the confirmation phone call that I won't be treated until the end of November and the first part of December.  I first called the medical clinic back in June and started there with a mini hearing test, that I ordered by the doctor.  (other symptoms in the past were ignored and no MRI ever ordered and this has been going on for about 10 years; that is why my AN is now so large, now)  I asked politely who the scheduling person spoke with and it was the resident doctor.  I asked nicely if she would check with my lead doctor about those dates.  Please folks, cross all your paws that I can get a sooner date.



Thanks in advance,



Palace
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Palace on October 15, 2006, 07:09:23 pm
Hi Everyone:


I had those ear pains yesterday and today; the one that "pulses."  (very sharp pain)  I of course have the fullness in the ear continuously but, decided to try Aspirin for the facial pain which is extreme already.  It cut my facial and tongue pains in about, half for two hours.  That was the first break I got in a few weeks since the facial pain has moved into the big picture with the rest of the symptoms.  I will quit Aspirin a couple of weeks before my Ct scan and CK appointments.  Since I didn't think much would *cut* this type of pain, I was surprised with a couple of hours relief. 




Thank you for all of your suggestions and help,



Palace
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Palace on October 15, 2006, 08:17:31 pm
One more thing tonight.......


Do you all have a Northern California "AN get-together" at all?  I'm curious since there are those who gather together in other states for brunch or somethings.  (it would be fun to tele-commute)   :-*



Palace
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: LizH on October 18, 2006, 05:22:36 am
Hi Palace, what vitamins, if any, were you taking? Were the medications helping? Do have balance or walking problems? Since physical therapy has not helped me I want to try the holistic approach. Thanks.
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Palace on October 18, 2006, 08:50:38 am
Yes, I can see where Tai Chi would have potential the rethinking/balance problem for some of us.  Thank you for that information.

My thoughts for those of you thinking of a "holistic" approach for a probem is, to see a well-researched/good holistic doctor.  (MD)  It will cost you monies and especially for a really good one.  If you are buying something which is supposed to help with the AN symptoms, please clear it with your regular doctor and or the AN doctors you have seen or are seeing.  Again, I got the OK that I can take holistic meds about a half year AFTER my CK.  I'm awaiting my CK dates. 

There is a well-known person here in the mountains at New Leaf Market in Felton, CA.  He is *just* an person who is advising on "say," Eastern approach.  I won't post his name but, his initials are R.G.  He is a busy man but, will take your phone call if you can't make it in person the first time.  If you are within a reasonable driving distance "over-the-hill" from Stanford (Los Altos, CA.) and call this person first, you can see when he will be in to talk with you.  He is currently off on Wed. and Thurs., I believe.  Again, this person is not an MD.  I did benefit with my experience talking with Richard G. and my discussion with a holistic MD.  They were both on the same track BUT, it was the holistic Western medicine doctor that told me honestly that he could not help me avoid the CK.  I appreciated his honesty!  The Eastern way might lead you to believe that you could avoid the drastic measures.  I my case not so as, my AN is so very large at this point.

Yes, I still want to know what is and or will be, permenant damage with AN.  I will speak with Richard G. myself after my rad-tx to see what if anything I can take to improve balance.  I posted earlier in this thread about what I was taking.  It doesn't hurt to improve cell growth with some of the right added helpers. 

Good luck and get more than one opinion in any case!



Regards and I hope this helps,



Palace
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Palace on October 18, 2006, 09:45:11 am
 ;D

I must add to my information about R.G., that I have great respect for him and he will help you from his heart.

Good luck in finding people that "really" know what they are talking about when it comes to a more natural approach to an illness.  (helpers with illness and diseases)  I'm finding out that we can go holistic with lots of problems rather than "mask" them.  With my AN, I most likely can't wait by going holistic and I have to trust someone's advice so, I went with my last consultation since the holistic doctor I talked with did attend Stanford at one point.  He knows his stuff.  I also trust R.G. but, I don't have time to experiment with Eastern meds because, my tumor is at the point of more damage to me.  It is pushing on one of my brain nerves, right now.



Big Sigh,



Palace
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Crazycat on October 18, 2006, 10:10:38 am
Palace,

 Ã‚  All I can say about the subject of "Holistic Medicine" is, beware of how you spend your money. The health food and holistic medicine worlds are
burgeoning industries fraught with ageless "snakeoil" salesmen and con men. I was sick for 5-6 years before I was even diagnosed. I had a gigantic
tumor (5cm x 5cm) with hydrocephalus. I experienced increasing left-side deafness, double vision and eventually catastrophic equilibrium problems as the growth increased in size over time. I was begininning to think I had M.S..
 Ã‚ I have many friends who are deeply involved in the "holistic" lifestyle and am privy to a great deal of information in this area as a result. For months on end I was spending handfuls of money and comsuming handfuls of pills to combat my increasing malaise - to no avail. It wasn't until I obtained insurance and had an MRI that REAL steps were taken in the way of treatment, all within a week or two. I had no time left to spare!
 Ã‚ I remember being diagnosed by a "Kinesiologist" that came to the conclusion that the problem was in my liver. I went around for a while believing that I had liver poisoning. I can scarcly forgive people like that giving others what could be a bum, lethal steer.

 Ã‚  From my experience with this condition - what saved my hide was the good old American Medical Association. Those guys have earned my respect in a big way! I don't care what any of those quack, quick buck artist, snake oil salesmen say. "Kevin Trudeau" can take a flying leap as far as I'm concerned!

My advice: Seek out the the most competent and experienced doctors in this field. Don't delude yourself with quack cures and remember: nothing can take the place of a good, balanced diet and exercise! Don't play games with your health. These things generally don't stop growing and take no prisoners by the time they're finished.

 Ã‚       Take Care,  Paul
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Dealy on October 18, 2006, 10:52:49 am
Since we all can agree that radiation is radiation per-se-getting zapped. I had 25 sessions of FSR. The day after I got home I got Zappers of the face from the facial nerve-this will put you to your knees fast- (not everyone will get these) I was put on 6 days of steroids. Then I thoiught my hearing went-another 6 days-and finally in one of my posts-when my symptoms of numbness in the face etc. re-turned big time-another 6 days of steroids. It all depends on size of tumor-what nerves it affects etc. While I was getting treatment I could not swallow. They did want to put me on roids but I refused then. Sue in Washington was on Decadron-that it the high level of steroids-I hear their nasty-I was on predisone. Those were not bad. So I have been on steroids three times in 3 months. Did they do any good? With the Zappers-yes? Does everybody experience the same thing-no? Good Luck-keep us posted.
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Palace on October 18, 2006, 12:09:20 pm
Finally, some good feed-back.  Thank you all once again for more information.  This is what we are all looking for.  Yes, the AN is a serious condition and that is why I considered all options before, making my own decision.  There are many different types of problems and being in the medical field myself, I researched all I could after checking everything I could think of.  Yes sadly, the medical field can be considered a "big business" these days.  (as well as the meds and OTC pills around, holistic and otherwise)  I heard of someone here locally, who died of a cancer condition trying to treat themselves holistically.  Like I said before, I may take some vitamins as a back-up later.  Hopefully, it couldn't hurt.  I was trying to build up my immune system when I took all those pills at the time I got the bad AN news.  Yes, hopefully we all can be level-headed about our own problems and make the intelligent decision. 



Again many thanks for making this thread interesting,



Palace
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Palace on October 18, 2006, 12:59:26 pm
Hi all....


Yes!

Diet and exercise is good guide-line.  (hopefully, we can exercise without balance problems in our way)

One important thing I would like to add on the subject of health.........people seem to cook out the necessary elements/vitamins in our foods, these days.  Years ago perhaps people were more healthy when they ate out of the ground and off the trees.

Maybe I should go back to Los Angeles.......... ;)



Just kidding,



Palace
Title: Re: Holistic approach with CK
Post by: Crazycat on October 18, 2006, 02:19:12 pm
Palace,

  At this point, all the good dieting and exercise will do for you is bolster your immune system and strengthen your heart and lungs in preparation for your approaching medical treatment.  It helps going into it being physically fit - believe me. I know because I've been through it.
   Once the die is cast with a condition like this, you most often have to see it through in a conventional medical sense. Herbs and all that may help but are not a cure all for something like this. It may behoove a person to combine both holistic and conventional methods. I don't know.

  If I had opted for the herbal route and settled for just taking tons of Chickweed and Red Root - that allegedly fight or reduce tumors and cysts -every day I probably would have died. And I was getting close;  real close because I'd let it go for so long.

  The amazing thing was, of all the people I knew, I was the only one that religiously took care of himself. No smoking, no drinking, Jogging 5 miles a day, weight training and even cycling 30 -50 miles a day before I got into running. Eating right. Taking good supplements. Yet, I was the one that got sick. Why? Who knows? One thing I do know: being in shape helped me get through it.

     Paul