Still here.

[jholmq]

2019 brought a massive pulmonary embolism in May followed by a bleed in the brain from a blood thinning med. Then a second, bigger, bleed in September from a different blood thinner. I'm now half way through 6 cycles of Taxotere chemo. The point is that we all have setbacks. My stamina is reduced and I am now retired, but I still go to the gym and do what I can, even though it's nothing compared to what I could do before. The perfect is the enemy of the good, you can always make progress.

[tango65]

Impressive actitud. Best of luck on this journey.!!

[Schwah]

So impressed my friend. It’s so easy to

Quit but you haven’t done that. Not even close. Way to go!

Schwah

[ARIES29]

Never give up, that's the only attitude to have. Hang in there!

[Magnus1964]

Keep up the good fight. Looking good.

[jholmq]

The blood thinners were intended to resolve some existing DVTs and prevent another embolism. I am permanently off all blood thinning meds. No Metaformin, just a clean diet with plenty of protein. The muscles you see are being rebuilt by 10lb weights with 60 reps per hand average with various exercises. This is what I have been cleared for currently. I also have a fracture at L4, I have scans coming up to check that and other things. I also have a port and have stayed away from direct chest exercises until I get an ok from my interventional radiologist. Thanks for the advice and support.

[middlejoel]

I have never heard that blood thinners could cause blood to bleed in the brain. I am taking blood thinners also, I am taking Eliquis which thinners did you take?

You look amazingly well and strong, too young to retire and even though I go yo the gym 3 times a week, I could never do 60 reps with 10 lbs. Keep working hard

[jholmq in reply to middlejoel]

The first thinner was Xarelto, the second was Lovanox. Yes, brain bleeds can happen with any blood thinner. Go to the ER if you experience a severe headache or any other symptoms your doctor warned you about.

[jholmq in reply to jholmq]

Just do what you can do, the most important thing is that you do something. To give you some perspective, twice a week I used to do 120-140 reps hammer curls with 20lb weights for biceps (per arm), similar reps for pectorals, and lats, and 90 reps per hand with 15lbs for triceps. So what I do at the moment is a lot less, but I will work back up gradually as my health and strength allow. You have to go from where you are. I did lower body One day per week (similar numbers for lunges, squats, and more for toe-raisers with 2 40lb dumbels), then 2 days interval aerobics. This is how I survived the massive clot in my lungs.

[jholmq in reply to middlejoel]

P.S. Thanks for the comments, but I am 65 and hope to be able to spend more time with my wife, kids, and grandson. I was a portfolio manager and ran 9-figures of boutique portfolios. The strokes made that impossible and the cardiovascular deconditioning and chemo pretty much eliminated any other employment.

[jholmq]

DVTs are gone, at least the blood thinners accomplished that. I try to keep moving though PCa, like any cancer, makes your blood prone to clotting. I try to stay well hydrated too. Once I'm through with chemo I'll start having an occasional glass of wine as well.

[jholmq]

I love to dance too so I keep finding reasons to get my Pretty Girl (wife of 40 years) on her feet.

[jholmq]

I love to fish, I'm happy to clean all we catch if my wife will cook them, she's a wizard in the kitchen.

[jholmq]

I read through, no problem.

[tallguy2]

Looking and doing good. Thanks for the uplifting report. Exercise through chemo. It kept me going, too.

[j-o-h-n]

I look muscular just like you when I wear my rubber muscle suit.... sure gets hot wearing it.....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 02/10/2020 7:16 PM EST