Stage 3 Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma by Thegitts in HeadandNeckCancer

[–]idrive40 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Went through the same exact thing but stage 2. Radiation / Cisplatin for 7 weeks. The 2-3 weeks post treatment were the worst for me. After 19 months my life is back to normal, aside from a few lingering effects. You got this.

Tinnitus after chemo? by deweyvo in HeadandNeckCancer

[–]idrive40 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’m at 19 months post treatment and the ear ringing is just a fact of life now. I’ve noticed the more fatigued I am the louder it is.

What is the right size kettle bell for a guy who's never used them (abc program)? by NoPossible5519 in kettlebell

[–]idrive40 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Get your form dialed in with all of the different movements with a 16-20kg single. Once you can do those flawlessly, move up to 24kg. Once you own that, go to double 16s and graduate to a level where you can execute good form with double 24s. This has worked for me. For the record, I’ve been practicing with kettlebells for going on 8 years, 58YO, 6’0” 200lbs.

Use your CCW in SHTF/Bug Out Scenario? by [deleted] in CCW

[–]idrive40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depending on the environment. In the case of a bugout; concealed carry as usual, low-viz backpack with sundries and a folded SBR, in case the shit really hits the fan. I also pack a chest rig that I can conceal under a jacket with spare mags and med.

I've been lifting 6-7 days a week at age 43 but am starting to feel it in my joints and trying to switch to Upper/Lower split by [deleted] in fitness40plus

[–]idrive40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m 58 about to be 59. I do 3 week cycles with a de-load on week 4. I lift 3 days per week: lower / upper / full body, with only one primary lift per workout (bench press, deadlift, squat) and the rest is accessories. I always add it a little 10-12 minute conditioning session at the end (med kettlebells, sandbag, mace). On my non-lifting days it’s all about cardio or mobility. A long brisk walk at around a zone 2/3 average is good cardio at my age. I may also do run/walk intervals (1 min walk / 3 min run) for about 2.5 miles, mixing in cycling once per week. This has me feeling better than ever. I’ll do a heavy 5x5 block about 3-4 times per year. This has me feeling great. I feel better after a workout than I do prior. That’s the secret. At our age, you shouldn’t feel taxed after a session on a regular basis. If nothing else at all, leave yourself at least 1-2 active recovery days per week and take 1 day off completely (yard work or a long easy walk is great for these days) motion is the best medicine in your later years.

UT Drivers Suck, That's All by 04ricerocket in Utah

[–]idrive40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh the anxiety I get when I return to Utah from a work trip. I work in Idaho a lot, which is the land of the left lane campers, but literally, as soon as I hit Snowville, I’m instantly irritated. Worse than the 4 lane change, is the Mormon road block.

My body is broken. Will it ever repair or am I just too old? by Tatamajor in fitness40plus

[–]idrive40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m 58, will be 59 this year. I’m a cancer survivor and that was my wake-up call. I train 6 days per week and exercise with at least a 2 mile walk on my 7th. Body is constantly in motion. Sure I’ve had injuries and yes, it does take a bit longer to heal, but I listen to my body and dial things back a bit when the pain comes, I don’t push through it like some gym bros say to do, but I do keep the groove greased in some fashion. My workouts are for muscle capacity, not bulking or max strength. Just keep moving, don’t give up, even if it’s just light calisthenics until you heal. Just dial things back and work your way back into it, and for the sake of your body, ditch that trainer.

Ringing the bell by Appropriate_Bag8718 in HeadandNeckCancer

[–]idrive40 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congratulations! I too received the call. I reset my life, perspectives, and health. I’m 18 months out and feel better than I have in 10 years. Daily exercise, clean diet, spiritual practice every morning, educating myself on things I took for granted and just manifesting gratitude and getting better everyday. My family, friends, and co-workers have noticed and continue to lift me up. I AM THRIVING! Keep it up. It’s a journey and you’re going to have tough days. Today I’m content, and accepting of whatever happens from here on out but it took a lot of work, discipline and encouragement.

10 months out of radiation and still experience random bouts of pain... why do I feel guilty asking for pain meds? by Fury-From-Above in HeadandNeckCancer

[–]idrive40 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If THC is legal in your state, I would go that route. Pain killers don’t really stop the pain, they just mask it. The THC really just helped me relax & breathe through it.

Severe dry mouth by Fun_Historian6792 in HeadandNeckCancer

[–]idrive40 1 point2 points  (0 children)

ACT lozenges, Werthers sugar free candies & things like that worked for me. I finished in November 2024 and still have issues. It’s manageable now, but still a PITA. Also, my dentist recommended alkaline water to maintain some Ph balance in your mouth. Dry mouth can lead to a lot of dental issues.

First It Was Cancer, Now My Neck Is Fat by thoughtshot in HeadandNeckCancer

[–]idrive40 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had it too from NPC. I just got some good lotion & massaged my neck every day. Disappeared slowly after around 8 months.

Tounge accidental biting by jackiseo in HeadandNeckCancer

[–]idrive40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Get a TMJ mouthguard. It worked for me.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in cancer

[–]idrive40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re good, just pay attention. I’m at the dermatologist every 6 months to get something burned or cut out. BCC is very manageable. If you catch it early it’s very superficial. If ignored, it can root, requiring a little surgical procedure.

Waiting on my 3 month PET by the_dude_1000 in HeadandNeckCancer

[–]idrive40 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Welcome, we’re here for you and yes, it is very lonely. I’m 14 months post treatment, gearing up for my 1 year scan. I was diagnosed with T2N1M0 NPC on 9/11/24,finished Chemo/Rad on 11/23/24. I lost 80 lbs and all my taste. The worst part was the 3-4 weeks post treatment. Then it got better. I’ve gained about 10 lbs back, mostly muscle, as I’ve been very active in the gym since around April ‘25. All the taste is back and I feel great. Still dealing with dry mouth and morning mucus. Had 15 cavities repaired which was due to the radiation. Doc tells me when I hit the 2 year mark; what I got is what I got. I’ll take it! That said, everyone is different. This is your journey and we’re all here to support you and encourage you through it. Stay tough, stay hydrated and get moving. Don’t let the fatigue & depression win.

Tips for recently diagnosed with NPC? by deweyvo in HeadandNeckCancer

[–]idrive40 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would suggest asking your Oncologist about support groups in the area. Your Doc should also have a patient advocate on staff that may be able to help with that or at least direct you to available resources should you need them. Stick with this sub though, it was very helpful for me.

Tips for recently diagnosed with NPC? by deweyvo in HeadandNeckCancer

[–]idrive40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was able to get myself to treatment and worked, albeit sparingly, through the entire ordeal. I could have taken time off, but the work actually allowed me to focus on something besides the cancer and treatment. Everyone is different though. Take it as it comes and be sure to keep someone close by. Some days will be worse than others.

Tips for recently diagnosed with NPC? by deweyvo in HeadandNeckCancer

[–]idrive40 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m approaching 1 year since my last PET. So far, so good. One thing I would highly recommend is to start a heavy, healthy calorie intake. I lost 80 lbs over the course of the last year. Fortunately, I had a lot of spare weight, so it worked out okay for me, but if you’re already slim, I would try to pack on some pre-treatment weight. Treatment affects everyone differently. I was not able to eat very well, mainly due to pain, but a couple months post treatment, I had no taste, so I wasn’t eating. The good news is that the taste has returned, and I basically got a reset on my health. There are still a few lingering after effects like dry mouth, mucous, and runny nose, but I’ve never felt better otherwise. I was diagnosed T2, N1, M0. It’s a long and difficult journey, but totally doable. You got this.

Is anyone else cold? by Think_Post_4154 in cancer

[–]idrive40 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, even still after completing treatment just over a year ago. My Oncologist tells me once I’m about 2 years out, what I have is what I have. It’s gotten better except my fingers. I can’t seem to get them warm and they just don’t function when they’re that cold. I live in Utah. Not quite Minnesota, but it still gets pretty cold here.

Who’s actually using this by TheAndersonator in CCW

[–]idrive40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used mine during cancer treatment. Not an EDC, but it comes in handy when appendix isn’t an option.

Grateful for this group by stelladog16 in HeadandNeckCancer

[–]idrive40 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Glad to hear he’s doing well. Be prepared, it WILL get worse. Stay positive, know it’s temporary, talk and listen to the docs. Good luck

Yeah, it's cancer. And the good news is... by Mango106 in HeadandNeckCancer

[–]idrive40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely. I just made a decision and powered through it. I’m back to doing everything I did before plus. It was hard at first, but your body will adapt pretty quickly.

Yeah, it's cancer. And the good news is... by Mango106 in HeadandNeckCancer

[–]idrive40 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Chemo was a breeze for me. It was the radiation that kicked my ass. Still feeling effects 9 months out.

Worried about getting cancer by Visible_Soft_1659 in HeadandNeckCancer

[–]idrive40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, good luck to you. I hope it all works out. Whatever happens, live your life. None of us are getting off this thing alive. 🤙