Getting back on my bike has symbolized a “return to normalcy” for me throughout my cancer treatment. For the last several weeks, I’ve been telling friends that I’m at about 95% back to my pre-treatment self with the remaining 5% being about getting back on the road.
Yesterday, I did it. The moment snuck up on me — no planning for days, no fanfare. I just asked my partner if she wanted to go on a bike ride, and we did it. It was a nice 10 mile ride from East Atlanta Village to Piedmont Park and back (mostly along the Beltline). Here’s a quick video from the park.
Yesterday was day #151 since treatment started in February, for anyone who’s counting : )
The day before that (July 10), I had my PET and CT scans to determine how successful the treatment was on my cancer sites. According to the notes, there are still some areas that my doctor needs to examine at my next appointment in two weeks, but the update was positive. I’ll have more to share in a couple of weeks.
For the time being, with a return to cycling under my belt, I will consider this chapter of my treatment narrative concluded. My thanks to everyone who followed along, sent their well wishes, assisted with rides, meals, and visits, sent cards, and to anyone supporting our Winship Cancer Institute 5k fundraising team (“All Cures, No Kings”) in October.
Also, a thank you for any feedback that you might have sent me via email or text while reading these posts. Keeping this part of my blog since January has been a surprisingly energizing return to public writing. It’s helped me feel more connected to everyone without having to resort to corporate social media (a goal that’s become very important to me over the last decade).
Atlanta community and family/friends beyond: please know how important your support has been to me. I’m grateful to all of you.
