[Farcical]

Re: Biking with multiple myeloma

by Farcical on Sun Sep 20, 2020 3:40 pm

Mark,

I’ll share my experience. Prior to my diagnosis in March 2018, I had built up a good level of fitness through various activities, but the diagnosis drove me back to the cycling that I had so enjoyed earlier in life.

I rode from diagnosis through smoldering. I then began a triplet therapy, same as you, begin­ning September 2018. Determined to continue cycling until transplant, I continued training un­a­bated. Side effects initially were minimal, but the last month before transplant side effects were mani­fest­ing. Restless leg syndrome, impaired sleep, and hip pains I thought were due to cycling be­came a bit worrisome. Still, I was able to maintain fitness and sanity through my cycling.

In January 2019 I had my transplant. In February 2019 I began indoor cycling, and then in April 2019 I transitioned back to the road. My fitness tracker has me at 4832.9 miles (7777.8 km) for last year.

I’m currently on Ninlaro maintenance therapy. I’m not affected by any side effects so far. I’m at 7421.8 miles (11,944 km) year to date.

By happenstance, I also ride in a group that has an individual with multiple myeloma also. He, like you, is on blood thinners. Caution is the rule. He limits risk, doesn’t ride if rain is threatening.

I feel fortunate in being able to continue this activity. I wish you the best on your journey.

Fred

[Ron Harvot]

Re: Biking with multiple myeloma

by Ron Harvot on Sun Sep 20, 2020 4:19 pm

Mark,

You might want to discuss the issue with your treating physician. I had open heart surgery to replace a heart valve (bovine [cow] valve) back in 2014. I was on blood thinners for a short period of time following the surgery but was taken off of them. There are plenty of people that ride that are on blood pressure medications.

Good luck. I hope you can ride.

[Ron Harvot]

Re: Biking with multiple myeloma

by Ron Harvot on Thu Sep 24, 2020 2:21 pm

Fred,

7,422 miles (11,944 km) is impressive for mid September. Looks like you are on track for 10,000 miles (16,100 km). The most I ever did was 10,000 km (about 6,200 miles) last year. Won't reach that this year, but I am on pace for 6,000 miles (9,660 km). You are now in Andrew's (gold­mine848's) territory, as he has done over 10,000 miles (16,100 km) in a year more than once.

I still work at age 68 and find that with my treatments of Revlimid, Velcade, and dexa­meth­a­sone with 4 rides a week work best for me. So I ride Saturday about 50 miles (80 km), Sunday 40 miles (64 km), Tuesday 25 miles (40 km), and Wednesday 35 miles (56 km). I rest on Monday, Thursday, and Friday. Occasionally I will spin my legs on my indoor trainer on Thursday, but for no more than 45 minutes. Once a month I will do a longer Saturday ride, 60-100 miles (80-160 km), depend­ing on con­di­tions, how I feel, and if I can get anyone to join me.

My average. pace now is about 15 mph (24  km/h).