Living For Lamingtons: Pedaling My Way Back
Someone said to me once that, in life, you can get used to anything. I am not sure that I agree with that statement. I would rather think that you can try to get used to most things.
When my body started falling apart due to multiple myeloma, I did try to adapt, but it was a struggle. I don’t think I am used to the new circumstances, even now four years post diagnosis, but I certainly feel that I have tried to adapt and make the best of the life I have now.
In the earlier stages of the disease, I tried to concentrate on the things I still could do. At one point, this list seemed to be rather short, but in time my bones reformed after treatment, and the myeloma has stayed quiet since. I feel very fortunate to have had this sort of recovery.
As soon as I could, I started trying to get fit again. It was a rather slow process, but I found, rather to my amazement, that I could become active again. Swimming came first. At the time, I was lucky enough to be living in Singapore, so returning to the water was a lovely warm outdoor experience, something that would never ever have been possible here in Scotland!
Swimming felt great, which cemented my resolution to return to exercise and mobility. Then I slowly started to go for proper walks again, meaning that I put on my exercise clothes and walked several times a week, building up to an hour a day six days a week over a two-year period. That also felt good, and I was so delighted that I was able to return to feeling fit. It wasn’t easy, but it was real progress. Now, two years later, I usually walk for at least two hours a day, often more. Taking exercise and being fit has always been central to me since it makes me feel good. (I suspect I’m probably an endorphins addict!)
From time to time, I wondered if I would ever be able to do some of the other sporty things I love, such as skiing and cycling. Skiing seemed a step too far, but every so often I wondered about cycling. I thought I better just leave it, as the risk of falling seemed too great. I hadn’t got rid of my bike, though, so every time I saw it in the garage, the thought of trying returned.
In addition, I often read the amazing “biking with myeloma“ thread in the Beacon forum and I am in awe. The unbelievable feats of this group are truly fantastic and inspirational. I think I more or less had gotten used to not cycling, but the more I read, the more I wondered if I could return to the saddle.
So, this summer I decided to dust down my bike and have a go. The first thing I did was alter my bike. I removed my racing handlebars and pedal covers, plus I changed the saddle to a larger, more padded style.
I created a rather different model of bike that I thought would be easier on my body. Then I decided on the routes. We are fortunate to live beside a beautiful lake (or "loch" as we say around here) that has a cycle track all around it. This means no roads and no hills. That seemed like a good place to start!
So off I set one fine summer day. I must say that I was nervous and slightly terrified that I would fall off my bike and hurt myself. However, everything went smoothly. During the ride, I tried to concentrate on the track and not get too distracted by the scenery and the wildlife. I thoroughly enjoyed myself even though my muscles were a bit sore the next day. I definitely could not, in any way, compare myself with the people in the aforementioned "biking with myeloma" forum thread, but scooting about in the fresh air was such a treat.
Some of my biking friends have been pleased at my return to the fold, and last week I had a fantastic day cycling all the way around our loch with friends. The progress was rather sedate, and there were lots of stops for coffee, cakes (of course), and ice cream, but it once again was such a pleasant experience.
So, I have started my return to cycling, although I still feel much like a wobbly beginner. I am not sure what is coming next, although it certainly won't be the Tour de France or even a tour of Scotland!
Perhaps I will be able to converse with my co-riders in the “biking with myeloma” thread, and hopefully I will continue to have fun cycling around in the great outdoors.
Marjorie Smith is a multiple myeloma patient and columnist here at The Myeloma Beacon. Her column is published once a month. You can view a list of her columns here.
If you are interested in writing a regular column for The Myeloma Beacon, please contact the Beacon team at .
Marjorie, just fantastic! Being outside riding with friends and enjoying the countryside is good not only for the body but the soul!
I can't stress enough the importance of exercise for us myeloma patients! I know for some it is harder and maybe even close to impossible, based on the extent of damage to our bodies, but any little bit of exercise is good. I'm so glad you can bike and swim and walk. I'm actually a little jealous of all that you can do, as bicycling and swimming hurt my back, but I can walk about 30-45 minutes at a time and can even do a modified Zumba class once or twice a week. I do participate in a water aerobics class, which is one of my favorite things to do. It is so good for my muscles and bones.
Carry on with all that you do. You are an inspiration to us!
Thanks for the wonderful column. I can see you riding around the scenic Loch, and really enjoying the adventure. When I started cycling again, I was nervous too, but my balance came back and I am fine again now. I hope you can cycle often as part of your fitness routine. Two hour walks sound like really good exercise too.
Dear Ron, thanks so much for responding. I was really hoping that you might give me some direct encouragement! I am always astounded when I read of your cycling tales, particularly when you explain how you fit your treatment around your biking. I hope you’re enjoying a good summer in the saddle.
Hi Susan, it’s so good to hear about your fitness regime and I’m sorry that you are not able to cycle or swim. I think the water aerobics sounds great, something that I would like to try out. I am sure that you are correct that working our muscles is really important and whatever you can manage will make a difference. Thanks for your kind words and good wishes.
Dear Nancy, it’s nice to hear that you can imagine me zooming around the loch! Likewise I can picture you cycling in Canada. I hope that the summer weather has been good and that you have had good fun on your bike.
I believe exercise is important for all myeloma patients. It doesn't even have to be more than a walk around the block. Do what you can, do it consistently, and try to increase to the extent that you can. The benefits are immeasurable. Glad you are enjoying the bike; keep at it!
Dear Andrew, your biking tales are impressive as is your mantra! Many thanks for your comment.
Dear Marjorie - I am so glad you decided to get back on your bike. It is a wonderful exercise with minimal impact (as long as you don’t fall). My husband actually bought a new bike a couple of years ago so he could resume biking after his stem cell transplant. So far, so good. So glad that you are doing well and pushing yourself to do “normal” things. Take care and thank you for sharing.
Dear Patty, thanks for your lovely comment. I do try to be as normal as possible! I’m delighted to hear that your husband is also doing well. It’s a precarious business having myeloma and every good day is precious. Every best wish to you both.
Dear Marjorie,
Thank you for the wonderful columns. I feel more hopeful and positive after reading them. My mother was recently diagnosed with high-risk multiple myeloma and, honestly, it is still hard for me to accept this. We are from Indonesia, and I am very grateful that she is able to get treatment in Singapore.
Thank you again,
Tenny
Dear Tenny, thanks very much for your lovely comments. I’m so sorry to hear about your Mother. It’s very hard to see someone who you love with such a diagnosis. As you’ve probably read, I was treated in Singapore, and I felt fortunate to be in a country with such great doctors and nurses. Prior to living in Singapore, I lived in Indonesia for many years, so we share quite a bit of history! Wishing you and your Mum all the very best of luck going forward.