Jetpack's Page

My story is about Attitude.

To me triathlon along with the slogan, Live Strong, means each day do something that you have never done. Think of new ways to improve your life. Set new goals for yourself. I've worn the yellow wristband because It represents the support, respect and admiration I have for fellow cancer survivors.

I was going about my life as usual and then one day. Whammo! It got turned upside down. I've always been able to take big hits in stride. Being a pilot, I've developed a "suck it up" attitude. You do what you have to do. However, being told you have cancer can throw anybody off balance. June of 04' I saw the doctor to see about a lump. July 1st I discovered that the cancer had spread to my abdomen via the lymph system. I was diagnosed at stage 2B and I was to start 4 rounds of chemo later that month.

What hurt the most was seeing the fear and worry in my mothers eyes that her son might die. I felt more sorry for her than myself. At first I took to the chemo well. We even had a betting pool when my hair would fall out. Then, well into the treatment my attitude changed drastically when the side affects started to show. Each night I went to sleep wondering if I was going to wake up the next day. I saw a lawyer to prepare my Will. I was 34 and having my Will prepared. Who does this I thought. Summer came and went in the northeast. The leaves started to change colors and fall from the trees. Winter was on it's way. I felt like I was living the winter of my own life. I wondered if life had another Spring to offer me.

After chemo ended there were still enlarged lymph nodes in my abdomen. So a Retro Pertineal Lymph Node Disssection (RPLND) was scheduled for Oct. Just after my birthday. My 15th high school reunion was that month. I went regardless of my hair loss and weight gain from the chemo. A few of my friends never even recognized me. Winter came and went and I resolved myself to walking everyday. Once I started I discovered I didn't want to stop.

One day I decided to try a little jog. My Spring was coming in big time! I started to run regulary. I felt like Forest Gump. "Run, Tyler Run!". Only 6 months later I entered my first Sprint Triathlon. I was hooked! By the end of the summer of 2005 I had competed in 5 sprints Tri's. This past Sept 9th I competed in IRONMAN WISCONSIN. Time 13hrs8mins.

I believe cancer saved my life by trying to take it. I was on my way to obesity, possible diabetes, high blood pressure and many other affects of a motionless lifestyle. What got me through cancer was taking on the attitude that you are stronger then you think you are. You get busy beating it so you can get back to a normal life.

I also kept a good sense of humor about it. If you can't laugh at the challenges in your life, your in for a rough ride. February of 2005 I got back into the cockpit. I thought maybe I had forgotten how to fly. Come to find out it was just like "riding a bike".

LiveStrong! Tyler