Thanks UWA for the support, I am now a cancer survivor

[kenonstott]

So many of you have shown a concern for my wellbeing that I figure I owe you an update. I have survived the surgery and radiation treatments. A full body radiation scan has shown that the cancer did not jump from the neck area and that any remaining metastasized thyroid cancer cells in the neck were consumed by the radioactive iodine. I will have to go through 2 more scans at one-year intervals but they are +99% sure that I am cured. Penny and I were pretty excited by the news.

However, I have been laid low by Sacroiliac joint inflammation and a spasming piriformis muscle on the right side. It feels like a Charley Horse in the butt or literally a pain in the butt (I am sure my friends can add the humor here). This is a low blow considering back surgery in March had cured all the trouble I was having on the left side leaving me pain free at that time. So I have gone from spending May and June trying to set speed records to not being able to stand more than 2 minutes since late August. They shot the area full of anesthetic and steroids 2 weeks ago and it is doing somewhat better. Has anyone had any experience with SI joints or Piriformis Syndrome that might help me get over this? I already missed skiing last winter and a significant part of this year’s sailing due to back problems and I want to get active again.

Many of you are probably unaware but UWA sent flowers initially and later a framed Tom Smart photo of me sailing at Grantsville. Both times the show of concern gave me a real boost in spirits. Thanks again for the support.

Ken

[Sarah Ranes]

Glad to hear the Good News Update! Sounds like you are on a good mending path. Joint inflamation and pain are no fun either. I'm sure you will get 100 different suggestions to try, and most won't be proven, so you'll just have to weed through it all, including mine.

There is a very inexpensive book call Pain Free by a guy named Egoscue, that will have some good recovery exercises, that will help. Lot's of info about it on the web too. I've read some amazing stories of pain relief, from using the method. Gunners, told me about it and it has helped me a lot with my aches and pains, and many friends that I have told about it also. Nothing as serious as your problem, but I'm confident that it will help you too. good luck, keep working hard. I bet you'll be doing speed runs in the Spring! Sarah

[duanekarren]

Ken,

So glad the cancer treatment went well for you. I have had many back problems in my life (2 ruptured discs) but nothing like you have. In my case my problems have always responded to exercise although many times I was about ready to throw in the towell & look into surgery before I would get results. I do many things but the best results have come from starting a very easy & short regimen (as much as I could stand) on a stationary bike & increasing it daily in both time & intensity until I get up to about a 1/2 hr. When I reach 20 min to a 1/2 hr I generally am starting to produce beneficial results. Might try this idea on your Doc & see if it presents any particular problems for you.

Duane

[John Freed]

Good work on the cancer Ken! Now we just need to get rid of that back thing! I've always said, the only way I can sail past you, is if you are flat on your back... but you didn't have to go that far. Keep your spirits up... it will only be a matter of time before the iron man is back at it, putting the rest of us to shame.

[Emmanuel Pons]

A full body radiation scan has shown that the cancer did not jump from the neck area and that any remaining metastasized thyroid cancer cells in the neck were consumed by the radioactive iodine.

I have no idea what you're saying but that sounds great!
Hope to see you on the water