We all know the benefits of exercise—weight loss, building strength, improved mentality, happier disposition—but I've developed a particular appreciation for what exercise has done for me.
I've been living with a brain tumor for about 12 years now. It's been removed twice in that time, and it's looking like I'll need a third surgery soon. As scary as that sounds—and it does scare me, even though I've accepted the tumor as part of my life—I know that I'll be okay. I know this because it wasn't too long ago I found out that I had the power to beat the tumor, and I've been doing it ever since.
It was the end of July, 2012, and I had to go in for my routine MRI. Truth be told, I was a little behind schedule. But I felt great. I'd just run the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run. I was in the best shape of my life, and I could feel it. I figured the MRI would turn out like previous check-ups, showing little change and leaving me to go on with my life as usual. Unfortunately, I was in for a surprise.
When I walked into the examining room, the nurse had already put up my MRI films for the doctor to see. By this time, I was pretty familiar with what a healthy brain scan was supposed to look like. I looked at the films, saw the telltale bright spot the size of a lemon or bigger, and knew that this visit was not going to be an easy one. My immediate thought was, "Oh crap."
The neurosurgeon walked in, and seeing me, casually asked, “Where is the patient?” I looked at him and said I was the patient. He was dumbstruck. “It can’t be," he said. "The brain scan I saw is of a person who I would expect to have serious neurological problems. I was expecting to see difficulties in speaking or walking. You have none of these.” I told him that I had no symptoms, none.
So then he asked me, “What have you been doing?”
Each impotence dealings are finished up of a lively constituent that acts inside the flourishing trend through endorsing the cheapest cialis 40mg tablet to drive in a very less time period. To have this Sildamax one has not to loiter here and there. cheap levitra 20mg But as it cheapest viagra prices is invented shortly, it is not the case in most cases. This means that they offer the order cheap cialis same results in treating erectile dysfunction, individuals have reported this treatment safe and have made them able getting hard in the bed.
I told him I just ran 100 miles, that I was in the best shape of my life, and that I felt good. He was even more surprised. “Whatever you're doing, keep doing it. Your body is adapting and coping. However, you have a ticking time bomb in your head. It needs to be taken care of." So, a couple of months later, I underwent my second brain surgery. Once I was recovered, I was back in the gym.
A few weeks ago, I went for another routine MRI. I'm not having any symptoms, so just like in 2012, I was once again expecting the visit to be simply another meet and greet with the Doctor. It turns out the brain tumor is growing again. The very familiar white blob in my brain is expanding. The rate of growth is still undetermined, but I will have to undergo a third brain surgery. The timing is still up in the air, but it will happen sooner rather than later. The fact that the tumor is growing again and I'm suffering zero symptoms still has the doctors impressed.
I truly believe that the reason my body is coping so well with the growth of my brain tumor is the fact that I exercise and take care of my body. There has been a lot of research lately noting the medical benefits of exercise, and as someone with my "condition," I can attest to many of them. I've found that, along with a good diet, exercise has kept me healthy and looking younger and feeling great. I feel stronger and full of energy, even after a long workout. It greatly reduces my anxiety. I can honestly say I don’t know what depression is because it makes me so much happier. I don’t take for granted the fact that I can exercise, as many people with brain tumors can’t, and that is even a bigger blessing. I can do this and that makes me even happier.
Regardless of whether you have a brain tumor or not, the benefits of exercise are amazing. Not having enough time or being too busy are no excuse. Please read this article that describes the immediate benefits of exercising in addition to losing weight and looking great.
I can’t change the fact that I have a brain tumor. What I can control and change is how I live the rest of my life.
Recent Comments