I Ride For: Adam

I have not met Adam in person, but in the last month we have traded texts every week or so. Adam is a friend of our youngest son, Ross, and about 3 months ago Ross called to let us know his friend just found out he had cancer. I don’t think Ross was looking for anything, just wanted to tell someone who might empathize.

Ends up Adam has a cancer way different than mine and way different from anyone else. He is a rare bone cancer that was found in his femur. He had surgery to take out the tumor and replace that part of the bone with a donor bone. I’m a little fuzzy on the details, but there was a fall and reactions to pain meds so Adam ended up in the hospital for a number of weeks and a lot of pain.

We connected shortly after he got home from the hospital. I quickly communicated that I had no idea about his cancer, but that in my limited experience the mental anguish is the same no matter what kind of cancer. Drinking from a fire hose to get on top of it fast. Questioning everything or just trusting the pros (and God). Not wanting to be alone even though you are. Not wanting to be around anyone else even though that is what they need. Saying to a caregiver or friend “I don’t want to talk about it!” and then proceeding to talk about every detail for the next hour or three.

Adam, I heard from Ross that you started Chemo this week. “Yeah! “ and “bummer”, all at the same time. I do not know what that is like. I’ve been pretty wimpy about biking since I got back to Michigan after spending the winter in Florida. My ride this morning was 100% for and because of you. Riding in the 40 degree drizzle was the closest I could get this morning to what you are going through. I hope it is easier today than it was yesterday, and effective all the way.

SHINE!
The Road Rider