Update On My Brother and Me
As you know my brother was diagnosed with Hodgkins a little over a month ago. He had a bone marrow biopsy on Monday and was giving the results on Thursday, Biopsy came out clean and he is looking good. They listed him as Stage two; In this stage, the cancer is in two different lymph nodes, but is limited to a section of the body either above or below the diaphragm. He has it in his neck and in his chest. Lunges were damaged do to him being a smoker, but he dropped the habit and is starting to lead a cleaner life. Chemo was started on Thursday as well, with know side effects as of yet. He will have to do chemo once every two weeks for the next for months. Then after that he will have to go through some radiation treatments, duration is not yet known. So he is doing well and his spirits are high. I want to thank everyone for your thoughts, prayers and support through this difficult time. You all are the greatest.
I have also had some good news come my way as well. I went to Indianapolis yesterday and saw my surgeon for another post op consult. We went over my progress and range of motion, at which point he released me. This means I can finally get back to the gym and start to rebuild myself. However, he did say that I am not allowed to do "ANY" benching movements for awhile. So this is what I ask of you all, how can you build a chest without the core exercise of benching. I need your advice on this matter so I can get the ball rolling. I still have two weeks left of therapy, although that is only once a week now. Not to keep bouncing around, but I have shaved my head to support my brother through the rest of his treatments. I am not a real touchy feely kinda guy, but this gets the point across. I will remain sporting the "Mr Clean" look until he has recovered and his cancer is in remission…..
So there you have it, the sky is blue and water is wet, and all is good on our front. Thanks again to you all, this journey could not have been done withouth your support….
November 8, 2008 at 8:04 am
I don’t know what to do with your chest, but I’m glad your brother’s diagnosis seems manageable. How lucky he is to have you there to support him. Hang in there. I’m sure there are better days ahead.
November 8, 2008 at 9:15 am
That is definatly encouraging news about your brother! Prayers will continue for him!!
And I was thinking, did the dr say anything about db benching? Im just curious because of course the bar versus db’s definatly hits differently. BUT…they are both bench moves.
I think that if you are allowed to do shoulders, back, bi’s and tri’s your chest will get some secondary muscle movement and so while you might not see gains there hopefully you will be able to maintain while you wait for clearance on the benching!!
November 8, 2008 at 10:47 am
Good news for your brother. Thanks for the update.
As far as benching. Doc said no benching but he didn’t say you couldn’t do pushups and dips! both good for the chest.