Always A Runner

Layne got out of bed earlier than I did today. It reminded me of days gone past. He used to be consistent about getting up early enough to exercise before heading over to work (and before that campus). I got used to a guy who considered himself a runner. It was just part of who he used to be. He still has the spirit of a runner in the marathon of life he's engaged in right now. But, the early morning exercise sessions are no more. There are no more plans for the next event. A 5K used to be for the day's workout and a t-shirt. There were also other events that were a bigger deal. He ran the Salt Lake marathon the year before he found out about his cancer. He was scheduled (but never made it) to participate in a Ragnar the day after he was scheduled for his surgery to remove the cancer and part of his colon. He enjoyed some races that were 'triathlons' (in quotes because of the shorter distances - he likes to bike, but never was a fan of figuring out how to breathe while swimming). Since he's been diagnosed, he's been involved in a 5K and a bike race - both done through Huntsman to raise funds for research to fight cancer. He's also been a great help to our boys in encouraging them with their exercising/fitness. He's into making sure the girls are active as well. But, the current scenario is that the boys are working on their personal fitness for scouts. Thus, the reason he is helping with a specific goal of theirs at the moment. He used to exercise with them - modifying what he used to do. He doesn't even do that anymore. These days it's an accomplishment to actually go over to the Rec. Center with them. There are times I've taken them instead and they do the workout on their own. I will always be grateful I had a chance to see Layne in action...to see the fighter cross the finish line.

Joints

This morning Layne mentioned his joints again. They've been a little bit of an issue this time around - it's one of the things that this clinical trial is testing. I guessed his feet were bothering him because that's been a common one. I then asked about others. He mentioned his hips and one of his knees. He then stated, "I don't know if I can bike today since I can't move my leg."*. Then...being the ever supportive care giver that I am...I laughed. Out loud. What other person is going to give serious consideration to the exercise routine when they can't even move one of their limbs? Maybe it's just me. That and it struck me as funny that it was such a statement of the obvious.

Later, he casually described the 'discomfort' as this knee hurts less than this one. So...the translation would be...this knee hurts and this one is killing me and I'm feeling it constantly.

*From Layne: This sounds much worse than what I meant when I said it.  I can move fine, but raising my leg like I would when I ride a bike hurt, and I felt like I couldn't do that.

Today

Today Layne was up making breakfast when I got back from picking up the boys at seminary. He doesn't usually make breakfast these days. Yesterday at the same time he was still in bed. This morning he got up to say good-bye to his parents that left after helping with the kids this past weekend. After breakfast, I went to my class and then saw him drive into the parking lot of the Rec. Center as I was driving out. After working out it was time to come home and get ready for work. He goes in a couple of times a week for just a few hours. (He'll do 8-10 hours a week total.) After work he stopped to get the oil changed and then came home. I asked how he was doing. The response was - "I'm tired, I'm tired, I'm really tired...and hungry.". It was strung out a bit...maybe for emphasis. We proceeded with our evening, which included him making the sauce for our spaghetti. He stayed home instead of joining the Young Men in their event this evening. He was tired (see above) and wasn't up for doing something that might take physical exertion in the cold.

Little Things

Nice to see Layne's running clothes in the laundry today. It was mostly a walk...but, still. He ran part of the way. I think he's glad he went. He was told that moving around a bit would help him feel better and give him more energy. He's working with the Wellness Center on a fitness program they've put together for him.

A Little Tired

Layne went back to work yesterday. My only concern was rather he would be tired or not. I asked him about it when he got home. His response was, "I was a little tired after my walk during lunch.". Really? It's the first day back to work and he feels the need to sneak in some exercise during lunch. He mentioned he had a few minutes of head nodding after that. Apparently, the rest of the day went just fine.
He also had a co-worker (and their family) give our family a fun gift of the makings for ice cream sundaes. (Thanks Sorensons!) It worked out perfect for our 'treat' last night. Jacob was in charge of that for our Family Home Evening and anyone who knows...knows that he will choose ice cream just about every time. It made it even more meaningful knowing that it came from a family that worked with Layne and the boys on LegoLeague last year. So fun to have it be from a family we've all met and think are great. (We're all very grateful Layne works with some fabulous people. I truly think some will be life long friends...including those who go with him on hikes, walks and for disc golf not long after he's had chemo.)