Cancer Update - August 17, 2020

 

So here is the presurgical update on my cancer journey. Since my last surgery on June 30^th, it’s been a bit of a challenge. As discussed in an earlier post, they discovered that they did not get all the breast cancer. In fact, the radiologist had read the MRI incorrectly. The underlying chest wall muscle was affected as well as the sternum and possibly the ends of one or two ribs. This meant a series of meetings with additional surgeons, including a plastic surgeon and a thoracic surgeon. They also sent me to an oncologist.

I had a CT of the chest and the abdominal area. GOOD NEWS!  No additional cancer was discovered. I went to the Emergency Room last Saturday night with excruciating pain in my jaw. An abscess was ruled out, but they still suspected a possible dental issue. After following up with my dentist, trigeminal neuralgia was suspected. I had never heard of this condition, but it is caused by pressure on the trigeminal nerve that carries pain sensations from several parts of your head to the brain. Since I was already scheduled for a maxillofacial CT scan and a full bone scan the next day, he felt it best to see what those tests indicated.

Surprisingly, the CT scan showed that I had sinus disease with the most severe disease in the left maxillary sinus. There was also obstruction of the left ostiomeatal complex and mucosal thickening in both the left and right ostiomeatal complexes. In English, it sounds as if I had a bad sinus infection. I’m now on a course of antibiotics for this with a possible referral to an ENT post-surgery.

So having completed all of that, surgery is scheduled on Wednesday at Christ. I will have three surgeons: my breast cancer surgeon, a plastic surgeon, and a thoracic surgeon. I will be admitted into a cardiac step-down unit for one or two days. The thoracic surgeon will oversee my care because most of what needs to be done will be done by him. The plastic surgeon is responsible for any reconstruction that may be necessary. 

They still think my cancer is localized and there is no sign of metastasis to other areas. I will need radiation at some point, but there will be no need for chemotherapy as my specific cancer does not respond to chemotherapy.

So, as you can imagine, I just want this to be over with. Thank you for praying for me. As you know, due to Covid, I will not be able to have visitors during this time. We’ll talk on the other side.

Returning to Cleveland - The Encore - August 15, 2020

When we were compiling the blog posts to create this book, we had this feeling of unfinished business. For one thing, although Bill had done the ceremonial "wheel dip" in Lake Erie, we hadn't taken a picture of it. We had forgotten that Edgewater Park was also the home of the famous "Cleveland" sign that is a great foreground for Lake Erie and the city in the background. In addition, that was the first day out and we found the trail nearly impossible to navigate through the city of Cleveland.

So on a whim, we decided to return to Cleveland, ride from the trail head for the Towpath Trail and head north to the lake and see if we had better luck. The day was beautiful for August and not only would I be able to ride with Bill, but we would be able to take our dog, Adie. We knew it would be a long day, but we felt it would be worth it -- and it was.

Edgewater Park

Heading north, it was easy to follow the trail -- at least at first. A few miles up the path, it abruptly ended. This area of Cleveland is undergoing gentrification. Upscale condos were being constructed along the path which, when completed, should enable residents to make an easy commute into the city. Luckily for us, we met two locals who were riding to Lake Erie and they offered to let us travel with them. Little did we know that we would be riding through the city streets of downtown Cleveland, starting at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and passing two stadiums. 

We rode for about three miles on Detroit Ave. which was very bike-friendly with separate bike lanes in most places. We crossed a long bridge which had a separated path for bikes, making it feel very safe. In another 20 blocks, we turned right on 65th Street where eventually we hooked up with the path that ended write at Edgewater Park.

This time, we did not forget to take the picture of the bike at the lake's edge. Unlike the previous time we visited, the beach was crowded with swimmers who were doing everything they could to be socially-distanced during this pandemic. There were beautiful trails connecting one side of the beach to the other where the Cleveland sign was located. 

Since we were making this trip in one day, including the bike ride, it was time to try to find our way back to the trail head. Without our local guides, this was very difficult to do. I remember one case where I could stand at the end of the trail and look over where the road was torn up to the next section. You just couldn't get there.

Again, with help from some of the locals, we made it back. We had Adie with us for the whole 26-mile round trip, and I honestly think she enjoyed the whole thing. I'll let you be the judge.

Our toothless wonder, Adie, in her bike basket.

Round-trip from our house to Edgewater Park is 237 miles. By now it was time to reward ourselves with a milk shake and head home. We made it home by 11:00 pm having traveled nearly 500 miles by car and another 25 by bike -- 14 hours in all. But it was well worth it. Mission accomplished.

An Unexpected Ending - Thanks to the Cincinnati Police

When Don Buccheit and I arrived at the Public Landing for the obligatory "wheel dip" in the Ohio River, you were required to pay $5.00 to park your car on the landing. There was a police officer parked next to the entrance. I pulled up right behind him and asked if he would mind if we left the car there for five minutes while we took pictures. He told me that he would let me park in his spot while he parked on the opposite side of the street while we took pictures.

With our task completed, I introduced Bill to Sgt. D. Anderson. We shared the story of Bill's adventure and told him that we were heading over to Christian Moerlein for a beer and a toast. He told Bill that he had something he wanted to give him and to wait for him on the plaza outside of the restaurant.

Imagine our surprise when Officer Anderson showed up with two other police officers, including one who is in the bike patrol. (I wish I had written down their names).

They presented Bill with an official Cincinnati Police Department patch as well as two other items.  The key chain is for the "Pan Ohio Hope Ride," a four-day ride from Cleveland to Cincinnati sponsored by the American Cancer Society.  In addition, they gave him a medal. It is edged with a bike chain surrounding the "Cincinnati Police Department" which it says has been "Pedaling Since 1894." Who knew? The back of the medal is truly a work of art with the Cincinnati skyline in the background.

It must have felt similar to receiving a medal after running a marathon. And the best part was that these three officers were the icing on the cake for Bill's accomplishment.

As promised, we had a celebratory beer and lunch with our friend Don Buchheit. What a wonderful day!

The Erie to Ohio Trail - Lunken to the Ohio River - August 12, 2020

 

On this, the final day of our Erie to Ohio adventure, Bill returned to Lunken Airport where the trail links to the Ohio River Trail. As you can see from the map, not all of the trail is off-road. However, the city has added a bike lane from Kellogg Ave. along Riverside Dr. to downtown Cincinnati. 

We have ridden this road many times. The bike lane has really made this a safe route. It is special to me because it travels along the childhood home of my father and grandparents at 2424 Riverside Dr. It used to be Eastern Ave., but gentrification has led to renaming the road to one perceived to be more "upscale." Across the street from my Dad's home are million-dollar condominiums built on the site of what once had been my Dad's elementary school. You can't ride this stretch of road without feeling the presence of my Jones ancestors. You can read a lot more about my Dad's home by using this link to my blog about our Ohio River roots.

This last leg was a short seven miles. Our neighbor and good friend, Don Buchheit, accompanied us to the Public Landing for the obligatory wheel dip in the Ohio River.

Due to a couple of detours, Bill had ridden 352 miles over 9 days that began with a trip to Cleveland on July 20th. Mark one more item off of the Bucket List.

I do have one more incredible story to tell. That will be the subject of the next post. For now, it was off to Christian Moerlein for a celebratory toast.

Erie to Ohio Trail - Miamiville to the Beechmont Levy - August 11, 2020

 

I was scheduled for a full day of scans at Christ Hospital. Bill, therefore, took his bike by car to our familiar Miamiville starting point. The plan for today was to ride to where the trail ends at the Beechmont Levy. Unfotunately, this branch of the trail does not currently connect to Rts. 32 or Rt. 125 at this time. 

Alternatively, cyclists can choose to leave this Little Miami Trail at Newtown Road and Wooster Pike and travel by road to the Otto Armleder Park. This is about a five-mile road trip through Mariemont that would require a lot of rider caution. The benefit of the second route is that it provides a direct connection to the Lunken Airport Trail. The part highlighted in orange represents the on-road portion.

Having explored both alternatives, Bill thought it was best to avoid the off-trail portion. Instead he retraced the top path to Miamiville, logging 22 miles round trip. There was only one short leg left to complete our mission of traveling the entire trail from Lake Erie to the Ohio River.

Ohio to Erie Trail - Spring Valley to Miamisville - August 10, 2020

 

For the first time, I did not accompany Bill on his bike ride. The goal today was to ride from Spring Valley to Miamiville, our home access point to the trail. Locally, this part of the trail is called the Little Miami Bike Trail, as it parallels the Little Miami River in most places. The trail is heavily shaded and passes through Loveland, Ohio-- a very popular hub. These are typical of the kind of images you will see along this section of the trail.

When Bill reached Miamiville, I was not available for pickup -- so equipped with a Rad ebike, he was able to continue up a very steep road to our house. What a pleasure to bike in familiar territory! Including the additional miles to our home, Bill logged 45 miles today.

Ohio to Erie Trail - London to Spring Valley Ohio - August 8, 2020

 

On Saturday morning, I drove Bill up to London, Ohio with hopes of at least making it to Xenia. My plan was to take the car to Xenia Station where several bike trails interesect. From there, I would head north on my bike to meet him and ride back. It was a beautiful day with butterflies flying among the prairie flowers.I met Bill in the small town of Cedarville, which coincidentally is the town where our current governor, Mike Dewine, lives. We got back to Xenia Station, a former train station that has been renovated as a hub for several bike trails. 

                                                              Credit: Wikipedia       

As Bill was feeling strong, he decided to ride an addional seven miles to Spring Valley. Part of the motivation for riding on to Spring Valley was to visit their ice cream shop. Everyone who rides that section of the trail knows to stop for some ice cream. Today was no exception. Several cyclists stopped for their treat. Unfortunately, the shop was closed. 

 

If I had to guess, the ice cream shop was a casualty of the Covid 19 pandemic. It's so difficult to see so many businesses unable to survive in these difficult financial times.

We loaded the bike on the car and headed home. Bill was able to log an additional 41 miles.  

Ohio to Erie Trail - Southwest Columbus to London, OH - August 7, 2020

Friday morning, Bill and I headed 108 miles north by car to continue our adventure. After Wednesday's navigation issues, we were looking forward to a day without a lot of off-trail challenges. According to our maps, there were a few off-road streets we were going to have to travel before hooking up with the Camp Chase Trail. Surprisingly, when we were traveling the side streets, we saw the Camp Chase Trail off to the right. Our maps for this section were almost 7 years old. In that timeframe, they had completed more of the trail.

After connecting with the Camp Chase Trail, it was a pretty straight ride. Bill was able to ride 26 miles before we packed up for the day. With each day, we get closer to home. The end is within reach.

Centerburg to Southwest Columbus - Wednesday, August 5th, 2020

 A Navigation Nightmare

One of the biggest challenges of this adventure has been following the trail. In some areas, the trail is clearly marked and easy to navigate. In others, it is extremely challenging. Despite coming with multiple maps and a book published about the Ohio to Erie Canal, it was probably inevitable that the navigator (me) would get it wrong at some point. Today was the day.

We were trying to travel the Alum Creek Trail picture in red on the image to the left. In some places, the trail was not clearly marked. We missed the trail going into Westerville. We regrouped there, and headed south, knowing that we could pick up the trail just south of going under I-270. I even stopped at a sign directing us to the trail but didn't trust the sign. I knew we needed to be traveling in a southwest direction, and the sign was encouraging us to go east. 

In light of my misjudgment, Bill traveled all the way down Route 3 for several miles into downtown Columbus (highlighted in yellow). You can see from the map that it is a straighter shot, but obviously a much more dangerous one. The route included several stretches of bike lanes, but they were often filled with road debris, gravel and glass.

The trail was well-marked in downtown Columbus, making navigation easy. We were able to hook up with the Scioto Greenway Trail. At one point, Bill had to choose to follow the trail to the right or the left. He chose to go right, which ended up being a spur into the community of Grandview Heights. He gave me a call and I was able to pick him up in a beautiful neighborhood of luxurious homes. We logged an additional 41 miles.

I want to give a shout-out to the communities who install these signs along the path in their jurisdiction. I'm looking forward to the day that all of the paths have such clear directions for riders to follow.

Ohio to Erie Trail - Glenmont to Centerburg - August 1, 2020

We woke up Saturday morning to rain. Rain had not been forecast for early in the morning and we resigned ourselves to heading home. I suggested that we at least drive to where we had stopped the day before in Glenmont. It would take about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get there and it was in the direction we were heading.

Just as we arrived in Glenmont, the rain slowed down to a trickle. We decided to "got for it." This trail was going to take us through Danville and Mt.Vernon ending in Centerburg, the geographical center of the state of Ohio. We had been told that this was an incredibly beautiful part of the trail. The first part of the trail included a 3 1/2 mile gradual incline that our ebikes tackled with ease. Eight miles in, we encountered the Bridge of Dreams, a 370' long covered bridge.

While I was on the bridge, no fewer than 20 Amish people crossed the bridge on bicycles. Others crossed with their horse and buggy. I have to admit that this leg of the trip was my favorite so far. Although I've been in all kinds of environments all around the world, I will never truly feel at home unless the natural habitat includes deciduous trees, lots of green, rivers and streams.

I do not get to ride a lot of the trail, as my job is to assist in navigation and pick Bill and his bike up at the end of each day of riding. Luckily, this is part of the trail I got to ride, too. As you can see, we met

at the bridge. I included a picture of the view of the valley from the bridge.

Returning to the car, I had a wonderful talk with an Amish family consisting of the husband, wife, son and baby. The father had added electric batteries to two Schwinn bikes. The son rode behind his father on a one-wheel tandem attachment and the baby rode behind her mother in a cart. They had travelled the trail for about 30 miles for a getaway weekend and were on their way home.

Bill traveled on to Mt.Vernon, where we met for a quick lunch. From there it was on to Centerburg. He stopped and took a "selfie" next to a monument that marked the highest elevation on the Heart of Ohio Trail. Our three-day getaway was complete with Bill logging 145 miles.

Hopefully, we will be able to return soon.

Ohio to Erie Trail - Sippo Valley (Massillon) to Glenmont, OH - July 31st

We left our hotel and travelled to the Sippo Valley Trailhead. The trail connected downtown Massillon with Dalton. Heading south from there, we traveled several miles on the open road through Amish farming communities. I had worried about there being no off-road trail in this area, but the locals had all the turns clearly marked. The area was very beautiful with rolling hills, but traffic was practically non-existent. 

In this picture you can see the hand-harvested hay that is not typical of the machine-produced bales we are used to seeing. Near the back of this picture you can barely see the farmer and his horse along the fence line.

We stopped for lunch in the small town of Fredericksburg. Numerous Amish were doing their shopping, often arriving by bicycle pulling a cart. They, too, stopped at the Pizza Parlor on the corner for lunch. Since the Covid 19 pandemic was in full force, most of the people, including the Amish, wore facemasks. It was difficult to “social distance” while placing your order, but pizza and banana shakes were delivered to us at a picnic table outside. We met another cyclist who lives in Columbus but had driven north to ride this section of the trail. He told us of some of the not-to-be-missed scenes that we would encounter, complete with pictures on his phone.

After a very satisfying lunch, we were able to enter the trail that would take us to Holmesville and Millersburg. This is truly Amish country. The trail was extra wide because one side was devoted to horses and carriages.

As I rode along, I encountered an Amish family on the trail. I was trying to respectfully request permission to take their picture. There was no response except for a smile. Only then did I realize that they may not speak English. Many of the Amish we encountered spoke to each other using a German dialect. My hesitation in taking the picture made me unable to capture the entire horse. The rest of the picture was too good not to include.

Bill was able to ride 53 miles, including a large stretch on the road between Kilbuck and Glenmont. All-in-all, it was a great day.

Ohio to Erie Trail - Boston Mills to Massillon, OH - July 30th

This has always been one of my favorite quotes. It seems so appropriate now. Last Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were spent with medical appointments. Looking at my calendar, I knew we were going to have a few days free, so Bill and I decided at the last minute to head north with our bicycles. Our plan was to take off from where we ended 11 days earlier. Riding the Ohio to Erie Trail, that transverses the state of Ohio from Cincinnati to Cleveland, has long been on Bill's bucket list. 

I've found on my breast cancer journey that there are two things that help me cope: 1) writing this blog, and 2) taking small trips that do not put me at risk of exposure to Covid 19. We headed up to Columbus to my daughter's house. (They were away on vacation, so no chance of exposure there). The next morning, we drove to Boston Mills in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Here we were able to start again. Bill rides the entire distance and I meet him with the car at the predetermined endpoint. As you can see, every precaution is taken.

I rode the first 12 miles with Bill and then returned to the car. The scenery was incredible.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

I don't think I spent one minute thinking about cancer or surgery. The skies were a bit overcast with the high reaching about 80 degrees -- a perfect day for a bike ride.