Date: 11/7/12

Symptoms: Blood in Urine

Tests/Procedures in the last 4 weeks:

1. Urinalysis to diagnose an infection (11/9)
2. CT scan: an X-ray but gives much better detail. (11/9)
3. Cystourethroscopy: a cystoscope (a thin, telescope-like tube with a light and tiny camera attached) is inserted into the bladder through the urethra to view the bladder and kidneys (11/21)
4. Cystoscopy & Biopsy (under anesthesia): A thin tube with a tiny camera on the end is passed through the urethra to visualize the right kidney. (11/28)
5. Ureteral stent: a thin tube inserted into the ureter to prevent obstruction of the urine flow from the kidney.Stent inserted (during above procedure) to reduce trauma (11/28)
6. Intravenous pyelogram, or IVP: X-ray of the urinary tract. A dye is first injected into your vein; the dye is filtered by your kidneys and provides contrast so the kidneys are easier to see. A series of X-rays is taken over a 30-minute period, looking for blockages or problems. (12/4)
7. Urinalysis. Stent removed. (12/5)

Results:

1. Negative – no infection
2. Negative – no tumors, no masses, no stones
3. Negative – normal bladder (no cancer), normal left kidney, blood source= right kidney
4. Negative – no biopsy needed – no polyps or abnormal cells found
5. …
6. Negative – nothing abnormal found – no malignant cells, no blockages
7. No infection.  Antibiotics prescribed as a precaution

Next Steps:

• There seems to be NO FOUND CAUSE for the bleeding.
• Continue on as normal
• Hopefully the bleeding will stop or be minimal.
• Contact the doctor if the bleeding increases or there is pain.
• Return for procedure #3 in 4 months.

So how does this relate to running? 

For the most part, I was not in any physical pain during the first 3 procedures.  When I went to my doctor for #1, the PA there told that I had bladder cancer & to go to the hospital for more tests. Test #3 revealed that the problem was not in the bladder. For test #4, the urologist was looking for evidence of kidney cancer.  That has been ruled out for now.

So as you can see, it was pretty scary. And mentally, I could not focus on running…at all.  (I was also very sore after test#4)

Running Post Stress Fracture:

11/11 – 1/2 mi
11/13 – 1/2 mi
11/15 – 1/2 mi
11/17 – 1 mi
11/19  – 1 mi
11/21 – 1 mi
11/23 – 1.5 mi
11/25 – 1.5 mi
11/27 – 1.5 mi
12/2 – 2 mi
12/4 – 3 mi

NO tennis yet. Yes, I am off my half marathon plan already. Not worried…

Here are some photos from my run/walk through the park yesterday.  It definitely lifted my spirits.

Ready or not, I am doing my 12th race of the season (a 5K) in this park around these lights on Dec. 15!!

Happy Running!

No for the first time in several years, I did not participate in a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot!

last year

• 2011 – Bethlehem Towne Turkey Trot 5k (new course)
• 2010 – Bethlehem Towne Turkey Trot 5K (5k PR)
• 2009 – Cardiac Classic 5k

I was tempted…but I am only up to running 1 mile and it would be stupid to do it (even though I am known to do stupid things like running a 5k with a stress fracture).  I did not want to end up with another stress fracture.

Since it was just my hubby & me, I decided not to cook and instead go out to eat.  We decided to go to Lake George Village.  Two restaurants there had Thanksgiving Buffets and although both of the menus looked great,  I chose The View at Dunham’s Bay (because it had a better view.)

It was beautiful day for a ride.

the view from our table

The food was good.  Not as good as mine…ha ha.  But certainly more relaxing than shopping…cooking…and cleanup.

The desserts were the best.  I had French Silk pie and apple pie.  My hubby had strawberry shortcake & pumpkin pie.

We couldn’t resist after dinner taking a ride north to our marina.

it looks odd without any boats

We ended the day at the movies – Life of Pi.  A little sad and definitely leaves you thinking.  I recommend it. (now I want to read the book – which I usually do first.)

Happy Running! Did you run a Turkey Trot?  Hope you had an enjoyable day.