Hey folks,

Stage 3B NSCHL here.

I'm curious what is was like for those of you who perhaps exercised regularly and worked a full 40hrs change (I'd usually put in a lot of overtime hours) before your diagnosis and treatment.

I just polished off my 9th out of 12 treatments today, so I'll be finishing up next month on the 15th. I can't believe how quickly things have moved, and my hematologist is very pleased with the results of my interim PET and CTs, stating that I may not even need any targeted radiation at the end of my chemo to finish off any localized cells that are left kicking.

Regardless, I'll be ready for either. What I really wanted to ask was; how long did you give yourself before you took on your normal lifestyle again. I mean, I know the best things to do right now during treatment are maintaining a normal, healthy lifestyle. But more in the category of my career and exercise, especially going back to the gym.

I know a return should be gradual, thorough, and requires patience. I actually will be taking on a promotion when I return to work, which I had received merely days before my diagnosis (go figure), so I'm super eager to get the ball rolling and return to work. Also, because being off work is becoming increasingly financially strenuous the linger I wait. I proposed to my employers about returning to work, but that was before I started grastofil shots, which hurt my bones and ache my muscle to the point where I cannot even move my body for the 2nd leg of my cycle. So work is a no, at least until chemo is completed.

Sorry for making this into a novel's worth of questions and thoughts, but I'm just so unbelievably eager to get back to work. I've finally achieved a long-standing career goal of mine and it's just been dangling in front of me this whole battle.

I'm just a 23 year old dude who's very career oriented and who wants his abs back. I used to go to the gym 5-6 days a week.

Anyway, any stories or suggestions would help, and thank you for all those who've read this far.

Cheers.