Journey to the finish line by b0alvarez

Septermber 2007 - This is my journey to the finish line.  I have never ran a marathon, although I was a member of the Track team while in college (De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines, class 1980).  Back then it was dream just run in one of the US marathons, like the Boston or NY marathon.  Now that I have been living in the US for many years, I took it for granted.

Next year I will be 50 years (young).  I could go buy my Harley Davidson, if my wife will let me, or get me a Rolex or go on a cruise.  Instead, I have decided to run the Chicago Marathon, and this is my journey.

April 2008 - That was how I wrote my blog overview in September 2007 and after five months, my journey took a sudden detour.  In March 2008, I was diagnosed with colon cancer.  My doctors tell me it is not a 'death sentence' (it seems that phrase is common lingo among doctors and cancer patients), but nonetheless a serious disease.

I temporarily hanged my still-to-be baptized NIKE Pegasus running shoes to concentrate on this new challenge.  It is a setback but I will be back.  On with the journey....

May 2009 - As you can see I am back to running.  Logging distance between me and my cancer.  In March, I had a colonoscopy and it was good.  Since my last chemotherapy in October 2008, I go back to the hospital every six-week for my tumor count and checkup.  I still have a port-a-cath in my right chest (just in case my cancer comes back) but so far I have completed two memorable races.  I am getting there one step at a time, one mile marker at a time.  Thanks for your support.