Pain is Temporary, Quitting lasts Forever

Holistic Fitness | June 13, 2011 | Share

Lance Armstrong – It’s Not About The Bike, is an inspirational story of an American professional cyclist Lance Edward Armstrong. Collaborated with Sally Jenkins, Lance gives an unflinching account of his combat with testicular cancer and his triumph over the dreaded disease. It’s about his Journey Back to Life!

This memoir is an attempt to motivate the readers and strengthen the resolve of those who are battling for their life against a horrifying experience called CANCER. To confront one’s death is not easy for anyone.

The book reveals the emotionally turbulent youth of Lance and his early success in the triathlon and road racing events. His relentless endeavours to create opportunity out of every difficulty that had cultivated the seeds for always fighting the odds.

“The Golden Boy of American Cycling” was diagnosed with cancer in the fall of 1996 at a prime age of 25, when he was en route to achieving world class success as a cyclist. Before the diagnosis, his groin had swollen, his eyesight blurred, feeling of sleepiness and fatigue and other symptoms reduced his performance on his bike but he was in constant denial to admit of a health problem as cyclists live in a world where they cultivate a feeling of invincibility and infallibility.
His initial tests indicated advanced testicular cancer with metastasis to lungs and later to the brain. His initial prognosis for survival was less than forty percent. After his surgery, cancer could not be contained instead it proliferated rapidly. His chances of retaining his virility also diminished considerably following the surgery and chemotherapy.
In his valiant battle against cancer, he revealed one of the most grueling moments were those when he underwent the most antagonistic form of chemotherapy sessions. The acrid and toxic chemicals burnt his blood vessels while flowing into the bloodstream. The paradox was fiercer the action of chemicals on his cells that incapacitated him, better were the chances of his recuperation. The discoloured skin, incessant retching, unremitting coughing, drowsiness and the loss of hair were some of the horrifying physical side effects of the chemotherapy besides the psychological depredation that demoralising cancer brought.

He embarked his second life five months after his diagnosis. His defiant nature and irrational sanguinity awarded him with this chance, where he could resume his training to pursue his life-long dream to win the Tour de France, the most arduous but also one of the most exalting competitions, but there loomed a cloud of uncertainty due to the enfeeblement caused by the aggressive chemotherapy sessions. To pursue his dream, he had to rededicate himself, discover the determination and passion all over again to continue the demanding training schedules and subsequently be a contender in the most coveted cycling event.

Months later, he made a miraculous comeback when he won the Tour de France in record time. He went on to win seven consecutive Tour de France titles.

Cancer is feared for its gradual, cataclysmic effects on the body eventually leading to demise. He considers cancer as his life altering and a humbling experience. It made him realise his strength and capacities as an individual. He discovered the greater purpose in life and set up a foundation to assist other cancer patients survive the intimidating cancer.

This book chronicles the conviction, courage and verve of Lance Armstrong along with the support of his single mother, friends, sponsors and hospital staff. It documents the discovery, treatment procedures and his active participation in it, medical difficulties, recovery, comeback and love well. It includes black and white photographs of his life before, during and after cancer. At the end of this emotional testimony, one has nothing but admiration for him.

Radhika Saraf