Cancer, Hope and a Heart Rate Monitor

Bill Zuhurenac of Lewisburg, West Virginia, is a non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor. With help from his coach and trainer, Dr. Alinda Perrine, Bill used his heart rate monitor in multiple phases of treatment, recovery, and rebuilding his fitness. Here is his inspiring story.

“In 2003, at the age of 48 years old, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I was physically fit, riding my bicycle at least 2 days per week, and easily hiking 10-12 miles on my job as Forest Manager. I ate good; I felt good; and I looked good. Yes, life was good. My heart rate reflected excellent daily ambient heart rates of 60-70 beats per minute when sitting. I rode my bicycle up the West Virginia hills fairly easily and my recovery heart rate was good.

“Then I noticed an enlarged, hard lymph node in my groin. I immediately went to my doctor and was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Stage 4 meant that the cancer had already spread to my bone marrow. Chemotherapy started immediately. My physical condition began to deteriorate rapidly. I really missed my physical fitness. To my surprise, my friends started a weekly walking session with me. Walking and talking about anything but cancer was a huge psychological boost. I wore my heart rate monitor and noticed that I could only work in low heart rate zones of 50-60% of my maximum heart rate. By the end of the first round of 12 treatments once every 3 weeks, my body was tired. I could barely walk 1 mile.

“For five months after Round 1, I was in remission. I started short bicycling sessions and wore my heart rate monitor to assess the intensity of my exercise. Suddenly I began to notice one pupil was dilated more than the other and I had headaches. I couldn’t believe it, I was in relapse. The cancer had spread to my central nervous system and brain. I immediately began an aggressive round of stronger chemotherapy, 11 shots into my spine, followed by an autologous (from self) stem cell transplant. The eight days of high dose chemo left me barely able to get out of bed. At times, I was delirious, but somewhere in my mind I began to think about how I could help others through this extraordinarily difficult process.

“After the stem cell transplant, my recovery was slow. I wore my heart rate monitor and noticed that my ambient heart rate when sitting was 90 beats per minute — an indication of definite stress on the body. During the next three to six months, I was rebuilding strength to walk. Eventually, I could ride my bike 1 mile, get off, and rest. My heart rate would elevate with little effort. I noticed that if my heart rate elevated into higher zones, I would get very tired. Therefore, I used my heart rate monitor to control my heart rate and stay in lower heart rate zones. I used my heart rate monitor at work and when I hiked in the woods. My heart rate monitor was a valuable tool helping me get healthier each day.

“During my extensive treatment process, I was again surprised by my friends. As a gift of encouragement and hope, they purchased a LiteSpeed road bicycle for me. The group brought it to me singing Christmas carols and ringing bells. I just couldn’t believe the gift of love and support. I just couldn’t quit smiling. I couldn’t wait to ride that bicycle.

“After one and half years, my ambient heart rate improved and returned to a normal range of 70-80 beats per minute. I was using my heart rate monitor consistently to judge my progress. I kept (and continue to keep) a record of my heart rate profiles via my downloadable heart rate monitor. I always wear my heart rate monitor during my exercise and I monitor my ambient heart rate. I just feel naked without my heart rate monitor.

“By the end of 2006, I was feeling good again. I felt like me. Now, I was ready to put my desire to help others into action. I called upon my friends. We began to organize the Wheels of Hope Bicycle Ride in Lewisburg, WV. I am the founder of the ride and lead organizer.

“On July 2007, the first Wheels of Hope raised over $5,000. Half the money was donated to the Leukemia/ Lymphoma Society and the other half was given to residents in Greenbrier County who are battling cancer and need a gift of hope and inspiration. July 19, 2008 is the next Wheels of Hope. We have already exceeded our monetary goal and we anticipate 150 riders. And by the way, in April of 2008, I completed my first century bicycle ride surrounded by many of those same friends that encouraged me by the first gift of hope. Now, life is really good.”

Alinda recommends a heart rate monitor for anyone who is battling cancer. “The heart rate monitor gives real time, immediate feedback data from your heart,” she says. “Heart rate data is reflective of your emotions, responsive to your physical effort; can indirectly indicate a change in body chemistry; and attest to your mental focus. Using a heart rate monitor during and after cancer treatments can be reassuring, motivational, and informational. Heart rate monitors are useful for those seeking basic health as well as those seeking fitness or elite performance.”