FishExplorer.com Blogs

Nothing to do with Fishing
by: Alan Peak , Colorado2/14/2012

What does it really take to change someone's outlook?  For me it is the 2.4cm tumor sitting inside of me.  

Please, let us get one thing straight before I start.  I am not looking for pity or the "I hope you feel better soon" type responses to this.  I just hope as a son, father, fisherman and friend I change a few minds.

Well, actually this has everything to do with the two most important things in many of our lives; family and fishing.

I was rushed to the hospital a few years ago.  It was not pretty, I was barely conscience when I arrived.  Since that trip a few years ago I have had two more such visits.  The second trip I brushed off, I was sure that I could tough it out and everything would be fine.   The last visit to the emergency room a few weeks ago was my official wake up call.  In a few weeks I will have this tumor surgically removed.  My  excellent doctor does not think that is cause for much concern, but like Powerbait on the Dream Stream, the tumor does not belong.  Little nervous, but everything will be fine.

If you have gotten this far you are wondering how this relates to fishing?  Personally, I am going to lose a month of some of the best fishing of the season.  Thirty days of spring ice-off madness.  Also, there was a virgin lake I have been eying that most likely has not had an ice fisherman on it for years that I wanted to visit.  Really not a big deal.  Should I continue to smoke cigarettes and eat whatever I want, I could stand to lose far more than a month of fishing days!

I like numbers, so let's look at them.  They rarely lie.  I smoke one pack of cigarettes a day at $5.50 a pack.  Every week that is $38.50, $154.00 a month and nearly $2000.00 a year.  But who cares about money right?  You guys sitting on the shore are listening now?  I want a boat!  Well, for you on the boats lighting up after catching that fish, smoking generally takes 13-14 years off of your life as reported by CDC.  New England Journal of Medicine reported findings of up to 31 percent of premature deaths are linked to excessive weight and lack of physical exercise.

I am extremely fortunate in these times to have the medical support that I need.  Chantix, the drug that I am taking to quit smoking is working phenomenally.  If you do not have prescription drug coverage this is worth the $172.00 price tag.  Go see your doctor and make sure it is right for you!

Cookies, fake sugar, soda, energy drinks, deep fried and red meat have not been cut out of my diet, but severely limited.  Fruit, yogurt, whole grains, salads and plain water however have become a daily event.

I will leave with this.  What is the best fishing tip you have ever gotten?  If I can change my habits now and  live 13 years longer, be fit and ready to climb a mountain to a far off lake with my daughter....  I have already caught more fish.

Blog content © Alan Peak

Member comments

alanlf5280, CO   2/15/2012 10:30:14 AM
This was in an email I saved awhile back that I felt I would share. "We become so busy cursing our ill fate that we forget to be thankful for all the gifts we have been given. Cherish every moment. Make best use of your time on earth. Think of what is truly important. Devote time to all that is important, and discard all that is unnecessary. Refuse to get caught up in petty issues. Life is too short for these." I know you are not looking for it, but... I hope the surgery goes well and they are able to remove the tumor successfully. You will be in my family's prayers and we wish you a speedy recovery to getting back to your family and fishing.

 

Coyute, CO   2/15/2012 10:38:22 AM
Thanks for sharing. After being off the smokes for most of last fishing season, like a doofus, I picked them up again. All I can do is dust off my chaps, give that horse a stern look in the eye, and get back on. A little motivation goes a long ways when you are trying to kick snot out of a smoking Jones, so thanks for that. Stay cool and fish strong. Great picture. :)

 

FishForAll, CO   2/15/2012 10:52:00 AM
I read your blog with great interest.I too was in the same situation 1 year ago when cancer was found inside me after I was taken to the hospital. It was the hardest thing I had ever gone through in my life. The good news is you now have a story to tell that may make a differance in someone eleses life. Not only do you have the medical support you need, but you have the moral support from friends and family that will become the most important thing for you to get through anything life has to throw your way. I do not know who you are, but I comend you for sharing your experience with the rest of us. Jeff Don

 

Alan Peak (moosegoose), CO   2/16/2012 9:38:49 PM
I knew that there would be a few members that have shared my experience. This no smoking thing is tough!

 

Lloyd Tackitt, TX   2/17/2012 10:22:55 AM
Alan, good luck with the surgery. If your doc isn't worried then you shouldn't be either. Seven years ago I was diagnosed with cancer - I remember hearing my doc say "I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but you have cancer...". After hearing those words it was like someone turned the sound off. I could see his mouth moving as he continued to talk, but not another word came through. When I finally could hear him again, the next visit by the way, he wasn't worried about the outcome - and he was right. I have quit smoking twice. Once a long long time ago I went cold turkey and it was rough. I was edgy, and hungry and nasty to be around. The second time was last year. I had started smoking cigars occasionally and that led to full time smoking again. This second quit was a lot easier. I did a little research and then visited my doctor. I asked him to prescribe Zyban (Bupropion), and he did. With its help I quit easily and without all the previous stress and angst. If you are thinking of quitting, read up and consider it - your mileage may vary of course - but it sure worked great for me.

 

Alan Peak (moosegoose), CO   3/15/2012 4:28:24 AM
Done with surgery. While this tumor is most likely not cancerous nor caused by smoking or bad diet, it sure has been a wake up call to what could be in store. Today when they pulled the second IV out it was of the thickest gauge I have ever seen. The lower enlisted medic that pulled it out said, "I overheard that they were not sure what they would find, and they didn't know how this surgery would go." Sobering words coming from a very honest mouth. I am glad this happened. I will forever be changed by this experience. I thank everyone for their support and kind words. Alan Peak.