Most reports of Lance's cancer that I have read was that he did not just have testicular cancer which is actually more common in cyclist's than any other sport. From what I have read on that subject it has something to do with pressure on the testicles and prostate gland while riding a bike, i.e. inflammation, circulation, etc. and the ingestion of serious amounts of car pollution out on the road. He also had lung and brain cancer. This could be erroneous information, but I have read this in a magazine article and saw/heard it in a documentary.
From my experience with friends who have had cancer, some who have died and somewho have survived, steroids are used as part of the treatment, ie. prednisone (sp) to protect the lining of the lungs during chemotherapy, other steroids designed to shrink the swelling caused by tumours so that critical arteries are not cut off by the tumour. Of the fortunate few who survived, their bodies did change including muscle mass, fat ratio to lean. Their weight returned to pre-cancer state, but their bodies were physically different to look at. The ones who survived made drastic changes to their diets and lifestyles. Most of my friends who survived became almost fanatical when it came to ingesting or taking any medications of any kind into their system including herbal supplements and even basic aspirin.
Perhaps he changed his lifestyle including what he ate. Maybe he stopped eating McDonald's and switched to a more healthy way of eating. I remember looking at a picture of a breakfast set up for Silence Lotto prior to the 2008 TdF when Popovich first started training with them. I am a fan of his and was interested in their website. There wasn't a vegetable or fruit visible. Nothing but deep fried puff pastry stuff, greasy meat, etc. I know cyclists burn lots of calories, but surely a balanced and healthy diet will make a difference in the long run. I understand that Astana had an excellent nutritionist on their team. From what I have read, during the Discovery Channel years, they had a top notch nutritionist. If you have a large budget for medical staff, nutritionists and the like, surely that would improve a cyclists performance? I find it hard to believe that person who had a 20% chance of survival if you read the reports, and did in fact survive, and stay in remission for this long, would pollute their body. So we can surmise, suppose and say anything, but we really do not know for a fact.
A lot of cyclists went to be coached by Ferrari and he other guy, Ciccione (sp). From what I have read about them, not all of their client's were involved in their doping regimes and they even said so when interviewed. They offered it, but it was the cyclist's choice. (Also extremely expensive). They also did a lot of training about positioning on the bike, how to get the best power out of their legs on flats and hills, and designed training and exercise programs for each individual who hired them depending upon their physical attributes and abililities. They were scientists as well as sport coaches.
It's like saying that because I went to Dr. Morgenthaler for a female physical check up, I had an abortion because that is all he ever did. Yes, he is famous because of the legal issues surrounding that subject, but he was also one of the world's best gynecologists.
I agree with the person who defined "hearsay". Evidence, Evidence. I want to see it to believe it. Not read it from some hack newspaper who only want to sell their product. I want several independent sources to confirm that evidence and from sources that I respect, and which are independent and do not have any axe to grind.
This is not because I am a Lance Armstrong fan - - I am not. I used to be, but no longer and that has nothing to do with the possibility that he doped or that he didn't or doesn't. It is because of his total lack of graciousness surrounding his behaviour towards Contador. I cannot possibly imagine what it must have been like for Alberto Contador.
But he deserves the same respect as any one else on this planet. Besides, this forum seems to be filled with people who are judging a person without even knowing him personally or intimately. All we see is a human being who has faults and failings, and we read stuff which may or may not be true, as he has become a celebrity. People who cannot stand him probably are jealous. He has too much and achieved too much, is arrogant and he is the kind of person who people either dislike intensely or admire very much. He does not inspire any insipid or wishy-washing feelings.
I for one will continue to watch the TdF and follow cycling, because there is nothing more exciting and there is no sport for me that demonstrates the herculean effort that these atheletes are required to do day in and day out. It boggles the mind that any person can ride a bicycle for 21 days, maybe 7 hours per day without dying. The amazing strength that it takes emotionally, physically and psychologically blows me away.
- although his attention to detail and single-minded focus were apparent I will say i found him approachable and friendly.
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