Comments on: Zero Cancer Swimming: The Physical Becomes Metaphysical

By: READER SUBMISSIONS: Has Swimming Helped You Create an "Illness-Free Zone" During Cancer Treatment? | Total ImmersionTotal Immersion

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 01:38:16 +0000

[…] Zero-Cancer Swimming: The Physical Becomes Metaphysical– 8/5/16 […]

By: Chris Riches

Chris Riches — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 10:18:00 +0000

Inspirational to read your blog, Terry, although only just found it twenty months later. I, too, have advanced prostate cancer. I was diagnosed in November 2015 after a pulmonary emboli in the April; it occurred only two months before I was due to take part in my first GB age-group European Sprint Championships in Geneva and, therefore, I was unable to go. In the following years, 2016 and 2017, I did manage five sprint triathlons…just. Now, I can only swim, however, swimming and adopting the total immersion technique under the guidance of our tri club swim coach keeps me going. I only swim once a week but can still do about 60-70 lengths on a good day. It helps in a multitude of ways, many which you describe. I have lost so much muscle mass, have great levels of fatigue and am now at the point of body fractures; having recently had a vertebroplasty for a broken back. However, in the water I am weightless and for me swimming is about as ‘effortless’ as anything I can do. I feel relaxed, free and can focus on moving through the water in a way I can’t do in any other activity. My prognosis is that I won’t last the year but swimming is a great way to keep the body and mind in a good place.

By: Kirill

Kirill — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 12:18:00 +0000

Terry,
I am bookmarking this post to re-read everytime I feel miserable and defeated.
It trully takes enormously strong mind to grin at your enemy like you do. I know I am yet to learn A LOT from you how to overcome problems, especially “impossible” ones.
Thank you for being with us and sharing this.

By: Dick Combeer

Dick Combeer — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 11:31:00 +0000

Hi Terry. Just signed on after a long hiatus. Read your messages about your cancer, like a kick in the stomach. Don’t know what to write, but I do know that not writing is not an option. How you’re dealing with this, regardless of outcome, is a more complete statement of Terry Laughlin as never before seen. You manage to combine an awe-inspiring level of American grit with a equal level of calm and equanimity. The world cannot afford to lose you. My prayers are with you.

By: Patrick Brundage

Patrick Brundage — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 00:31:00 +0000

Wow, Terry, this is both heartbreaking to read … and a life-affirmation. I admire your strength and your mindfulness throughout this. My thoughts are with you and your struggle.

By: Ed Michals,M.D.

Ed Michals,M.D. — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 03:42:00 +0000

So sorry that you have this diagnosis.Dr. Dean Ornish has data on treatment in his book
Spectrum.I had this cancer dx. over 10 yrs. ago.Had the Last Rites.I WISH YOU GOD SPEED.
I enjoyed taking TI.

By: Rich Bernstein

Rich Bernstein — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 00:39:00 +0000

Inspiring beyond words. Terry, my thoughts are with you.

By: Neni Chacín-Larreal

Neni Chacín-Larreal — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 10:51:00 +0000

I was there at that clinic, I have been using his technique since 2009 and I love him too. great on the triathlons..

By: Neni Chacín-Larreal

Neni Chacín-Larreal — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 10:48:00 +0000

yes

By: Neni Chacín-Larreal

Neni Chacín-Larreal — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 10:47:00 +0000

Terry, I just learned about your condition finally after reading your past post.. I am a cancer survivor for 12 years. I know you can beat this.. swimming was bliss for me after I took charge of my training 4 years after 2009. I discovered your technique and made me the fastest swimmer after just watching the videos. I learned it is my gift to swim smoothly and effortlessly. I have taught many others and in 2014 I finally had an in person class with you at the tri expo in Cambridge. You are my inspiration for swimming. I changed my diet and added more music in my life as I am a singer. I became a triathlete because of it and swimming has brought me more joy and life in the last years when I have been emotionally down than any other technique. It gives me peace and in part is because of YOU! Thank you for living and fighting this thing on your body. My odds were 1 year survivor, I wasnt stage IV but it was aggressive tongue cancer. I know you can come out of this. Just eliminate as much stress as you can.. set a future plan a dream for the longer term. Fight fight fight. it will not get the best of you and we need you here! We love you Terry!
ps. by the way I am not sorry for your illness, it was the best thing that happened to me, it changed my life for the better, it made me stronger and it changed the lives of many more that lived through it with me during and after my recovery and beyond. I know it will do the same to you. embrace it, welcome it and kiss it good bye with a thank you and that you no longer need it! Stay Strong!