Life comes with many ups and downs. For athletes, achievements always come with a side of struggles. Although it could get demotivating at times, what sets them apart is their will to fight through it. Professional cyclist Lance Armstrong set an example of this when he battled one of the toughest health scares – cancer.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
At the age of 25, when one is usually on a journey to achieve something big, Lance Armstrong faced one of his worst nightmares. Doctors diagnosed him with testicular cancer and many other medical issues. As the world came crashing down upon the athlete, he recounted some of his worst moments.
Lance Armstrong had a big list of ailments
If the cancer diagnosis wasn’t tragic enough, doctors found danger coursing throughout the cyclist’s body. While the doctors surgically removed his testicles, they also found about 12 tumors in his lung. By the time the diagnosis took place, cancer had spread to his abdomen. And when the cyclist thought that he had large battles to fight, the nightmare did not end there.
Getty
AUSTIN, TX – OCTOBER 21: Cyclist Lance Armstrong addresses participants at The LIVESTRONG Challenge Ride at the Palmer Events Center on October 21, 2012 in Austin, Texas. More than 4,000 cyclists participated in the charity ride supporting cancer survivors. Armstrong has recently been accused of leading “the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program that sport has ever seen” according to USADA officials. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
When the doctors asked for an MRI, more horrifying results were en route. Turned out, the cyclist had two lesions in his brain and would need urgent surgery. Things kept falling over Armstrong like a line of dominos. The athlete almost gave up all hope and was ready to give up.
At the age of 25, Lance Armstrong faced some of the most grueling medical issues. He recalled moments from his brain surgery, where he described how the treatment went. He explained, “They lifted my skull out like you’d cut the top off a pumpkin.”
Getty
LE GRAND BORNAND, FRANCE – JULY 22: Lance Armstrong of the USA and riding for US Postal Service presented by Berry Floor celebrates as he wins stage 17 of the Tour de France on July 22, 2004 from Bourg d’Oisans to le Grand Bornand, France. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Despite the horrific diagnosis and tough road to recovery, Lance Armstrong persevered. He read up on his ailments and was determined to fight the beast. Not only did the champion recover, but he also got back to cycling with determination and grit. The scary experience taught him to fight for what he loved and, in the end, his passion won.
Watch this story: How Did An Early Uber Investment Save Lance Armstrong And His Family From Financial Crisis?
