Update 12/19/15

Hey everyone, it has been interesting six weeks for me. I'm thinking doing an update bi-weekly to let you know what's going on. Well, lets start with on November 11th, I had to go to the ER because I had a severe pain in my kidney. No pain like I ever experienced. After my urinalysis, my white blood cell count was great, kidney and liver functioning fine but there was blood in my urine. A kidney stone emerged. The average stone is three mm and of course mine is way bigger. Mine happens to be seven mm. Double the size. Of course, it's so big that I can't pass it but haven't had pain ever since the first day. I couldn't train and do other things because I was worried about the pain moving and ripping me up inside. As well, this happens a few weeks before my birthday. I got some medicine for the stone to help me out yet another surprise came about.

Blood Cancer Month

For those who may not know, I suffer from CTCL, which is a Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. I'm the lime green ribbon. I started the Body By Ian Online Custom Fitness Apparel Store so I can give back to Cancer Research. Show support this month and any month but especially this month to the blood cancer survivors and memories of the fallen. Go get a Body By Ian shirt(s) on bodybyian.com so I can give back to cancer research.

Challenges and Comebacks Dealing With CTCL

Let me discuss about what challenges I have or had dealing with my CTCL and what has helped me stay positive. Dealing with any illness makes you tired, sick or whatever slows you down. Yesterday after therapy (which is called Photo Therapy aka Standing Tanning Bed) or that's what I call it, I felt real sluggish and I wanted to sleep. I took a nap and felt so much better. Let me talk about the challenges first and then my setup for a comeback.

Update Dealing With CTCL

Summer time is amongst us and dealing with CTCL can be horrible. Due to the heat, my skin would flare up but so far (knocking on wood) it hasn't yet.

Did You Know?

Huge Announcement about Body By Ian

I made an announcement about my online store and giving back to Cancer research. Support the cancer warriors and spread the awareness of Body By Ian so we can give back to a worthy cause. Go to Bodybyian.com and buy something so we can give back to cancer research!

The Body By Ian Shop is now Open!

Hey everybody, this is Body By Ian. I just opened my online store. Please support the Body By Ian brand. In return, I'm going to give back a portion to Cancer Research. For those who don't know, I'm battling cancer! The cancer I have is called CTCL or Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma. I'm winning this battle right now and I want others to join me and to help out others who are fighting or may have lost someone to this disease. So to my Cancer Warriors, Let's fight the good fight and win!!!!

Health Benefits of Brussel Sprouts

Brussel sprouts are an incredibly nutritious vegetable that are rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins C, A, and E, and alkalizing minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, and manganese. They are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin K which are essential for proper brain and nerve function and are vital for aiding cognitive issues such as brain fog, memory loss, lack of concentration, ADD, ADHD, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Brussel sprouts are also known to help stabilize the DNA within white blood cells which creates a stronger, more resilient immune system. Brussel sprouts also contain powerful anti-cancer compounds which are shown to particularly help fight and prevent colon, breast, prostate, lung, bladder, liver, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. They can help stimulate the kidneys to release more water, which can reduce bloat and edema and make it easier for dislodged fatty wastes to be flushed out of the body. Brussel sprouts are also good for stimulating sluggish glands and for promoting a cleaning effect on adipose cells and tissues making it an ideal weight loss food. They contain high amounts of glucosinolates which can significantly reduce inflammation and is excellent for prevention and relief from rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, strokes, heart attacks, arteriosclerosis, and bursitis. Brussel sprouts are excellent for helping to lower cholesterol, prevent constipation, stop overeating, and decrease H.pylori in the digestive tract. To obtain the most health benefits from brussel sprouts, consider eating them raw (they can also be juiced) or steamed until soft. Try making a delicious salad with chopped romaine, arugula, tomato, avocado, onion, steamed brussels sprouts, fresh lemon juice and minced garlic. It is a nutritious and satisfying dish that will nourish your body, mind, and soul.

Cardio Talk 1/25/15

My latest video talking about my health, diet/nutrition, training and having fun at the Kai Greene Camp.

Cardio Talk w/ Body By Ian 12/6/14

Brining back the Cardio Talk. A weekly video segment talking about my life and what going on with it. Plus, showing people to kick butt no matter what is interfering with your life!!!

Health Benefits of Celery

Avocado Benefits

Cardio Talk with Body By Ian

Cardio Talk with Body By Ian. Talking training with cancer. I feel so much better when I do train. I got more energy. I talk about my boy competing today & my wedding anniversary.

My Life With CTCL

I finally did a video talking about my cancer. CTCL is a rare form of skin cancer that's treatable. It's a short video & I want your feedback. 

Personal Stuff about Me

I'm going to get real personal on here. I've been dealing with my cancer (CTCL) for the last two years and it has been a little rough at times but I know I can defeat this. For some of the people reading this, this is news to you. I go to my treatments twice a week and the cancer is slowly melting away. Sometimes I feel tired but most days, I feel great. The gym calls my name. That's one way I know I can beat my cancer. I haven't been in the gym for the last two weeks due to my cold I'm battling. Now, I got some medication in me and I'll be back. Otherwise, I'll be back in the gym to hopefully compete and if not, just look super freaky. I know I got size & fullness but now, it's time to lean out. My wife and I placed a bet in November and right now, she's doing awesome but she's got another thing coming for her. I'm very happy for her but now, it's time to go under construction and build the right physique. Some of my friends are scared for me but they won't tell me. I also sense it though. I have a great support team. Friends & family have my back and they know I'll beat this sickness for now. Plus, I have a great doctor at UPenn and without her, I would've been still freaking out on why my skin was red, gray & cracking. I give her much respect even though, I'm her favorite patient. For those who have cancer or need to overcome anything, Stay positive! That's one thing I did and I'm still doing it to this day. Talk to you soon.

My Story - CTCL

Me and Jay Cutler at the Rise of the Titans in Brooklyn, NYC July 2012

Over the past year, I've been going through some things. I thought I had some eczema, psoriasis or contact dermatitis. I went to several doctors and a hospital but still I was misdiagnosed. Over the last few months, I finally got the answer to my illness. I'm diagnosed with Erythrodermic Mycosis Fungoides aka Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma of the skin. It's a rare skin cancer!! There's about over 200,000 cases in the U.S. I'm in stage 3 of CTCL. According to my doctors, It covers 80% of my body right now. I'm red like a lobster. I'm itchy. I'm constantly itching. I have excessive flakiness and shedding of the skin. I have chills and cold sweats at times. Like many cancer patients, my immune system is weaker and I have to constantly eat right, exercise and stay stress free. I'm going to talk about this from time to time on here on Body By Ian. Don't worry, I'm still going to talk about bodybuilding and everything else in the bodybuilding world. I'll have more news about my condition and how you can help me and other people like me here on Body By Ian.

Me and Marcus Haley at the Rise of the Titans in Brooklyn, NYC July 2012