Making It Possible #17 – Randy Lomas
I have always been a very active person. In my adult years I studied and trained in various forms of martial arts and believed in pushing my body and mind to maintain a high level of fitness. After 40 plus years in oil and gas construction, I was ending my career as an occupational health and safety consultant. In my retirement, I was also looking forward to operating the ranch that I had owned for almost 40 years but had not spent enough time on. I had just finished building my dream shop so that I could store and maintain my equipment, build my wife her birdhouses, and store all of the horse tack we had accumulated over the years.
Horses were a big part of our lives. I had competed in rodeos and had raised and trained a few colts. I met my wife while we were both volunteering to provide riding lessons and experiences on horseback to children and adults with disabilities. We also both enjoyed going into the mountains on horseback packing and camping expeditions. Our 2 daughters also are a big part of our lives. They are both talented athletes and many hours were and still are spent watching and supporting them through lacrosse, gymnastics, fastball, and volleyball.
My other interests included travel and auto racing. Throughout my career I had spent many hours driving and had a dream of pursuing some form of competitive driving in my retirement. In September of 2024, I began to feel some weakness in my grip strength in my right hand. I was also feeling some cramping at night in my legs and feet, and weird twitching in my shoulders and arms. I tried to brush it off as either overexertion or not training hard enough. I decided to see my family doctor who was unsure but let it slip that those were symptoms of ALS. She scheduled me for an MRI and a visit to a neurologist the following week. The MRI eliminated all other possibilities and the neurologist diagnosed ALS. After a week of additional testing, it was confirmed. My initial reaction was how much time do I have left. The neurologist gave the pat answer of 1 to 10 years with an average of 3. I looked him in the eye and said, “well I guess it’s going to be 10.”
Now that I knew, I decided I had 1 of 2 options. Either I could say poor me, roll up in a ball, and end my life as a victim, or I could live every day I am given as a warrior and not give up. I chose the latter. I also decided early on that I was not special as everybody else around me had started the journey to death on the first day we were born. Nobody said that life was fair and it doesn’t matter how you die, only how you live. This mindset is what guides each day of my ALS journey.
Living with ALS is a big challenge. I have predominantly lost the use of my arms and hands which is leaving me dependent on others for all aspects of daily life. Thankfully I have received good support from my family and friends. The basics are one thing but fixing fences, working with cattle, and babysitting the animals in winter if I travel are taking it to the next level. I have been forced to downsize somewhat but am fortunate to have such a good support system of family and friends. I am also very appreciative of the ALS society. They have been great at providing the tools and equipment when needed. I also appreciate the support groups they facilitate so that I can get together with other PALS to support each other in our journey. My wife and I also really enjoyed the opportunity to take in an Oilers game with tickets provided through the society. As there were 3 tickets, It also provided an opportunity to thank my neighbor who looked after the horses for 2 months this Winter.
One frustration I have is the progressive nature of this disease. I try to make or purchase tools to make life easier, however it seems that you just learn how to use it and then it no longer works because you have progressed beyond that point. Spaghetti is my favorite food. I made a tool out of a power screwdriver and a fork so that I could spin my pasta on the fork. It worked very well for about a month and then I couldn’t push the button anymore or lift it up to my mouth. I also purchased a dressing tool for zippers and buttons. It worked great until I could no longer manipulate it with my hands.
Regardless of the challenges, there have been many silver linings to the clouds. I have participated in 2 research programs and one drug trial. Through these opportunities to give back and the other interactions I have had through the society and the ALS clinic, I have met so many wonderful people that I would not have met otherwise. It makes me feel positive for the future that so many smart and talented people are working hard to beat this disease. It is also great to see the young people that are involved in this. There is hope for the world yet. Having ALS is also forcing me to slow down, look around, and see the beauty in the world. I never realized how much I took for granted or was missing.
I know it is cliché but my message to everybody is to live like this is your last day because it could be. I am trying to see past ALS and do the things I always wanted to do. It is getting harder to travel but since my diagnosis I have made it to Alaska, Yankee Stadium in New York, Ireland, and 2 months in Mexico. The goal is for 3 months this winter. I am thankful that I was brought up by parents with strong religious beliefs. A relationship with God has made this journey easier. I have faith that God has a plan for each of us. We may not agree with it but we have to believe in his benevolence and love. I also never give up hope that miracles happen, that a cure is possible, and that his plan is perfect. For others with this disease, never give up hope. Take every opportunity to fulfill your dreams. If you get a chance to be in research or a trial, Is anybody home that 1 read it to take it. You might be the one that makes the difference for the rest of us. Don’t wait for tomorrow to do the things you always wanted to do. Try to find a way despite ALS to live out your dream.
