Local man who has battled leukemia for two years says exercise has helped him survive

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Pete Proly has always exercised.

"I don't think too many of my friends would argue with the fact that I was the healthiest person any of my friends knew," Proly said.

In fact, it was while Proly was getting exercise back in January of 2010, that he realized something was not right.

"I started gasping," Proly said. "Having really trouble breathing."

Then Proly saw his doctor.

"He (doctor) ordered a battery of blood tests on a Tuesday in March," Proly said. "The results came in on the 20th, and I was in chemotherapy at an oncologist's office on Monday the 20th."

The diagnosis was myelodysplasia, high risk.

After months of chemotherapy, the Pasco County attorney needed a bone marrow transplant.

"You think about what's happening, and you got to draw on your athletic background and come up with a game plan," Proly said.

The game plan involved Moffitt Cancer Center. The disease and chemotherapy would destroy his immune system, so if Proly wanted to continue exercising, he would have to be careful.

Since he could not go to the gym, Proly would walk up stairs at home. 1000 steps up, and 1000 steps down every day. He likes biking and hopes he can swim again soon.

"This disease couldn't in anyway ruin the first 63 years of my life, and couldn't ruin today either," Proly said. "Only I could ruin today by worrying about tomorrow."

In October of 2010, the transplant happened. Proly appeared to be fine, but there was a setback.

"I had another biopsy which showed the disease (leukemia) was back and even stronger," Proly said.

More chemotherapy and another hospital stay was next. Now doctors say Proly's blood looks good.

His wife, Ellie Proly, of more than 40 years has been by his side. His siblings, children, and grandchildren are always supportive.

Proly says he never wants to be a burden, and although it looks like he is beating leukemia now, he remains cautious.

"Exercise is the one way I can retaliate on this disease and try to fight its effects," Proly said. "And hopefully get back to where I am the person they come to and that they don't have to worry about me anymore."

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