there is a saying in life that 'everything happens for a reason'. At the time of my Cancer diagnosis I would have scorned disdainfully at this type of comment. Yet as I approach the 4 year mark of undergoing the surgeon's knife for what should have been the simple removal of a benign cyst, only to wake up to the horror and realisation that the evil plague of Cancer had caused mutations that would require invasive neck surgery and an aggressive tonsillectomy, I realise that from bad and evil things, good things can prevail.
True my neck and throat were frazzled by intense but precise radiotherapy - I still recall counting every single zapp and 'beep' whilst laying masked up, motionless in the bowels of Southampton oncology - yet I can report a truly outstanding year in 2017 for me. The road to recovery was not easy, one step forward and two steps back for the first 12 months. But then the PEG tube came out, a Graduated Return to Work and before I knew it I was like a man possessed. A man possessed in the knowledge that I may have been unlucky to get Cancer but a man who has been so, so lucky to have caught it early and to have a team of experts, combined with the technology and know how to treat both intense physical and emotional trauma - I made it through the mill.
I threw myself into work, making each and every hour count. I focused on my unfinished business with my young cohort of talented judo players and gained sponsorship, opened doors of opportunity and allowed some to realise their dreams. I engaged with MacMillan and helped those in need, anonymously via communal email at first and then as friends. All this came to fruition with my selection to be awarded the MBE for my services to work, judo and charity - I visit the Palace with my family in a month's time to receive my gong.
But the good news does not stop there. I nominated my builder for an Award of Heavenly Builder as he built our new extension during my recovery thanks to the Medical Insurance windfall. He only went and won the Regional award, followed by the coveted National Heavenly Builder title based on my write up a couple of weeks ago. We are now lifelong friends. And to cap it all, the cherry on top of the icing on the cake came last week when I was selected for promotion in work. A promotion that will see me finish my military career at the very top of my profession, with professional and life skills that will make me so employable when I leave the Army in a couple of years time.
Yes the journey to smash the stragglers and the recovery from RT has been slow and tough, but it has been a battle that I have won thanks to the support of my family and true friends. Thanks also to MacMillan councillors, and all the doctors, consultants and nurses who have been riding the 'pain train' with me.
Hey things will never be the same for me, but things could be a damn site worse. It is therefore now appropriate for this message to close my blog and for me to sign off on a high. I do sincerely wish it has helped those in need of hope (remember I was in that dark hole too) and provide the belief in the power of the human body and mind to heal, and I wish all those still suffering a recovery of sorts. Stay Strong, Be Positive, and God Bless. Dave The Brave... :-)
