Crystal

I am so sad to here of Mick's passing yesterday and I know he was the first to support you on your own journey which makes it especially hard for you. We all thought Mick had made it after reaching the five year mark so this is sad news for all who knew him.

We can only be strong for each other now and extend our thoughs to Mick and know that he is now with his wife and son of whom he adored.

Keep Strong,

Steve x

Hi,

Not written here for ages but I do look in regularly,  well done Crystal and Steve for reaching yet more milestones its very inspirational and offer's hope.

Devaststed to read  about Mick,  it 's dreadful news, its hard to believe, he was such a lovely character , its a huge loss.

Our dad is still doing ok, his operation was August 2009 but unfortunately his cancer has returned in his oesphagus and its now  spread to his lung and spine. 

He is still fighting as always, he has had more chemo to try and shrink the tumour in his oesophagus which appears to have worked, although he is back on the shakes as swallowing is very diffcult again.  And he has also had radiotherapy on his spine.  No-one is certain what the future holds  at this point in time,  so we are all back to taking each day at a time and not looking too far ahead.  Not sure where dads strength and drive comes from but its amazing to see and it keeps everything positive and stops us dwelling on negatives.

Hope everyone else is doing well

stay positive

Janet

x

Hi Crystal

What a lovely poem and a very fitting tribute.  I have printed it out as it gives me comfort.

I was pleased to read your news that you have reached another milestone.  You are a shining light, and an inspiration, and I also appreciate you choice of music!

Kenny is recovering well from treatment, and I am starting to feel a bit more confident about the future.  We don't know how long he will continue to fight this disease, but we are living for today, smiling and laughing and enjoying all that life has to offer.

One thing concerns me, Kenny still has cancer.  Do you think it is okay to have a drink or two whilst still trying to fight a tumour.

Sheena

Hi Steve

Thank you for your wise and comforting words.  And yes, you are right, we are all here for each other.

Love

Crystal xx 

Hi Janet

How good to hear from you again and thanks for your kind words. 

Yes, it is such sad news about Mick and there are so many people on this site that he helped with his kindness and his great sense of humour.  He always got straight to the point and to the heart of the matter, either with his wit and humour or sometimes with dry observation and caustic words, but always with a big heart and an eye on helping those that needed it.  His passing is a huge loss to this community.

Last time you posted I know you said that your dad’s cancer had recurred and we were so upset to hear that.  It sounds as though he’s undergoing various treatments to gain control of the cancer and hopefully this will be the case and allow you all to have some prolonged quality time together.  Your dad is absolutely amazing and what a truly strong character he has.  I’m convinced that such a spirit will stand him very well and benefit all of you for a good length of time hopefully.

Take good care.

Love

Crystal xx 

Hi Sheena

Thanks for your lovely words and I’m glad you found comfort in that poem; I too think it’s comforting and puts things into perspective.

It’s such good news that Kenny has responded so well to treatment and is now in recovery, and it’s excellent that you’re just getting on living and enjoying every day.  Often, it’s in the ordinary and small things of daily events that we find the most value and enjoyment, and what defines us as who we are.  I know since my illness, that my days are redefined and the ordinary often seems to me to be extra-ordinary and precious.  It’s almost like a daily revelation and if I had a tad more energy I’d jump up and down with the Eureka factor of it all. 

With regards to drinking, well this is such a personal choice to be made, so all I can do is to tell you the reasons why I chose not to, although I definitely don’t disapprove of drinking in any way at all because before my illness I used to enjoy fine, full-bodied red wines and the odd lager. 

So, apart from not liking the taste anymore due to the chemo, and the alcohol causing acid reflux due to my new internal rearrangement, I made a conscious decision to avoid it altogether, which was easy given the previous statements.  However, it was always in my mind that alcohol harms the system, this being backed up by ample evidence and I wanted to give myself every chance to become well.  The real deciding factor for me was finding out that as few as two drinks a day negates any beneficial effects of a correct and healthy diet.  The alcohol depresses vital vitamins and minerals, which are considered essential for the immune system and for fighting cancer – vitamin E, some B vitamins, iron, zinc, folic acid and especially vitamin A, hypothesized to have anti-cancer properties.  As I’d completely changed my diet following surgery, researched nutrition and adopted a new healthy diet, I just didn’t want alcohol damaging any benefits that might be gained. 

Having said all that, I’m no puritan and often think I could down a huge glass of wine, and probably would if I still liked the taste Lol.  Whatever you decide upon, enjoy the moment. 

Love

Crystal xx

Hallo my Friends

I am still in my dressing gown as I couldn't sleep last night and for the first time didn't go with Dieter for the scan results as I was too scared to hear them since they said the liver tumour was precariously close to a main artery and they would have to be careful with the radiation ablation.   The surgeon was unsure how well he'd done afterwards.

I certainly didn't expect to be posting the news that the tumour has disappeared ....but it has.  Horray.  It's almost unbelieve able.  When he called his brother with the news his brother asked him three times if he was telling the truth, as he has been known to downplay the illness!  (Next scan in 2 months.)

I had to share this with you before I even get dressed!

For the new friends on this site I will update my profile so you can see that however grim things can sometimes look there can be light at the end of the tunnel.

Love to you all

ps thank you for the lovely words and songs, Crystal and Steve

Susan

What great news!  Congrats.  This gives us hope to keep struggling on.

Sheena

Hi Sue

Absolutely Fantastic News!!!  I can understand that you didn’t want to be there for the results, because it’s always a very scary and anxious time, so to be told that the tumour has disappeared must have been a shock in a fabulous way and then the feeling must have been incredible.  This is the best news ever and gives enormous hope and encouragement to all.  Thanks for posting your great news here and maybe you should post it in the group as well to encourage everyone and show just what can be done with modern treatments and sheer postive attitude.

This really calls for a celebration.  I’m so happy for you both and I always knew your were special people.

Lots of Love and Hugs

Crystal xx

xxxx

Susan, what fantastic news.  So so happy for you what a massive boost that must give you both.  It also gives the rest of us so much hope.  Im on such a high when I read such encouraging news thank you for sharing that. 

Theresa xx