I've posted quite abit over the years, usually outlining diagnosis & treatment, but lately I've tended to only discuss the 'other end' of the experience, what comes after.
In mid-December 2018 I went for a colonoscopy that was not for Bowel Cancer so it was a huge shock when the Dr said, 'Ah that's the problem, you've a tumour.' At least I'd been.spared the pre-scan worries.
I clearly remember the awful feeling of helplessness and uncertainty many of you recently diagnosed are now experiencing. The desire to know what is going to happen to me and what will my life be like after this is finally over is paramount in your mind. At the time of diagnosis I couldn't see beyond the very immediate future, usually the rest of that day. Being told 'It's the most wonderful time of the year, did not improve my mood. BUT rest assured it does pass and there is a future, no matter how bleak it seems now.
I was given two pieces of advice, both of which I took:
* Do not Google anything. I did look later when surgery was over, wow there's some weird and not very wonderful stuff out there. My personal favourite was a woman in Arizona who said not to eat anything, and sit for at least 8 hours a day facing the sun to absorb the 'nutrients of nature. Clearly she has never wintered in Liverpool.
* Get a prescription for some sleeping tablets. I'd never taken any in my life and split them in two only taking them when I was totally exhausted; I took a total of 2 tablets
In retrospect there are pros & cons in being diagnosed in December. There are alot of distractions around, however scans, tests & MDT's will be slightly delayed. Time will creep by, but it does pass. People who don't know your situation will say things that jar with you, that's inevitable, be patient with them.
And now 8 years on it seems a lifetime ago. The regular checkups are a reminder of the passage of time and great years will happen again. Personally 2025 was a 'boss' year. In March my wife & me went to India and saw wild tigers. In April my wife, 3 kids & me were a part of the wild, wild scenes in Anfield following the final whistle against Spurs when Liverpool secured their 20th league title, the first in 35 years in front of fans. June saw Springsteen play Liverpool for the first time, during the encores he brought on a 'local lad,' Paul Mccartney. The Boss & Maca belted out Beatles songs in Anfield. In October we went to South America and visited Machu Picchu. So a year of highlights when none seemed possible in 2018.
I hope everyone on here has the best Xmas that is possible for them
YNWA - What is happening?
Mike
