23rd October 2013 it felt as if my world was falling apart. I received confirmation that I had a cancerous tumour in my oesophagus.
So much has happened since then. First my eldest son got married. He now has two lovely daughters. My younger son also married the girl of his dreams and they have a newborn baby girl. My wife and I have travelled the world and seen some incredible sights and met wonderful people. It might sound as if they got the diagnosis wrong and we celebrated a life unaltered. But no, our lives did change.
My wife stood by and watched me endure chemo over Christmas. Watched in pain as I underwent the brutal Ivor Lewis surgery and nursed me during the slow recovery. She Rushed me to hospital when things got dreadful during post op chemo and sat by my bedside for ten days till I was well enough to return home.
We made plans. Helped with my son’s wedding which at one point I didn’t think I’d see. We booked holidays. We travelled. We indulged ourselves. Who knew what the future held, what was round the corner.
In February this year I passed the 5 year anniversary of my surgery and in August I celebrated 2,000 days cancer free.
Ihave much to be thankful for. I lead a reasonably normal, active life with few challenges as a result of that day six years ago.
I am sure that my positivity and the support of my family and friends have been real contributors to my good outcome.
I wish anybody, and everybody, starting this unwelcome journey the same outcome.
