What to expect.

Hi Shaz. First thing is stay positive. I also found humour helped a lot when in hospital and I found the people all in the same boat all had a positive outlook and a lot of laughter tended to be thr best medicine. Regarding the journey ahead, we are all individuals and our journeys the same. I was Diagnosed Aug 2013, chemo and then Surgery end of 2013. A long recovery and I eventually returned to PT work Jun 2015 then full time Oct 2015 and have been working ever since.

1st thing, money isn't everything. My insurances on house, car etc were, as normal, for 12 months. As my recovery took longer it impacted on my credit status dur to debt. My main driver and concern was loosing my house so this  spurredm on to find part-time work to cover mortgage. Given great support from a debt management charity, I  now have debt under control and it now has little impact on by quality of life.

2nd marriages ended 2015 as both of us had health issues. However, recovered and currently on an adventure down the Nile in Egypt checking out the temples etc before returning to Scotland and going down the Isle with my soulmate and new best friend, Lesley 

I have some on going health niggles but have a good quality of life. Would only wish my stamina levels would  improve as pre cancer I only needed 4hours sleep per day.

Keep focused, chill when you can, be thankful for each day and make sure you are good to yourself and others. Nothing better than a calm spirit and contentment. There are many survivors here who are ready to support you and try and answer any queries you may have as best they can. Eddie.

Hi Shaz , it is a roller coaster ride and it’s over whelming at times I was diagnosed at 60 years of age and had no cancer in the family so found it a shock but stay positive and count the weeks off to surgery it’s a big op but it’s worth it to be cancer free , stay strong and positive and stand up to cancer , you can do this xx

Hi Eddie, thankyou for sharing with me,I too am taking my diagnosis with humour,though I think some friends are slightly shocked by this,I went to a Halloween party on Friday dressed as death warmed up.....

Work so far have been great,have had to bunk off early a couple of times as I found it all too much,I am hoping to carry on as long as possible & my manager has told me that I can come in when I like & for however long I feel up to it. 

I hope you are having a great time on the Nile,have always wanted to do that. 

Thankyou again for your kind words,I am staying positive & standing up to cancer!!

Sharon xx

Hi Sharon

Eddie has given good advice re sense of humour and positivity. I was 62 when I was diagnosed. Luckily I was recently retired so I didn't have to worry about whether to go in to work. Having said that I think I would have been able to work while on chemo. But it affects different people differently. You are lucky to have such an understanding employer.

I had wonderful support from family and friends. My specialist nurse become my new best friend as I was always phoning to ask questions or chase appointments. The staff at Addenbrookes were brilliant.

I think everybody finds the recovery from surgery slow with a number of challenges in the early years but things settle eventually and a new normality establishes.

Years ago when asked to make a wish I'd always wish for happiness. (Other people might wish for good health). My wish was granted, in spite of the diagnosis in later life, and I am grateful.

I am 2,093 days cancer free and loving life!