I thought I'd post this as there are a few starting, in treatment or on the long haul to recovery, and this may just help give some hope.
2 years ago today I paid my last visit to the LINAC at Southampton hospital following 29 previous sessions of RT and 5 chemo infusions.
The photo proves that the camera can lie. Despite the happy appearance I was I a difficult place like so many of us at that time.
The next photo was taken exactly one year later in the middle of the Bay of Biscay. Since then we have also travelled to Europe for 6 weeks and we are just back from Egypt.
There is no photo of today only because I'm chilling at home, going out for a meal tomorrow to celebrate my "xx" birthday!
There is the potential for a good quality of life after treatment. It comes with time and a determination to not let cancer rule your life. Sure I have my issues with taste, swallow, fatigue, dry mouth and a multitude of niggles, but we learn to manage those.
Gratitude must go to this group for the help and support given over the years. Without doubt my family and especially my wife have had a rough time of it, but they have been my rocks I can rebuild my life, and our lives on.
Enough said. I just wish everyone well on their own journeys and I hope my experience helps in some small way making yours just a little easier.
Good to see you looking so well Peter
Stan and I have spent a little time this afternoon hauling this owl box up into the tree. I was on pulling duty on a rope. A little over seven years ago I was sleeping most of the day after treatment end.
Life returns. I always knew it would but there were times when it was hard. 
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Thanks Peter for such an uplifting post. It does seem when you start treatment that life will never be the same again but we push through and life starts again albeit for some in a slightly altered form. Life is still good though and I am forever thankful for the second chance I have been given. 3 years since my last cancer intervention and I am off on a cruise to Vanuatu at the end of May. Would never have thought it possible while struggling through treatment. I have attached a photo of my recent visit to Brighton beach (in Australia not the U.K. ) to view the annual sculpture display along the foreshore. Had an icecream but most of it ended up down my face courtesy of the issue I have with my eating but it still tasted great. For everyone starting treatment it does end and life is good again. P.S. Happy birthday Peter.
Lyn
Sophie66
Well put Peter....Life is tough during the treatment but slowly life gets better, challenges become a little less challenging and we start to see light at the end of the tunnel, plans can be made as obstacles disappear.
I thought my days of going on holiday were finished...far from it.
Michael
