Hey everyone. My original plan was to weave a story and make this announcement within the intricacies of the tale.
I’ve had a serious rethink and I’ve decided that method would be way too much of a shock and pretty much a complete downer.
Today is a landmark day for me and for my entire family.
Not just these wonderful people...
This lot...
These
And these too
Please realise these pictures do not show EVERY member of my extended family. I'm sorry for those I've missed, I love you too!
I start Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy treatment today. My appointment is at 13:09 and I have a few people in my corner, shouting for me to beat this. I’d like more, please.
I’ve been dealing with all of this with my own brand of irreverent, and at times utterly rude, crude and close to obscene humour and I’m not going to stop now. I have noticed there are a LOT of opportunities for a laugh in my diagnosis, treatment and examinations, so if you’re offended by swearing, I suggest you stop reading (if not right now, then at least stop after a few more lines).
I have been diagnosed with (no, I refuse to make it more important by capitalising it) I have malignant neoplasm of the rectum. I know, it’s a real pain in the arse… No shit… (well, actually… that’s not quite true. The shit part of all this is exactly why I was able to catch it early… go figure!)
The first and most important thing to know is that we think we caught it early. My consultant, Dr Silverman says it is curable and I thoroughly believe him. BUT I have a long, hard few months ahead of me, and therefore, so too do my family and friends – and I include you in all of this too, so buckle up, it’s going to get rough.
This journey will be told in greater detail in the Stories from the Pandemic series Part 1 and Part 2 but for now, you may need to digest this news… sorry it’s straight and to the point, but that’s the best way, I think, rip that Band-Aid right off, hairs, scabs and skin attached.
It is 08:10 and I have just consumed my first lot of the chemotherapy. There are three tablets to take, twice a day, and I have to take them at exactly the same time – 12 hours apart (in case you couldn’t work that out).
It may be psychosomatic, but I believe there is a slight change inside my mouth, a kind of metallic underlying taste (not quite a taste, more of a sensation).
And so it begins. Thank you for being here with me, it means a lot.
Your a survivor, you'll do fine. You wont come out unscathed, but life will still be there you will still get to see your grand child and her pony grow. I quit smoking Sunday evening after our thanksgiving in 2016. It was about 9:20 pm that I stamped out my last cigarette. The taxi had arrived to take me to the airport so I could be at the hospital 175 road miles away from my home on Monday morning. That was 2016 I am still here.
Life throws us curve balls sometimes and we deal with it. It is hard to breath at times, and along with other issues life is hard at times, but life does go on. The important thing is to not let go and give up. In 1998 not one but four doctors gave me only 18 months to two years to live. They told me I did not need to worry about Y2K and to make sure my paper work was all in order.
Twenty plus years as a walking dead man. With the lung cancer diagnosis they were unsure, 5 to 7 days in the hospital they said. It ended up being 10 days, but life went on. When they released me they said I could not drive, and I could not fly, and three hours after they had some one that could take me to the hospital by my house 20 miles away from my house, but that was all they could do.
So another taxi ride home. No real medical support for my lung cancer treatment in my town. No one to help other than my wife and myself. We managed. It has not been easy and to this day they till will not tell me why 10 days instead of the max at 7. Don't give up press through and you will be fine. Not the same as you were, but you will still be alive and that is the most important thing.
Thank you for sharing your story. Yes, I know I'll not be the same, but I'm also sure I'll be here for a while to come.
x
I do hope it all works out fine. Just stay positive.
I don’t know you personally, however from reading your posts, blogs and books, I feel that I am a friend. I will be sending you massive superwoman strength from Queensland Australia. I will be be thinking of you as you travel this shitty road. (No pun intended) sending love Di 💕
Thank you Di. Yes, I consider you one of my dear friends and just because we've not met, doesn't make that friendship any less.
You're one of the people I'm determined to meet in real life, one day.
Sorry to hear of your illness!!! Good luck with the chemo and for a speedy recovery - Thinking of you :)
Thank you so much! <3
Awww, girlfriend, you know how much I love you, and I'm behind you 100% You're strong, resilient, determined, and have a winning outlook. You have so many people who love you and stand with you - use us, lean on us and know that you are never alone, and much loved. xox
Yes I do know how much love there is between us. I'm so very thankful for the love of my friends - those I've met, like you, and those I've yet to meet.
<3
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