It's a year!

What a year!

I have just had a colonoscopy and I’m thinking of having permanent CCTV installed up there. On the plus side they found my favourite blue pants I thought I had lost and no signs of anything else. They took 2 biopsies which were both clear. I have also just had a blood test which was clear and a full body CAT scan which was also completely clear. The really excellent news is my surgeon does not want to see me again for a year. Neither does the greensman at my golf club, but that's another story.

Thoughts of my surgery, convalescence, bag changes and the anxiety on the faces of those who love me, have all but disappeared.

Strangely the news of my all clear proved to be an anti climax instead of a delight. Initially it was a huge relief with floods of tears and then the realisation of my lucky escape caught up with me. I was very down for a few days but I am fine now.

I am left with no problems at all and there is nothing I can’t do or eat, thanks to the skill of my surgeon. My bowel habits have returned to what they were before the op which is incredible and I am back playing hockey. I am deeply indebted to all the medical staff and my family who cared for me and of course to Marilyn for her unflinching love and support.

Some of you will probably have friends who have cancer and it is difficult to know what to say to them. In my case I was aware when people were deliberately avoiding the subject and I appreciated people taking directly about it and not avoiding the word cancer. What I didn’t like was of other people’s cancer stories which were numerous. This was my cancer and I selfishly only wanted to talk about me.

Thank you all again for your hundreds of posts which helped me more than you will ever know. You are all stars and I love you all.
Jon xxx

Can you believe it's now 9 months!

My dear friends

Can you believe it is now 9 months since diagnosis! I could have had a baby in that time and even have the Cesarean scar.

I had my 3 month check up last week with the surgeon and all was well.
I got my blood test results today and all was normal there as well. Yippee!!
I truly feel cured yet despite this I still sighed with relief on hearing the news. To have cancer is unusual as you don't really see the invader and just imagine it. I was lucky to have bowel cancer as apposed to other types as you can chop it out and if it hasn't broken out you are cured. These poor women with breast cancer for example, having invasive surgery doesn't necessarily do the trick and they have a lifetime of medication. I haven't taken a single pill.

Next step is a colonoscopy in April followed by a CAT scan to look for any secondaries. I know there won't be any so bring it on. If I am clear after a year the prognosis is excellent.

Much love and I look forward to catching up with you all soon.
Jon xx