Tuesday, 23 December 2014

100! And 365!

Today is the first anniversary of my admission to hospital and diagnosis.  And this is my 100th posting to this blog.  Two enormous milestones.

What a journey it has been.  Such a roller coaster (but now of course more like a carousel!), with many downs & ups and unexpected twists & turns.  But, while the "downs" have sometimes been deep, black and occasionally almost impossible to cope with, there have been an amazing number of "ups "and "positives" as well.  And it's those positive experiences I want to celebrate today:

  • the joy of blogging!
  • The beauty of the English countryside (viz. our commute to the clinic).
  • The pleasure in "physical therapies" - McTimoney, Bowen and Reiki.
  • The skills and flair in a Surgeon's hands.
  • The knowledge and finesse of the Oncologist.
  • The care and humanity of nurses throughout the NHS; in cancer care, A&E and on the wards.
  • The capacity and capability of the NHS, in 2014, in the face of huge pressures.
  • Free, open access to amazing technology; from Peter the Pump & Sean the Stent, to SIRT & keyhole surgery; as well as to today's chemotherapy and the innovation of Monoclonal Antibodies.
  • The resilience and robustness of the human body (five hospitalisations, every one overcome!) 
  • The realization that I have not wasted a moment of my 57 (and counting!) years.
  • The privilege of (finally!) understanding the impact I seem to have had, professionally and personally on so many people in so many places.
  • The support, love, prayers and thoughts of so many friends, day by day, every day, for a year...
  • ...and new friends made amongst my fellow patients in the clinic - you all inspire me.
  • But, above all, the unwavering and unending love and support of my family, and beyond everything, Diana.

This time last year I was dying.  This year I am living, as alive as I have ever been.  This Christmas, more than any I can remember, means so much in so many ways.  In particular I am reminded of Dave Allen's powerful thought "May your God go with you".  May I refine this, and say at this time "May your beliefs nourish you".

Have a peaceful, joyful and relaxing (or invigorating!) Christmas,

With all our Love

Ian and Diana
23rd December 2014, 100th posting.

2 comments:

  1. How beautifully and eloquently put and how I agree with you on everything you say. Cancer is a rotten disease but it's treatment brings expected depths in relationships and through it to meet people who will touch your life. Congratulations on your 100 post and Bravo! to meeting the anniversary so well and strong. Much love and I hope we meet again soon

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  2. That was a really lovely post, Ian. You've been through so much and I am deeply impressed and so happy that you've managed to fight your way through to your first anniversary of the hospital admission and diagnosis in such amazingly good spirits. You've been an inspiration this year. I send you and Diana and the wider family much love and my very best wishes for a happy and peaceful Christmas and a fulfilling and positive New Year. Sending love and 'good vibes' through the ether. GC xx

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