'I believe that fate holds some significance over whether we survive or we don’t. My father had bowel cancer very many years ago in the late 1940s and he lived to be 92.'
Oddly, it appears that my experience of cancer has in some way given me permission to step outside my comfort zone, to be bolder and to try new things...
'After brain cancer, my ‘new normal’ is quite a relaxed existence. I used to be very active, going surfing and rock climbing, but now I focus more on building relationships with my family and friends.'
"Know your support network, both inside and outside of work. Who will you go to if you are struggling? Who will you ask about time off for check-ups? Who can you have a moan to if you need to?"
Back in my thirties and forties fitness was something I did to prepare for the next physical challenge. I used to run the odd race and beforehand I’d train a bit harder. I was doing just this in the lead-up to my fiftieth birthday as I’d entered a half-marathon with my daughter.
“We believe in information – not pity”. This was exactly what I wanted when I got cancer. I did not want “poor you” comments. Neither did I want advice on eating miracle foods, nor alternative treatments...
Reassurance made me feel lonelier. When I was discharged from hospital after treatment, the flowers poured in, as did the well-wishing cards from family and friends.
