As I write this chapter of my Cancer Journey, I realise that it has only been 14 weeks since I started it which is no time at all in a normal life. Unfortunately having cancer is anything but “normal” and as I found out it becomes your everything. As those of you who have followed me on my journey, at times, it has felt deep, dark and never-ending.
I’m now in to the eighth week of my recovery, post-treatment, and it has been everything my medical team said it would. The first three weeks were really crappy as the RT really kicked in (or kicked out of my system) but since then things have got gradually better with all my normal facilities and functions starting to return. As I write this, the only things I can’t taste are spicy foods or alcohol! I know they say that cancer is life changing but I thought I’d be able to hang on to my curries and the odd cold refreshment. Fingers crossed they both come back! Still low on energy but that will gradually build back up as I come more active.
The continued support from close friends and family has been fantastic and a key factor in my recovery. Knowing you’ve got people on the sidelines cheering for you is a great tonic and you feel very humbled, at times, especially when it comes from some unexpected and unlikely sources.
So where am I now? Well, I had my first post-treatment review last week and my consultant is extremely confident that the cancer has gone. I didn't get the “camera down the throat” bit as there’s still too much inflammation but there’s no sign of it on my tonsil. The tumour on my neck has almost gone and from his examination he believes the cancer has as well. This is great news and you can't imagine the relief it was for Karen & I to be told this. Yes, I’ll now have to be closely monitored & assessed for a five-year period but I can live with that.
What’s life going to be for me now? I haven't a clue! Your focus during treatment & recovery is on each day and living in the here & now. I haven't been capable of thinking ahead and even with the good news we’ve had I still can’t. A lot of dust has still to settle and where and how it lands will determine what I do next and when. What I do know is that Karen & I are now heading off for a well-deserved holiday to relax and catch up on “us time”!
I’m sure my experience will have had an impact on me as I’ve found out a lot about myself and what and who’s important in my life. Whilst I’m mightily relieved to have come through this experience I’m also quiet positive about what the future may hold whatever that will look like.
In the meantime, as we’ve said many times before, thanks for all your help, support, and encouragement. It was great having you on the team. You all played a blinder!
Craig and Karen
