Hi Peter   Funny, Peter is my son's and my father's name 😉   I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I'm nearly 8 weeks post surgery and into my chemo treatment. Looking forward to a fresh start and clean bill of health for 2020.    Your story is a reminder though, once a cancer patient, always a cancer patient. I'll be having annual colonoscopies (yes I meant to say annual) to keep an eye on things. Surgery took away my cancer but my DNA is still prone to bowel cancer. And the chemo I'm going through now is not a guaranteed solution. It may still spread.   I've just posted a very long post on another thread (not sleeping well), pointing out things I've learnt on my journey. One point being that cancer may still get me in the end, but in my mind I've already beaten cancer. It's changed my perspective on life for the better and it can never take that away from me now.   Stay positive. I probably don't have to tell you, but chemo sucks balls. So does surgery. I can't comment on radiation, but I've heard nasty stories. Stay strong and don't let it beat you.   Cheers   Phil ... View more

Hi Lampwork and Claire   Long night...   I've been reflecting on this thread. I took Rick's feedback to heart. If going for the record, incidental posts shouldn't count. So I went back and read Claire's initial post. I found it quite moving for two reasons. Firstly, it took me back to my days of first diagnoses and the emotional rollercoaster that followed. Secondly, Claire's attitude. So much to deal with, but positive. Signing it off with well wishes and 2 kisses for everyone.    I didn't realise it when I first read the post, but the first response to the post was Rick, who is actually a friend of mine.   Rick has shared his cancer journey through a series of journals he emailed to his circle of friends. As a result, I felt comfortable turning to Rick, to be one of the people in my circle of friends to share my cancer news. Another friend, who I'll just refer to as Fred, also with his own cancer story, also one of the first to learn of my plight.   These two guys have been very supportive, extending their friendship, advice and their journeys. Rick especially, he taught me early on to laugh at the cancer. An important necessity for adopting the right attitude to beating it. So I'd like to extend a big heartfelt thank you to Rick for his guidance on my journey. He helped to kick start my journey in the right direction.    Getting back to the original post,.. being a little bit ahead of Claire in her treatment, I thought I could offer some kind words to help out. However, reading through the post, there was so much advice and support coming back, I felt I could add nothing of value. I drew more from the thread than I could add. In particular, Lampwork's and Claire's responses to each other were so impacting on my perspective on my attitude to my own journey.    As time has moved on, we have shared some interesting banter and taken an ongoing interest in each other's journeys. I'd like to thank you both for the inspiration and support you've given me through this journey. This one thread has been quite significant for me, so I'm reluctant to let it die so easily. It's a big read for any new comers, but I think there is a lot of good material in here and now I can see, looking back, I did have a lot to contribute after all. I hope you have both, and others, have benefited from my involvement. I think this post is a healthy and positive reflection on how we dance with our cancer... and just keep on dancing.   So it's about 4 in the morning. Around the same time as Claire's original post. I've been awake for nearly 2 hours. I don't sleep a full night because of my stoma. I usually get up at least twice to go to the bathroom. Lately, I'm back to failing to drift off after visiting the bathroom. Makes it really hard to get through a day's work. I was sleeping better, but I think I am feeling the stress of cycle 2 of chemo, starting Wedenseday. The 3rd week break in my cycle is so good, despite the lack of sleep. Starting the next one is scary.   I remember when I jumped out of perfectly good aeroplane at the ripe old age of 17. I was scared but excited. Afterwards, someone told me, the second jump was scarier because now you know what to expect. I think that is what worries me with the chemo. I now know the bullshit I have to go through.   And I'll say it again. Chemo sucks balls.   It's hard to believe I had cancer to start with. My symptoms could have been explained by so many other things. It's fortunate I found a GP who was willing to find out. She saved me from reaching stage 4. Now post surgery, I feel like I am dancing with chemotherapy, not cancer. I feel the side effects from chemo, with no mistaking them. They are real and scary. Cancer could have been a dream by comparison. I was told it was there, but I haven't really felt it. I guess that is all factored on the type of cancer and the point of progression, when diagnosed. But ultimately for me, cancer treatment is a hard journey. I am counting down the days for my final treatment and upcoming surgery. I see the end is in sight.   I have learnt so much from this forum and a lot from this thread. 1, cancer changes your life forever. No matter how much time you have left. 2. everybody's journey is different. No one can tell you how your journey will go, but it helps to share your journey with others. 3. Life goes on, even after we have gone. If we can't live for ourselves, live for the ones who love and need us. 4. Don't be afraid to ask for help. 5. Don't be afraid to tell people how you feel. Open up, don't bottle up. There are no right or wrong emotions on your cancer journey. Telling other's how you feel can help you and others. 6. Be happy. Be positive. Look at how much time you may have and plan to make the most of it. Don't let cancer beat your mind. Fight it; or dance with it. If cancer kills me eventually, I won't be described as losing my battle with cancer. In my mind, I have already beaten it. 7. Don't be a victim. Despite being the sick one and needing help, your loved ones are on your journey too. Be there for the people who love you and support them as well.   There are probably more things to add, but I can't think of them now. This is a long post. I hope the maintenance gremlins don't eat this one too.   Any how, Lampwork, Claire (aka Ginger Rogers); and you too Rick, thank you for helping me by sharing your stories. You've been an inspiration.   Now get some sleep people!   ... View more

So Rick!   Did you find all the Elton John songs?   I'm asking before I try to repost the answers.   Lampwork got them all. Claire missed one. ... View more

You're a mum. Already a hero.   You have to take your pain killers. I'll explain why. You've recently had surgery. You need to move, not lie down in pain and resist movement. Take the drugs. Move more. Rest better. Feel better. Heal better. Dance better. 💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃   Aren't you glad I have a soap box? You just learnt something new about me. I like to stand on it occasionally.     ... View more

Arrrh! Forum maintenance just killed my long post!   I even had all the Elton songs listed.   Gone! ... View more

Yeah! I know, 2 lines are pretty pathetic. I'll try harder. I just wanted to increase the thread count. Still going for the record.   ... View more

Howdy Claire!   Still dancing? ... View more

Hi Lampwork    TGIF! I've had a busy week. It's funny how I had lots of time on this forum when I was laid up, but keep me busy and I disappear.   It's a good sign. I'll feeling good. Now in the rest period of my first cycle. Trying to live it up by having no tablets at all. Alas, not possible. Feeling much better in general though.   My 2nd cycle starts Wednesday and it will probably smack me really hard on the weekend. So I'll probably be a regular on the forum again.   I had better send Claire a post to, just to make sure she's still dancing. I hope your well. Let me know how your travelling.   Click here for some Elton John funnies   Enjoy!   Phil ... View more

Hi Lampwork    Elton John fans click here   Laughter is the best medicine .   Cheers   Phil ... View more

Hi Lampwork    I have a song you can dance to for celebrating your milestone. It's not a fast swinging rockabilly but a happy for tapping tune you can whistle to.   A song for people dancing with cancer   I'm still awaiting my first milestone. Coming Wednesday ! Yay !   It's good that you are still making beads. I've been keeping busy with playing music. I had a big day yesterday, having to set up some new microphone booms and stands. I started recording some tunes last night. It's funny how I can play a piece perfectly, but after clicking the record button, I can't play for shit. I spent hours trying to get it right but only getting rubbish. I think I need to approach it from a fresh start this morning without the stress.   I had to take my dogs out to the lounge last night. I didn't realise it when recording. Cavaliers are notorious sleepers. When I played back one of my attempts, I could hear Lucy snoring in the background. Saboteur.   I slept well last night. About 10 hours. Must have been exhausted. I'm getting more active and yesterday was quite busy. As today will be too. It's good to rest normally.   And well done for finding all the Elton John songs yesterday. I played few Elton songs on guitar yesterday. Goodbye yellow brick road is a tough one. Lot's of changes and a very wide vocal scope. Which is good, it exercises my lungs it sustain the high notes. Wierd thing though, since surgery, I get hiccups at the weirdest times. My diaphragm is a little stressed or perhaps lazy. It's actually funny when you hiccup while singing.   Ciao   Phil ... View more