REALITY BITES!!! A big good morning Tinman supporters and followers. Another day and the sun has risen again ( thank goodness , life would be a bit dull without the sun). The last few weeks have been awesome camping with friends, concerts, trip to Fraser Island and lots of R & R. Unfortunately today reality bit and I had to start preparing for the start of another regime of chemo tomorrow. Bloods were taken this morning and I am now mentally preparing for the impact it will have on me, my lifestyle and my family. As they are using 2 heavier chemo drugs, I have no idea what the side effects will be but I will be tough ( as per usual). I have been told that the specific drugs being used can affect my nails and it has been suggested that I paint my nails with black nail polish. This is going to be great as I always wanted to front a rock band . Sadly I cant sing. The one thing I am very thankful about is the professional help I have available to me. The support there is awesome, the care and compassion is second to none. I was asked am I dreading going back to the Day Oncology unit? Truth of the matter is, the nurses become part of your weekly process and you do miss their interaction. So it will be great to see their smiling faces again ( it amazes me how they stay so bright and bubbly faced with what they see daily). Anyway dont worry , I am still facing everything with a positive attitude and ready to fight this new fire front with everything I have. Stay tuned for more stories from the cancer fire ground. Keep smiling and laughing. " The Tinman" ( you can find me on facebook)   ... View more

  THE PAST , THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE. Sitting on the beach at Inskip has given me the oppurtunity to stop and reflect on what the year has dealt me, where I am now and what the future may look like. THE PAST! What can I say. Yes the cancer diagnosis was a shock. Lucky for me I was referred to an awesome surgeon who was willing to do the risky surgery and an oncologist who knew her stuff. This allowed me to have the tumour removed and any remaining cancer cells bombarded by chemo. This was only half the battle. If it wasnt for my loving family, awesome friends and the well wishes from people I didnt know, I would not have been able to remain so positive. As you all know by now, the surgeon and oncologist are confident that they have succeeded and there is 5 to 10% chance that I will have any further cancer issues. 🙂 THE PRESENT! 3 Weeks ago I had my last chemo treatment. This was 2 treatments less than planned by the Oncologist so that I would be over the chemo side effects by mid September. Why mid September? Every year towards the end of September, I attend the Harcourts Foundation fundraising camping trip and a week at Fraser with mates. The Oncologist was adamant that I was going to be well enough to attend these events. The good news is I have made the Harcourts event this week ( been a great week) and I am planning for the Fraser week with enthusiasm. While the above is exciting , presently I am still battling with swallowing food. A few more balloon dilations are planned which should help things . In the mean time balancing food in and energy out is the main issue. THE FUTURE! Wow, what will the future be like. As mentioned in previous TINMAN posts I have had to close down The City Rouseabout Handyman Services business. While the business was going very well, my strength and Stamina will not be sufficient to keep the business going. Thus after further recovery I will be looking at a career change early next year. What will my new career look like? I have no idea. A suggestion of proffesional clown has been dismissed. I can guarantee that my future career will be for the sole purpose of allowing Mary and I to explore Australia and hopefully other exciting places around the world. A scare like this year definitely makes one stop and reassess things. More recreation time camping and fishing is definetly on the cards. In addition I will be catching up with the many friends who have been there with me throughout the year. So dont be surprised if I organise many catch ups. Keep smiling, laughing and enjoy life. THE TINMAN! https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2696637403703273&id=2299508053416212&sfnsn=mo ... View more

WHY A BLOG? (Also on Instagram - matthetinman ) As family, friends and acquaintances know I was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus in early January 2019. While family and friends are currently dealing with or have dealt with cancer , my understanding of what they are going through or have dealt with was limited. Thus I thought I would dip my toe into the world of blogging. I will try to avoid mindless dribble by including the good , the bad and the ugly of my cancer fight. WHY "THE TINMAN" "The Tinman" nickname was handed to me during my years on the committee with Albany Creek GPS Rugby Union Club. One meeting we were discussing something ( cant remember the exact topic) when out of the blue I made a comment along the lines of " just like a bunch of tinmen running around the field". Stunned silence greated me and thust The Tinman nickname stuck. So "The Tinman" persona with its lightweight titanium suit, empathy and strength will keep me strong during the battle.   Keep smiling and laughing.   Matt   " The Tinman" https://www.facebook.com/The-Tinman-2299508053416212/     ... View more