About Me

 I'm writing this a few days before my birthday.  Fourteen and a half years ago I was diagnosed with kidney cancer.  My left kidney was removed and I made a good recovery. "That's that," I thought, "I can get on with my life."  But three years later and a check-up revealed cancer in my left adrenal gland.  This too was removed.  As a one-time long distance cyclist I had always carried spares.  Now was beginning to realise how important it is to have two of certain organs.  Again I made a good recovery so it was disappointing to be told, three years later, the cancer had resumed its growth in the original kidney area.  It was back to the hospital for more surgery.  My left abdomen was beginning to look like a map of the London Underground!  There was also a lopsided bulge there and my belly button had shifted three inches to the right - but who was going to see me naked?

Later that year another check-up revealed spots of cancer in my lungs.  I was offered chemotherapy and did some research on the experience patients reported of this treatment.  The reports were not encouraging.

"How long would I have to be on chemotherapy?" I asked my oncologist.
"For the rest of your life," he replied.  "This is palliative treatment.  We can't cure you."

I went away to meditate on this.  Other than the short aftermaths after three operations, my cancers had given me no pain and was otherwise healthy and active.  In full agreement with Liz, my wife, I decided not to accept treatment.  I was 76 and had had a good life.  Chemotherapy was likely to make me sick, diuretic and vulnerable to diseases because my immune system would be depressed.  I thought I'd I'd rather have a shorter but better quality life than a slightly longer but uncomfortable one.

Eight years later, a few days before my 84th birthday and I'm so glad I made that decision. It was not done without  a lot of research into ways to support my health outside of the 'one size fits all' approach of  traditional practiced throughout the West.  Encouraged by Liz, I've kept a cancer diary and now that is about to be published as a book entitled, 'What my Doctors Didn't Tell me About Cancer.'

But my journey hasn't ended, so this blog will keep you up to date with the continuing saga and what I discover that may be helpful to you in your own journey.  Please, do feel free to share your experiences here for the encouragement and help of others.  Together we need to keep hope alive.