Some anniversary thoughts
September 3rd I kept as the third anniversary of my diagnosis (new readers start here). I celebrated with a short ride up the Taff Trail, crossing the river into Morganstown and coming back through Radyr to Llandaff Cathedral and going down to the Bay via the west bank of the river. I had a pleasant lunch at Coffee Mania and came home. About 10 miles in all and the hill climb in Radyr went surprisingly well. I kept up a 62rpm cadence and wasn't quite in my granny gear.
I thought I'd try to sum up the last three years.
Firstly, and most surprisingly, it has been a positive and life affirming time. I knew that a positive attitude was important (that is why I kept this blog)and that attitude rubbed off into other areas of my life. Ok, my low-level depression has reasserted itself at times but I have made many new relationships via social media and deepened many of my real world relationships. I took the decision to retire early and I'm mostly enjoying that but I'm the first to admit that I'm a lousy house-husband. I have recently started as a volunteer at a local organisation offering accessible cycling opportunities (PedalPower) as part of a bargain with my wife that if I get out more I'll be more productive at home. I would certainly say to all those who have recently received a cancer diagnosis: "Don't despair, cancer survival rates are increasing and maintaining a positive attitude is important." For other blog posts on this topic see: The Word is Hope", LiveStrong.
Secondly, my experience of the NHS as an oncology patient. Again all good. Admittedly, by taking part in a clinical trial I have had more aggressive treatment and perhaps a closer relationship with the various people who have been involved in my treatment. I had an email today advertising a private health company in the UK. It started:
1 in 3 people in the UK are affected by cancer.
If that 1 happened to be you, we can help.
Leaving aside the fact that their targetting wasn't very good, I would say to anyone else who received this: "Ignore it". NHS cancer care is fine. Yss, cancer survival rates in the UK are worse than in many other countries but the NHS's standing has improved in recent years and much of the difference is perhaps attributable to the British stiff upper lip and "I don't want to be a nuisance" attitude. If you are at all worried about any symptoms, be it a dodgy looking mole, blood in your stools, an itchy weeping place on your nose-go and talk to your doctor about it! They will either put your mind at rest or start a process that can only benefit you an those you love. Don't die of embarrassment!
Thirdly, LiveStrong! Lance Armstrong is my hero! He is the absolute epitome of the athlete and sports person (not always the same thing) and a cancer survivor extraordinaire! His LiveStrong Foundation is doing a huge amount in the States and across the world to address the issues surrounding cancer; the stigma attached to its diagnosis in many cultures, the creation of a worldwide community of professionals in the field and much else.