Day 1

My dear friend Simon Connelly’s first comment on hearing my news was ” I thought you said they had found a tuba up your arse”. Having assured him that there is neither the instrument nor the player residing there he said ” you know that new cricket bat you’ve just bought………”

Shock is the only feeling I felt on Tuesday afternoon having gone to the Nuffield in Cheltenham for what I thought would be a routine inspection to have a check up and deal with some piles, to be told I have a growth and will need ct scans, MRI’s and possibly a lot of treatment over a long period of time with no certainty of outcome.

I am obviously not the first person to have received this news but it certainly feels like that as the consultant changes the path of your life.

So why am I writing this? For two reasons, firstly to keep those that want to follow my progress in the loop without having to make contact ( either because they feel they are intruding and or because it can be much easier to refresh this page and all will be revealed ). Secondly it has already lifted my spirits a bit as levity will go a long way to getting my family and I through this.

So the news so far: I have an MRI on Monday and a CT scan on Weds next week with the session with my consultant on Friday 8th at 2.15. I expect at that session he will give me an idea of what to expect in the next few weeks and months.

Lets hope next Friday is a good day!