martink58

Hi,

I thought that it was time for me to make an appearance, as I have, in fact been a “lurker” for a week or so now.

I am Dan’s father, Martin, a sufferer of CC for 5 years and still counting (as you’ve already heard).

At this point, I’d like to thank Dan for posting my story (it must have taken an age to compile) and everyone for their kind words of encouragement.

I have been referred to as a “Super Hero”. I am no more a Super Hero than any of you out there that are suffering or caring for someone with this dreadful disease.

Had it not been for my surgeon Mr K.R Prasad and without my wife & sons (who have suffered just as much, if not more than me) I would not be here today.

During the first year of diagnosis and after my liver surgery, my weight dropped from 15 stone to 9 stone and I needed constant encouragement to eat and drink in order to keep up my strength to fight the illness. My family were always there by my side.

I always remember Mr Prasad saying that FOOD IS GOD’S MEDICINE and that is so true; you need nourishment in order to keep your strength up.

I have good days and bad and there’s not a week goes by when I don’t shed a tear or two.

What I would give to be able to see my two sons marry and raise a family, become a granddad and enjoy retirement with my wife Gail.

Unfortunately I don’t look that far ahead, I take each day as it comes and try to get on with life I have a tendency to push my illness to the back of my mind.

I play a round of golf most weekends, I go out with my family and friends (whom have also been very supportive) and I also work full time, what else can I do. I don’t know how much longer I have left?

So you see, really I’m no different to anyone else out there that has CC.

Last Thursday I went to se my Oncologist, to get the results from my CT scan, this week I should have been commencing chemotherapy treatment.

For the first time in ages, I was given some good news!!…..the tumour had only grown 1mm in the last 3 months which is slower than the norm for CC, I understand!!

A decision was made to delay the chemotherapy and see how the tumours perform over the next 4 months.

I must say, I was somewhat relieved at the thought of not having to start chemotherapy. Let’s hope it continues to slow down and maybe stop growing altogether or would that be too much to expect?

So there you have it, things can turn around when it seems like there’s no hope.

Funnily enough I’ve never been that positive and I’ve always expected the worst, so it means the good news always comes as a bonus!!

Once again thanks for your support

Martin (the Lurker… or is it Super Hero?)