The Bigger Picture - Thanks and Praise

Anyone reading the blog regularly over the last month could be forgiven for thinking that I have a negative outlook on my condition.  In fact the opposite is true.  Hopefully the radiotherapy and chemotherapy are doing their jobs and will give rise to good news when I reviewed to see whether I am operable this December.

I remember when I was diagnosed there was an almost universal opinion from family and friends that, if anyone was capable of getting through this then it would be me.  That kind of opinion is flattering and it is good news to hear that others have faith in you.  On the other hand it won't stop a cancer that it well developed from progressing. This is already known after what looked like excellent progress in the first stages.

I remember talking with Kitten during the early stages and saying that I felt I could deal with the illness but that I knew there would be a time where I would be severely challenged and would be reliant on others to lift my spirit.  I always imagined this to be in the time immediately after operation.  In reality it has proved to be over an elongated period since the middle of August.

Over this time I have remained head-strong, focused and determined but I have also been dragged down by the disease and its treatment.  Over this period there has been an outpouring of well-wishing and so many offers of help that it has been somewhat overwhelming.

During the last few weeks things have been kept very tight here.  It has just been Kitten, the children and me, a visit from my mother, the hospital and the occasional contact with the outside world.  That has reflected the difficulties we have been through.  However, the overall "positive vibe" that has been surrounding us from everyone has been extremely uplifting.  Those who I know care, but are not usually vocal have been vocal. Those who are normally demonstrative have been "chomping at the bit" to help.  Those who have the daily "chore" of looking after me have been overwhelmingly gracious.

There has also been help and generosity with the children's activities where others have stepped in to help to cover for my absence. Gifts of time, as well as thoughtful physical gifts.

There are too many people to thank and I will refrain from making individual reference because otherwise it will turn into a boring Oscar speech and I would not like to miss anyone, but I will extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has at sometime had me in their thoughts.

I am doing my level best to survive and transcend this illness and arriving at the point where the world's biggest glass of champagne (metaphorical or otherwise) descends into the journey.