I was with my daughter 10 years ago during her Lymphoma journey, she's in remission too and similar to you, her diagnosis was 3 months before her wedding . My daughter is well but I can never relax fully about her health. Thank you for sharing.
It’s always there just in the background. Most of the time I completely forget it’s there, but every now and again, like on birthdays, it reminds me. I hope your daughter is doing well now.
JP - Thanks for your heartfelt story of your journey so far with cancer. We hear too many negative stories and people need to realize that there are many, many positive outcomes. 53 more good years to you!
Very interesting to read about your experience and glad it’s under control. Lucky is a word I consider every single day since I was diagnosed - we ARE lucky to be here when so many aren’t. I think it’s so important when you have had a life changing experience like this to share it with others; I almost feel like it’s an obligation in these current times when 1 in 2 of us are being diagnosed! Your written experience here will help others and that’s brilliant 💪🏻 PS: I also was in the fight not flight camp and refused to let the treatment break me (I would whack on full make up just to get hooked up to the machine as I couldn’t bear it to be controlling me). A good and really useful piece of writing 👏🏻
Lisa thank you for sharing that with us. It’s imperative that we have open and frank dialogue on the subject. I think we all underestimate just how much talking and writing about our experience with cancer can help others. So glad you were in the fight not flight club. Here’s to life! 🥂🪴
I have followed you for a while now JP for renovation and gardening tips, love your ‘bugger it just have a go attitude’. Hadn’t realised this part of your story. Brave of you to share, makes me appreciate your humour and you gently poking fun out of yourself all the more. 🥰😊
Happy birthday JP and thank you so much for sharing such a difficult, traumatic experience. All my siblings have been affected by cancer and I have been ignoring some troubling symptoms for a little while; sharing your journey has prompted me to get them checked. Wishing you continued health, happiness and success. x
Thank you for sharing your story as they say nobody has ‘empty pockets’ we have no idea what people carry with them. You are an inspiration for sure, enjoy your bubbles x
And I thought you were 35. You should have just said 35 and we would have all believed you. Congratulations on overcoming lymphoma. This was such a heartfelt and honest post and I appreciate your positive and practical outlook. A good reminder when you go through hard times.
Thank you for sharing. As a cancer researcher for all my life ( now 64) this is an amazing and encouraging story. Life live with your positive attitude and I am sure you will die with cancer not from it. Verena
Wow, wow, wow! Given the subject matter, it seems somewhat wrong to say that this is a great article, but I’m sure you get my drift when I say it is.
Oh how I wish I had your attitude. I paradoxically believe events (actions) affect us based on our reactions, whilst having no control of myself over staying positive! A nightmare!
I too had cancer at a similar age, and you’ve awoken memories of my quirky priorities. Boy, did I fight!! Wanted to (only virtually) fight all the staff, and got up and ready in hospital so early, hyper aware and vigilant. For me too, the traumas were mainly peripheral events, such as sharing the waiting room with tiny sick children, what I perceived to be vicious insertions of neck cannulas, and aggressive blood taking in A&E (tying my wrist with a rubber glove, so tight my hand ballooned, ironically like a blown up glove!) removing the needle before the glove so that my blood hit the wall and ceiling…
All this seemed to make the treatment-side seem a doddle! The bottom line is that they gave me more life, and whilst I haven’t maintained the euphoria and feeing of invincibility of being told that, I will be forever grateful.
Thank you for this good-for-the-soul article - the bath picture ain’t ’arf bad, either!
I think it’s almost impossible to maintain the euphoria Tina. Day to day hum drum and the endless cycle of life take over. I remember it in quiet moments, stolen moments, moments where nature shines its light on ordinary miracles and moments after a fight when you realise you couldn’t live without them. As long as you recognise those moments, you’re doing ok. Xxx
Sage words, thank you JP. It will stay in my mind forever that I was in isolation in a lead-lined room, selfishly feeling sorry for myself, when the Twin Towers fell. That pulled me up short and changed my attitude. You are a kind, caring man, I feel luck to have your company through your writings xx
Thank you so much for sharing your inspirational story JP x It takes courage to talk openly about these kind of subjects ! I hope you know your story will inspire so many , my friend had non Hodgkin Lymphoma at the same time you were going through it and was 21!!! And a survivor too!
Cancer has touched so many of my family and friends and I absolutely love your openness and your courage too !!!
Enjoy your Birthday JP !!! Such a wonderful gentleman you are!!!! You certainly brighten my world with your lovely post and story’s and make my day so much brighter !!! ❤️
That’s so young! Wow that must have been so hard. It seems almost no one is not touched in some way by cancer, either personally, or through friends and family. I think the more we talk about it and share experiences, the better we can feel about it and move forward with hope and positivity. X
I was with my daughter 10 years ago during her Lymphoma journey, she's in remission too and similar to you, her diagnosis was 3 months before her wedding . My daughter is well but I can never relax fully about her health. Thank you for sharing.
It’s always there just in the background. Most of the time I completely forget it’s there, but every now and again, like on birthdays, it reminds me. I hope your daughter is doing well now.
Thank you yes she's a powerhouse and is now a curator at The British Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire. ❤️
JP - Thanks for your heartfelt story of your journey so far with cancer. We hear too many negative stories and people need to realize that there are many, many positive outcomes. 53 more good years to you!
You are most welcome Rosey and thank you for your comment. Here’s to many more years to come.
Very interesting to read about your experience and glad it’s under control. Lucky is a word I consider every single day since I was diagnosed - we ARE lucky to be here when so many aren’t. I think it’s so important when you have had a life changing experience like this to share it with others; I almost feel like it’s an obligation in these current times when 1 in 2 of us are being diagnosed! Your written experience here will help others and that’s brilliant 💪🏻 PS: I also was in the fight not flight camp and refused to let the treatment break me (I would whack on full make up just to get hooked up to the machine as I couldn’t bear it to be controlling me). A good and really useful piece of writing 👏🏻
Lisa thank you for sharing that with us. It’s imperative that we have open and frank dialogue on the subject. I think we all underestimate just how much talking and writing about our experience with cancer can help others. So glad you were in the fight not flight club. Here’s to life! 🥂🪴
I’m glad you’re still here, living your best life. 💖
Thank you Sandra xx
I have followed you for a while now JP for renovation and gardening tips, love your ‘bugger it just have a go attitude’. Hadn’t realised this part of your story. Brave of you to share, makes me appreciate your humour and you gently poking fun out of yourself all the more. 🥰😊
Ah thank you Claire. Yeah, it kind of teaches you to not take life too seriously and just have a go. Xxxx
Happy birthday JP and thank you so much for sharing such a difficult, traumatic experience. All my siblings have been affected by cancer and I have been ignoring some troubling symptoms for a little while; sharing your journey has prompted me to get them checked. Wishing you continued health, happiness and success. x
Well, then this post was worth it. Yes, lease do get checked. Better to be safe. X
I’ve just read your story JP. Thank you for sharing. I am currently having a rhubarb g +t and toasting your health x
Well, that sounds just about perfect to me. Cheers!
Thank you for sharing your story as they say nobody has ‘empty pockets’ we have no idea what people carry with them. You are an inspiration for sure, enjoy your bubbles x
Big old pockets full of life here Lynda. Thank you taking the time to read it. Xx
And I thought you were 35. You should have just said 35 and we would have all believed you. Congratulations on overcoming lymphoma. This was such a heartfelt and honest post and I appreciate your positive and practical outlook. A good reminder when you go through hard times.
You’ve made my day! 🤣🩷
Oh that made me happy to hear. I really meant it btw. You do look young.
Thank you for sharing. As a cancer researcher for all my life ( now 64) this is an amazing and encouraging story. Life live with your positive attitude and I am sure you will die with cancer not from it. Verena
Thank you Verena. As a researcher, is there evidence that positive attitude does indeed make a difference?
Wonderful post, it’s brilliant that you can share your ordeal with others. I hope you have a very long healthy happy life ❤️
Thank you so much.
Thankyou for sharing your experience with Cancer JP writing in depth and at times humour which I recognise as your style.
Most importantly sharing your story in the hope you can support others in their cancer journey.
I hope you had the best Birthday weekend xxx
Tracey thank you for taking the time to read it. Yes, if it can help one person, then it’s worthwhile. Fab weekend thanks and hope you did too.
Wow, wow, wow! Given the subject matter, it seems somewhat wrong to say that this is a great article, but I’m sure you get my drift when I say it is.
Oh how I wish I had your attitude. I paradoxically believe events (actions) affect us based on our reactions, whilst having no control of myself over staying positive! A nightmare!
I too had cancer at a similar age, and you’ve awoken memories of my quirky priorities. Boy, did I fight!! Wanted to (only virtually) fight all the staff, and got up and ready in hospital so early, hyper aware and vigilant. For me too, the traumas were mainly peripheral events, such as sharing the waiting room with tiny sick children, what I perceived to be vicious insertions of neck cannulas, and aggressive blood taking in A&E (tying my wrist with a rubber glove, so tight my hand ballooned, ironically like a blown up glove!) removing the needle before the glove so that my blood hit the wall and ceiling…
All this seemed to make the treatment-side seem a doddle! The bottom line is that they gave me more life, and whilst I haven’t maintained the euphoria and feeing of invincibility of being told that, I will be forever grateful.
Thank you for this good-for-the-soul article - the bath picture ain’t ’arf bad, either!
I think it’s almost impossible to maintain the euphoria Tina. Day to day hum drum and the endless cycle of life take over. I remember it in quiet moments, stolen moments, moments where nature shines its light on ordinary miracles and moments after a fight when you realise you couldn’t live without them. As long as you recognise those moments, you’re doing ok. Xxx
Sage words, thank you JP. It will stay in my mind forever that I was in isolation in a lead-lined room, selfishly feeling sorry for myself, when the Twin Towers fell. That pulled me up short and changed my attitude. You are a kind, caring man, I feel luck to have your company through your writings xx
Happy birthday and here’s to being so positive and determined to not let this beat you. Inspiring journey lovely JP x x
Thank you Ali
Thank you so much for sharing your inspirational story JP x It takes courage to talk openly about these kind of subjects ! I hope you know your story will inspire so many , my friend had non Hodgkin Lymphoma at the same time you were going through it and was 21!!! And a survivor too!
Cancer has touched so many of my family and friends and I absolutely love your openness and your courage too !!!
Enjoy your Birthday JP !!! Such a wonderful gentleman you are!!!! You certainly brighten my world with your lovely post and story’s and make my day so much brighter !!! ❤️
That’s so young! Wow that must have been so hard. It seems almost no one is not touched in some way by cancer, either personally, or through friends and family. I think the more we talk about it and share experiences, the better we can feel about it and move forward with hope and positivity. X
Thank you JP for sharing! I’m so thankful you’re in remission. 🫂
Someday when I’m ready, I’ll share my experience with cancer! Today I’m celebrating you JP! Happy first birthday celebration in your forever home!
🏡 🎉🥂🍾😍🥰😘
Thank you Chriss as always. Xxx