Week 27: 6 months up & I'm back working
13 Oct 2011
This week I passed the six month anniversary of my cancer diagnosis. If you remember, I started out by counting the first 100 days and now I'm counting in weeks...and, although I'm well short of my target of a century of weeks, this feels like a landmark worth noting.
Generally I have been feeling extremely well and my old energy levels are returning. It feels rather miraculous, especially as I have now allowed myself to read the statistics of life expectancy for those diagnosed with lung cancer (I won't give them here as I have never accepted that averages have much meaning for any individual case, but I can tell you they are shocking and very scary).
I also recognise just how lucky I have been, a point underlined by the recent sad and early death from cancer of a friend and neighbour. My thoughts are with his family.
Back to work
It's been wonderful to be feeling well enough to get back fully into the swing of work again. I hadn't completely stopped but had certainly cut down my commitments. Today I was chairing a lively couple of panel debates at an Ofqual conference on A-Level exam standards. There was a decent story in the speech from the Education Secretary, Michael Gove, and it felt good to be back joining my old journalistic colleagues in filing the story. I have also just written my monthly column for the Education Guardian, which appears next Tuesday.
So life feels as if it is returning to where I was before being so rudely interrupted by my cancer diagnosis 6 months ago.
Lingering side effects
I do still have a few lingering side-effects from the chemotherapy, mainly numbness (or neuropathy, to be technical) in my hands and feet. I also know I must not fall back in to the old habits of working too hard, getting tired and stressed and failing to enjoy the simple - but fundamental - things in life. I have had a major scare and, although I feel so much better, I know it's not all over.
It's impossible to say with absolute certainty what it is that has worked to arrest the growth of the tumour. That's because I have been trying so many treatments and therapies. But instinctively my feeling is that it has been a combination of several things, including: homoeopathy, herbalism, Reiki and reflexology,and healing plus a good diet, plenty of rest, outdoor exercise and - not to be underestimated - meditation, having fun, and thinking positively.
Drug trial
My next consultant's appointment is in about three weeks but - providing there's been no flare up of the tumours - I have been told there will be no further chemotherapy, which is an enormous relief. I am, however, planning to agree to go on a medical trial of a new drug should further treatment be necessary. The only problem with the trial is that I could be in the control group, which means I would not (initially) get the new drug but would get chemotherapy instead. I remain positive, though, that this won't be necessary as I have told my tumours that they are free to leave whenever they are ready....as there is no future for them in my body!
My heartfelt thanks again to everyone for the wonderful support and messages - please forgive me for being unable to repy personally to you all.
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Allison Allen - 13 Oct 2011
6 months up
I'm so happy for you and really pleased you're back at work. As long as you really don't work too hard!
statistics - they are scary, but you really can't think they apply to the individual - there are so many influencers. Trust yourself.
Well done Mike
lee phillips - 13 Oct 2011
great news
So pleased to hear this Mike. And coincidentally my dad received his initial diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer a year ago today. And currently, he's no evidence of disease and on tarceva maintenance.
Here's hoping you're on the right ARM of the trial and it makes the cancer hop on out of there.
neville coles - 13 Oct 2011
Again great
Great news
Again - come and see us if you want a laugh... and see a school!
www.priory.n-somerset.sch.uk
Philip and Jane Douch - 13 Oct 2011
Your good news
Hi Mike (and Chrissy too). We are so pleased to hear that you are feeling well and that the cancer seems to have stabilised.
It now behoves me to rib you mercilessly for the stuffing inflicted on Ipswich by The Saints at the start of the season. It's been a while since we've been above you, but I reckon that may just be the way it's going to be for a while now....
If Stroud seems like a nice visit option some time, just give us a call. Easy train from London if you prefer not to drive.
And maybe an apposite cartoon... Man to medic: 'Yes, doctor, I do understand that I need to slow down and relax more. In fact I'd like to become the best relaxer there is. I want to be at the cutting edge of relaxation'.
Lots of love
P and J xx
Stephen Heppell - 13 Oct 2011
fab
flippin fab news - I'm raising a glass of Sancerre in your name Mike. Possibly two.
John Sayers - 14 Oct 2011
Great news
This is great news,Mike-I'm really happy for you.Just take it easy at work.You are in our thoughts and prayers.John,Chieko and Karl.
Mike: many thanks.
Fiona - 17 Oct 2011
Excellent
Dear Mike,
This is such good news. I am really pleased for you.
You may remember that my husband Ken was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer at the same time as you. Sadly, he passed away last week. With cancer, it really does seem that each person is an individual, and the progression (or lack of) depends on so many complex factors. Ken passed away peacefully and although I miss his terribly, I also feel privileged to have been there for him. I'm sorry to have to bring sad news to you, but I feel sure you would like to know. Hospice palliative care is second to none, and I have nothing but praise for the team who cared for Ken.
Take care and all the best for the future!
Fiona
Mike:
Dear Fiona,
I'm so sorry to hear this but thank you for letting me know.
We also lost a friend and neighbour, who was about my age, to cancer a couple of weeks ago. It's so very sad, especially for those left behind.
I really appreciate your kind comments - thankyou.
Mike
Andy Bryan - 18 Oct 2011
Hello Mike.
So glad for you , Chrissy and the girls to hear how positively things are going. Keep on shouting at those tumours!
All the best,
Andy.
Kelly - 18 Oct 2011
Hooray!
So glad to hear the cancer has been arrested, Mike - hope they put it in jail and throw away the key! All the best from everyone at Villiers Park.
francine Brown - 21 Oct 2011
your most inspiring writing ....
Dear Mike
Our mutual friend Amanda wrote of your cancer blog and I simply wanted to say I am thinking of you as I am of her as she goes bravely through her surgery.... I find your writing most inspiring Mike for us all who can so easily find ourselves in your situation. You sound as if you are being so brave and are finding new energy to support you through this life changing experience. I so understand your need for meditation and alternative therapies to help balance your body both physically and mentally in order to help reach an inner peace. What strength you are finding and what marvellous new projects you are getting involved in - not forgetting
the good old faithful bike... Take care Mike and remember me to Chrissie - with fond wishes from your neighbours in Staunton Road
Jackie - 23 Oct 2011
Positive Mental Attitude
Hi Mike
I am glad you are ignoring the statistics..... they are scary but probably don't take into account a positive mental attitude and all the other additional things you are doing. Keep well. I write a newsletter for my husband which I send to family and friends and have mentioned your talk recently at the Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Conference.