John Dabell
@John_Dabell
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Incurable optimist living with incurable cancer. Hopepunk, Grit Spreader & Force Multiplier. The difference between a warrior and worrier is a couple vowels.
Middle Earth, England
Joined January 2017
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Head and Neck cancer has ravaged my health and career. I have a third of my tongue left, half my vocal chords, a hole in my neck, a broken jaw and incurable cancer. But my legs still work and I just did a 10 mile walk. To the doctors who gave me 2 months - you were wrong!
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Well, I've made another birthday and to make it this far was never on the cards. At best, I was given 2 months. But thanks to immunotherapy and a lot of daily graft, exercise and positive living I'm here to celebrate 3 years later. I don't take this day for granted but I am going…
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3 years ago today I was given just 2 months to live. Started chemo but this was stopped because of the pandemic and cancer spread at terrifying speed. Then had radiotherapy and immunotherapy which was lifesaving! Today is my 34th spa treatment & I'm feeling strong and thriving.
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New Year 4 years ago I was told I had incurable cancer with 2 months to live and was put on palliative care. Talk about knocked sideways. I had chemo which was then stopped because of lockdown and my cancer grew rapidly. I didn't give up, and neither did my fabulous oncologist. I…
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My last CT scan was 29 Nov 2022 and it still hasn't been reported on yet! For a late Stage IV cancer patient I don't think it is unreasonable to expect to have the results by now. A shortage of radiologists and NHS pressures make this more stressful than it need be.
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The heavy burden of an incurable cancer diagnosis is overwhelming and all-consuming, but the path is made lighter by cultivating a spirit of hope. My immunotherapy treatment is prolonging my life and I can only hope that it continues to do so.
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My latest CT scan showed my lungs were worse than last time (aspiration), so I decided to put them to the test and set myself a challenge: walking 10 miles a day for 10 consecutive days. Today marks mission accomplished, and I feel fine. There's plenty more in the tank! Incurable…
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Well, we made it folks, another Christmas! It's always a milestone when you have incurable cancer and one to be immensely grateful for, and I have immunotherapy to thank for prolonging my life. How much extra time on the pitch I'm going to get no one knows, but it's nearly 4…
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Incurable cancer. Think you can handle the weight of the badge? It comes with great responsibility, living with grace, being a role model for hope and optimism and creating a lasting legacy. It takes daily grind, daily guts and daily resolve like no other challenge you've ever…
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Head and neck cancer has robbed me of my ability to eat, swallow and speak. It's robbed me of my career and income. It's currently robbing me of my teeth and jaw. But what it can't do is rob me of my ability to walk and enjoy the glorious English countryside.
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So, I've decided not to have any surgical intervention regarding my pathological jaw fracture. It would mean long-term and possibly permanent tracheostomy and feeding tube and I'm not going through that again as it derailed me for 2 years. The surgery almost always leads to more…
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Alive for another Christmas! It's incredible I'm still here, but here I am and enjoying life!
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Is it still possible to have a spring in your step when you have incurable cancer? You bet it is and today I'm feeling very springy!
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When you’re told you have cancer the last things you want to hear is that it is Stage IV, inoperable and incurable. That’s the moment you step up and say 1) it’s not game over 2) I’m still going to live my life 3) now watch what I can really do!
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My 45th spa treatment is up and running! Every treatment is a landmark now as there are only two head and neck cancer patients that have made it this far, me being one of them.
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A little insight into my life as a head & neck cancer patient. It took me 28 minutes to eat one small sandwich today. It's hard work and exhausting. It means I have to plan when to eat, what to eat and where to eat as I often choke and so eating in public places can put extra
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Incurable cancer requires raw coping power. The good news is that this is a fundamental human trait that we all have that runs in our blood and our genes. You can cope with more than you realise. Now get out there and do what you have to do!
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If you were told you had 2 months to live, what would you do? Take a one-way ticket to Rio? Live furiously & do what the hell you wanted? I had to face this news & it's the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with. I met it with dignity and hope. That was over 3 years ago now.
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Stage IV incurable cancer:
They said I would always have a tracheostomy. It's out.
They said I would always have a feeding tube. It's out.
They said I had 2 months to live. That was 2 years and 5 months ago.
I'm not going anywhere except walking the dales and mountains!
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Today is a milestone treatment as it is my 50th immunotherapy! I'm pleased to say it went very well and I'm fit enough to go on a post-treatment walk. Training for my next one already!
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Four years ago, I was this tree. I was chopped down by an incurable cancer diagnosis & told I had 2 months to live. But, I didn't stay down, I got up, grew back, and continue to branch out. Keep your spirit in the game, and never accept you're done for. You can make a comeback!
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Stage IV Head and Neck Cancer and Stage III bone death of my jaw. Do you see me without a smile looking crestfallen and bitter? No you do not! There is always something to be grateful for.
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Being on a palliative pathway is naturally the hardest thing I have ever had to manage. You know it's coming but you don't know when - but that goes for all of us. There is no lifehack for this other than keep on surviving and doing whatever it takes to stay on the field of play.
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You would imagine that getting a diagnosis for incurable cancer would plunge me into depression. In fact, the opposite has happened and I have experienced post-traumatic growth, become energised, motivated and found new energies and strength.
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Cancer has wiped me out financially but it hasn't done that to my self-worth and self-worth trumps net-worth any day!
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The hardest part of Christmas for me is eating. Being a head & neck cancer patient with virtually no tongue & restricted swallowing capacity means it is a real effort, much like every meal. But, 2 hours later & quite a bit of choking, I've managed to eat our traditional dinner!
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No post-treatment rest for me as it's a 4.5 mile walk to hospital for my CT scan today. Stay strong!
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One of the disabilities I face with head and neck cancer is not being able to eat and swallow 'normally'. Chewing food is problematic with a broken jaw and virtually no tongue, and then swallowing is always traumatic because of radiotherapy, surgery, and extensive damage to my…
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We met 20 years ago and our love of walking in the wilds has seen us hike thousands of miles in this time. We don't take a second for granted given my health status and so we keep going for as long as we can!
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A walk before heading to hospital for treatment and I'm ready. It's going to be a great day!
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My New Year's resolution is the same every year: have an unwavering desire to survive and do whatever it takes to keep living.
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Treatment for head and neck cancer is aggressive resulting in fundamental changes to physical fitness, musculoskeletal function, breathing, speech, swallowing, appearance and much much more!That's why I've opted to go for the Poirot look today.
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Spa treatment completed, and I feel great. Went in strong, came out stronger! My thanks to everyone involved in my care today, you were awesome!
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I'm a shadow of my former self: I struggle to speak, eat, and swallow, which tests me constantly, but I'm still standing tall! It was nice to give my walking boots a few hours off today walking along the shore.
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My aim with every treatment is to go in strong, come out strong and stay strong. I'm ready for tomorrow and the week ahead. Time to run into battle.
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Some of us choose to talk openly about cancer and some of us don't and that's okay. Sometimes, it's much harder for famous people because they are in the spotlight 24/7 and so it's very wrong that Kate Middleton has been placed in the position she has. Cancer is deeply personal…
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Incurable cancer is a stark reminder of our mortality but it provides opportunities to find meaning, experience peace and contribute to the wellbeing of others.
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What does Stage 4 incurable cancer look like? It looks like 7+ miles a day for 2 months solid and jumping for joy! How do you like them apples?!
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For the last 14 years, I've been living with a part of my arm in my mouth. When I think about that long enough, it messes with my head! My first Stage IV cancer meant I had to have most of my tongue removed and then free flap surgery using a part of my forearm to replace it. This
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Having incurable cancer means I never stop scrapping and attacking even in the face of formidable opposition. A smile helps too! I do what is necessary to keep going……. because my life depends on it.
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With a palliative diagnosis you can't afford the luxury of anger or self-pity, you just have to get on with it and keep climbing the cliff face of hope without ropes.
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Treatment yesterday pm, 5 mile walk done this am. Never wave the white flag of surrender. Give no quarter!
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Being someone with an incurable cancer diagnosis is like waiting in the airport departure lounge. Don't tell anyone, but I'm refusing to sit in there and so have gone to have a good poke around the duty-free. If they call my name I'm not coming. I don't care if I miss my flight!
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I had my immunotherapy treatment on Monday, and since then, I've managed a 6 mile walk each day! How do you like them apples?!
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What's significant about the number 47? Well, I'm currently having my 47th 'spa treatment' this afternoon and it is all going swimmingly!
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Thank you! Remarkably, I now have 20K followers, and that is quite something! I'm so grateful people are interested in sharing this crazy time of my life, and I take nothing or no one for granted. The bigger and darker the cloud, the bigger and brighter the silver lining 🙂🙂
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I've been fighting a deadly disease for 3 years now. It's hard work, draining and tough-going but I didn't envisage this would involve fighting NHS administration, bureaucracy and politics. My scan from 3 months ago shows I'm stable so I will continue to believe that I am!
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I hope no one is silly enough to write me off! I'm very much in the game and I'm not leaving the field.
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Today's jobs:
1. Keep a smile on your face
2. Keep a spring in your step
3. Keep your face to the 🌞
4. Keep your eyes on the prize
5. Keep your spirits up
6. Keep your inner fire
7. Keep your wits about you
8. Keep your gunpowder dry
9. Keep a stiff upper lip
10. Keep strong
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Looking out the window this morning at the freezing fog had 5 miles written all over it. So that's what we did all before 8am too and it was glorious! Give it some beans!
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When it comes to the raw reality of being under attack by an illness, you need to know who is in your foxhole fighting beside you. I'm proud to say that I've got unparalleled support via Twitter from outstanding followers. Thank you to everyone for being there day in and day out!
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CT scan just done which malfunctioned halfway through so they had to start again! Results likely to be a month away so no point in letting scanxiety spoil Crimbo and the New Year! Nice tree at the hospital entrance!
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Exploring the limits of survival through immunotherapy is a privilege and an honour. I'm one of the longest surviving head and neck cancer patients now, which is both daunting and awesome. It means I get to experience another summer holiday with my wife and daughter!
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Jump into 2024 like you mean business and keep your spirits high!
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Coughing up blood is never a good thing and this last week has been challenging but that hasn't stopped me keeping match fit for my next treatment. If it's not raining, then it's not training!
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You can’t sugarcoat a diagnosis of incurable cancer and this needs to be a BS-free message but that doesn’t exclude being optimistic. I’ve been brutally honest about my future but that doesn’t mean I don’t still have one!
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Dear Impossible Odds,
As this is a life-and-death struggle, let it be known that I will be giving it my utmost on a daily basis. I will not rest. I will keep going. I am blessed with unbridled determination, I am always of good cheer, and I never lose hope. I am persistent & I…
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After my treatment yesterday, I can confirm I will not be postponing public-facing duties but carrying on as usual!
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Make a legally binding contract with yourself to keep punching and keep walking! Cancer will not stop me.
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Incurable cancer can be pretty overwhelming whatever day/time of the year it is, but Christmas can ramp that up a few notches. It's important to keep your spirits high and not let your tinsel get tangled.
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Make no bones about it, living with incurable cancer is tough. But whether you have cancer or not, we all need three things to survive: a backbone, a wishbone and a funnybone.
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There is light at the end of the tunnel, but sometimes you have to walk a long way to find it. Take the first step and repeat until you get there. I'm going in!
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Breathe, breathe again and cherish you are alive. Your life is the biggest present you'll ever receive. Merry Christmas to all the wonderful folks who support me and send me messages of hope and positivity here on Twitter. Stay strong!
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If you think there is no hope, there isn't. If you think you are beaten, you are. Flip your narrative and start believing. There is hope and you are not beaten!
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Hope is an act of defiance and a refusal to accept the status quo. Hopepunks don't roll over when the odds are stacked against them. They weaponise their optimism & find a way no matter what. Cancer rebels don't roll over, they make noise, they find alternatives and punk it out!
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It's Christmas Day! You snow the drill, exchange prezzies, eat all your sprouts, help out with the washing up, keep an eye on anyone eyeing up the After Eights before 2000 hrs, watch the King's Speech, pass the parcel, musical chairs, charades, pull crackers and have fun!
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A week ago I was having my 50th treatment and today I celebrated in the stunning city of Krakow!
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The survival stats for head & neck cancer are pretty grim. 3 yrs ago my chances of surviving just a couple of months was less than 5% but here I am! OK, a bit battered & broken but not out! A great day out in the world's first place to have electricity: Newcastle-upon-Tyne!
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There is always a shred of hope.
There is always a kernel of hope.
There is always a glimmer of hope.
Live in hope, keep hope alive and remember there's always hope at the end of that rope.
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I speak willpower to adversity,
I speak hope to despair,
I speak grit to crises,
I speak optimism to obstacles,
I speak spirit to setbacks,
I speak no to surrender
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This afternoon was my 36th spa treatment and I'm feeling great! Time for a cuppa now and a rest this evening.
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With cancer, you go through some horrendous peaks and troughs but the trick is to make the most of the good days, claim mini-victories and store them up for a rainy day. My outdoor adventures always give me a natural high - nature is the best pharmacy you'll get!
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Cancer can wear you down, break your spirit and bring you to your knees. It pushes you to quit. But we don't let that happen. We find that little bit more and keep going. We then discover another gear we didn't know we had and we drive forward and face whatever we have to face…
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It's my Sir Godfrey Hounsfield CT scan today. I don't do 'scanxiety' - the outcome is out of my control & there will be over a month's wait for the results anyway, so it's wasted energy. I'm focusing on what I can control, starting with a bowl on my head and making it into a hat!
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In today's world, stubborn optimism is as good as a bayonet.
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Pop, fizz, clink, hurrah, sparkle, and whoosh. Repeat as required. As a zero alcohol chap, I'll be having a pot of tea!
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It’s very common for cancer patients to suffer from ‘toomuchery’ – when everything feels like it’s all just too much. When this happens then head into nature for an instant pick-me-up. It works every time!
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We are back in England now after an action-packed visit to Krakow and surrounding areas. Great memories made and plenty to reflect on. Thank you Poland!
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If you woke up this morning without pain, then you're walking on diamonds! I am currently walking on glass but looking forward to the diamonds when they come!
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Who is the wealthiest?
a) Bernard Arnault
b) Elon Musk
c) Jeff Bezos
d) John Dabell
Yes, correct, d).
Given 2 months to live 3 years ago makes me well-off beyond my wildest dreams.
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Snatching survival from the jaws of the enemy is the daily reality of an incurable cancer patient. I'm ever vigilant, forever hopeful, and always ploughing on. Appreciating all the support I'm getting from all you lovely kind souls - we can do this!
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Hello Krakow! Live from Poland today and it's warmer than Turkey!
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If you want to be unstoppable, don't stop! A day off for Mrs D meant she could take in the fresh air with me today and it was grand!
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Did you read the T&Cs? Life comes with no guarantees and no refunds. Somehow, I managed to negotiate an extended warranty, so I'm going to keep clocking up the miles while I can!
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How do you master your inner dialogue after an incurable cancer diagnosis? You don't - you just learn to be less afraid, root yourself in hope, pump the positives, slog it out, and hit the repeat button.
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If you're living then you're a full-time member of the hurt locker. Some days we tough it out and other days we might catch a break. Recognise the good moments even if they are fleeting.
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With incurable cancer, time matters. From the moment you get the news and thereafter, time is diffracted and re-assembled, reimagined, obsessed over, and pined after, used, abused, wasted, played with and consumed like there's no tomorrow...because there might not be one. You are…
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The unsung heroine of my cancer battles, Mrs D. She is pretty remarkable! Our daughter captured this photo without us knowing!
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We don’t have to get up at 4am, drank a raw egg smoothie and hit the pavement like Rocky – we just need to get up, get out and refuse to vegetate or stew in our own broth of worries. Stay strong!
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Live a little
Live a lot
Live large
Live it up
Live for the moment
Live the dream
Live and let live
Live and learn
Live on borrowed time
Live in hope
Live with it
Live to fight another day
Live to tell the tale
Do the best and live the rest
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Ahoy there, me hearties! Activate your inner pirate and swing your sword!
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Be the yeast in someone else's day and help them to rise. Bake!
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With an incurable cancer diagnosis it's not unusual to experience flurries of worries and mini-waves of fear. Fortunately, these only last a few seconds but they rock you to the core. This is where the outdoors comes to the rescue to blow them away.
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Cancer has taught me that resilience comes on the coat-tails of courage. Keeping a stout heart is a daily act of survival.
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A quick health update as some of you have been kind enough to ask. Jaw infection still causing me gyp & I lost a piece of bone in the week so still a concern but this is radionecrosis so it's not going to resolve. This hasn't stopped me from getting out & making the most of it!
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My 46th spa treatment is in session and all is well! Time for a PG Tips and a P.G. Wodehouse whilst I wait for the magic to happen.
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I do a litter pick twice a day where I live because it is a litter hit-spot. Do something positive for the benefit of others and contribute to other's wellbeing!
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An evening litter pick in the nature reserve and surrounding streets and that's all for Sunday folks! Here's hoping everyone has a great start to the week and thank you to all you wonderful people supporting me. It really is massively appreciated 😊 😀 ☺️ ❤️
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