2020 has thrown out challenges in abundance for the whole world. The arrival of COVID-19 on our shores in February brought with it challenges beyond the imagination of any of us. We have all had to learn to deal with change, isolation, loneliness, fear and uncertainty. In a strange way, the perfect preparation for receiving a cancer diagnosis.

I decided to write this blog primarily as a way to record my experiences for my own reflection in the years to come but it also provides me with an easy way to keep family and friends up to date. If my blog also serves as a source of reference or support for others embarking on a similar journey then all the better. What I have been amazed about is how much writing it has helped me to deal with the challenges I am facing. Putting my experiences and emotions in black and white is having the most amazing calming and healing effect. Long may that continue.

I want my blog to provide an honest no holds barred account of everything I have experienced, the procedures and treatment and also the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with any cancer diagnosis. So I apologise in advance if some of it is a hard read and if I lay myself too bare on occasion. I hope that I can also show that, even in the darkest of times, you can find hope, positivity, humour and inspiration.

My diagnosis has impacted not only me but everyone else that I share my life with. I have been truly humbled by the amazing love and support that I have been shown by my wonderful family and friends. Thank you to each and every one of you who has reached out, messaged, called me, sent me cards, flowers, wonderful gifts. Thanks to those who have cried with me, laughed with me, held my hand, drank tea (or a large wine) with me and just been there. I have been surrounded with more love and support than I know what to do with and for that I will be eternally grateful. It has given me the strength to put on my boxing gloves each day and kick the arse of the Big C.

One final word of warning, I am not writing this blog in real time. It has been difficult to keep up the pace and I have found 5hat letting time pass and reflecting back has made the writing easier. Thanks for taking the time to read it. Please sign up to be notified about new posts and feel free to share it with anyone you think might appreciate or benefit from reading it.