A date for your Diary










I can see an end in sight. 



204 days ago my life was turned upside down and inside out as was my entire family. In April this year I was told after an endoscopy I had Cancer,  we later found out that it is at Stage3 Bowel Cancer, this has left our family, friends and colleagues totally deverstated, for the last 7 years I have been supporting various charities raising funds for various good causes through running. I started running 5k jumped to 10ks then completed over 20 half marathons and completed 5 full Marathons. I felt fitter than ever, happy to be alive. Enjoying my work and my life in general, we just had a new grandson life couldn't have been more happier.

Then with a blink one day in April it all seemed to be taken from me "You Have Cancer Paul" words I never want repeated. YOU have all lived with this cancer with me directly or through my blog which has been read in total so far 1654 times. Now I'm pleased to announce an end is most definitely in sight. As finally we have the date for my surgery and it's not that too far away. It's going to be Tuesday 29th November 2022. 

My team met again this week to discuss the shadow on my prostrate also to discuss the surgical process itself. I was called yesterday  by the colorectal nurse and was informed that the team had decided that they can leave my prostrate and bladder in place there is no cancer in the prostrate it's actually an infection that can be cleared up after surgery. This will mean my bowel is the only thing being removed. I will have a stoma in the way of a colostomy bag but no other stoma. This is amazing news I had feared for 2 stomas for a while now and bar any complications during surgery I will only have the 1. Furthermore I will be cancer free after the operation. 

I know I still have along way to go for recovery but if you've been reading my blogs you'll know of the rollercoster we have been on. I'm incredibly proud of my family my wife Deb children Kirsty Amy Anton & Emyr have all been wonderful. I definitely would have found this fight much harder without them. My two sisters in Stevenage have been constant in their love and support of me and my family I love you both. My brother Patrick also for his support and kind words for my family. My neices and my nephews who check in on me on a regular basis thank you all. 

My friends, my running group & my work colleagues all have been their when we needed you. Thank you all. I will hopefully update from hospital but until then keep the 29th November in your diaries and have a pint for me if your watching the Wales v England World Cup group match that will be on while I exit surgery and rest in the high dependency ward until I'm recovered from the operation. 

I can now see a new life for me through the darkness of the past 8 months and I'm going to grab it firmly with both hands. So let's get ready for this operation and get ready for ringing that victory bell on my exit to announce I'm cancer free. 

Symptoms of Bowel Cancer:




Paul. 

Remember #checkyourpoo

#kickingcancersbuttbecauseitsgotaholdofmine 

#teamscanlon 


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