World Cancer Day

May I just mention to everyone that February 4th is World Cancer Day. Please, please, support this extremely worthwhile cause by either purchasing a wristband or simply making a donation. Researchers are making progress against this terrible disease (there are over 200 different types) but can only continue to do so with your help. Wristbands can be ordered from Worldcancerday.co.uk or purchased locally.

I will be buying a band. Last year, I was diagnosed with Esophageal cancer, an adenocarcinoma, and luckily maybe, an early type. Since then I had chemo and radiation which almost took me out, followed by a Gastric pull-up where a substantial amount of my stomach and the esophagus was removed

I am left with a whole new set of problems regarding what I can eat, but I am still alive for what that is worth. Trouble is that Esophageal cancer is very bad and there is a reasonable chance that I am open to other forms of the disease. I have made it clear to all concerned that I will refuse any further treatment, taking my chances and hopefully painkillers that will make the end easier.

My beloved partner died of cancer on 6th February 2007, so this is especially poignant for me.

Thinking of you, Mike. Good luck

My thoughts are with everyone who has been touched by this awful disease, and with you Mike in your road ahead. I wish you well. I lost my wife 3 years ago next month (March) after a two year, extremely hard-fought battle. We thought all was going well until suddenly we were given the news that she had just two or three weeks to live. We had been married for nearly 44 years. My daughter rearranged her entire summer wedding in just 7 days, and thankfully my wife was able to witness the event, and even made it to the reception afterwards - although where she got the strength from I'll never know. My real sadness is that she was never able to witness her grandchildren growing up, and two of them will never have known her or enjoyed the excitement of her story-telling. We take so much for granted and sometimes don't stop to value what we have until it is taken away from us. Please give your loved ones an extra hug tonight. Thank you for reading.

We are behind you with this Mike. I have realized a lot of our members have been touched my this awful desease and will always support Cancer Day.

Tony, when I was told, you would have thought that I had been told that the Jeep's transmission was a goner. I said to the endoscope operator "that doesn't sound good, what happens next?". I was a supremely strong person psychologically, at least I thought that I was. I was so full of bravado and s*** when first going into LRCP (the local Cancer Program). They get 300 - 400 people PER DAY going through the system, but I believed I could get through it and come out the other side just like I always have.

I couldn't do it again, won't do it again, but I wish everybody everywhere luck and the strength to get through, those with cancer and those who can only look on in disbelief..

I am looking to live everyday as if it was my last, to make the most of life and the people around me, especially my 8yr old grand-daughter, the only treasure in my life. Stay safe always.

My heart goes out to anybody going through this. Last year I lost both my daughter and my brother to cancer. My daughter had battled it for two years (cervical) whereas my brother's case was mercifully quick (pancreatic). Could I also ask people to support the hospices who do amazing work on very little income and also offer much needed support to both family and friends. Conversely I also have a good friend who was given the all clear earlier this month. Ironically World Cancer Day is on my birthday

I couldn't agree more with your comment about Hospices. They do absolutely tremendous work, not only in end-of-life care but also in respite care, allowing people who care for a loved one 24-7 to have a little relief from the day to day pressures. We have Myton here in Coventry, who also have a hospice in Warwick and a day centre in Rugby. My wife was in Coventry for a week prior to her passing and I must say they have some incredibly dedicated staff, they just couldn't do enough for either my wife or our family. They need something like eight million pounds PER YEAR to run their service, so every penny for them counts. We've raised about six thousand in the last three years but even that's just a drop in the ocean when compared to their overall costs.

Best wishes for your health, Mike, and to everyone else affected by this awful disease either on their own or a loved one's account.

Mike, Hi, I am deeply shocked to read of your illness, I cannot imagine the trauma you must be going through, but my deepest regards. Kaga.