Hi everyone, I'm an 85 year old geezer with a longstanding interest in all things connected with this cruel disease.
When I retired from my regular job in 1995 I volunteered to become a driver for two paliative care organisations. I met so many wonderful people both patients and medics in the 9 years involved as a driver until my own wife was diagnosed with the disease.
I gave up the driver role to care for her at our home - she died in my arms on 20 March 2008. The event shook me up and I feel that I will never recover from the ordeal despite trying many avenues.
Now I face my own destiny with the battle to survive this disease as 4 years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, had treatment last year but in March this year was diagnosed with bowel cancer. The latter has been successfuly surgically removed and I have recovered very well. I have been offered chemotherapy but cannot face the side effects since I still suffer those from the prostate cancer.
I have decided to 'let nature take it's course' but will continue to subscribe in whatever ways I can to help in the battle against this enemy - for as long as I can !