I spoke to you about two years ago and explained that I had peritoneal adenoma.  You put me in touch with a lovely lady, who had been a health visitor, and we had several really good chats about all sorts of things.  Unfortunately she had been quite ill I think, and when I last called her she was upset, and said she had had bad news, and couldn't talk about it.  So I sent a card, saying 'Ring when you feel up to it', but I never heard from her again.  However, I had the impression that she had enjoyed life more or less up to the end, and though I felt very upset at the time, it made me realise that you can go on living a worthwhile life more or less up to the end.

For myself, although two and a half years ago I had a life expectancy of six months, I unexpectedly, to the delight of those who love me, and my oncologist, went into remission. A bit embarrassing since I'm still knocking around and looking quite well, to all those who thought I was about to snuff it, but there are some jolly good times still to be had.

24 September 2007 -  Anne writes:

Two or three years ago I sent a message to Patients Story board telling how my six months life expiry time had expired two years before.  I am still here, and still living it up and I have to say eating so much broccoli and red berries that I hardly have time for my daily relaxation session...  I know that I have been one of ‘the lucky ones’ who is appreciating unexpected bonus time. Time that is too precious to waste.

When so little time seemed to be left for me to be with my husband, we thought about dreams which were left to be fulfilled. Somehow we had never ever found the time to have our honeymoon in Iceland, and now that was quite out of the question.  Cold weather, bumpy roads, and doubtful medical situations ruled all that out. My Sagittarian husband, always eager to travel, put on his thinking cap, and came up with an alternative venue. Being birdwatchers and with my love of gardens, the Scilly Isles came to mind as another unfulfilled destination.  Expensive - hard to find suitable accommodation - but it was February, only the Best Suite at the poshest hotel was available – as we say up here in the North ‘You Have It to Do’.  And so there we flew to be really pampered.  No cars allowed on that Island – but there was a Golf Buggy available to drive about and explore all the tracks and gardens, and a most wonderful aroma therapist and masseuse who did so much to ease my pain and improve my ability to stand up straight again..

As time goes on ‘The Holiday of a Lifetime’ has gone from strength to strength and my confidence with it.  Still not daring to go too far, trips on non-bumpy or swervey roads were planned, taken and enjoyed at increasing pace.  Christmas holidays were taken on Anglesey with a fast road back to Manchester in case the roads were blocked with snow (allegedly) having made sure there was a central heating system and good views from the accommodation.

Spring arrived again and I felt able to visit special places that I had not dared to go back to, in case I spoilt memories of happy times I would never have again, only to find great joy - the there were still primroses and cherry blossom, and migrating birds rediscovering the woodlands.

Dare we visit our son in Italy?  My oncologist said 'Yes', insurance costs were awful, but Italy is in the E.U., and the insurance we had with our bank said 'Yes – but not including cancer-related conditions', so – Let’s go for it.

Amsterdam was good – flat, easy to get to – nice boats to sight-see from.  And so many places where you can get lost – chocolate cake back on the menu, - lager - was it the splifs all those young folk were smoking that made us feel so happy – I think not.

And whereto next?  Last summer it was Orkney – so perhaps we will go back to the Outer Hebrides or maybe Shetland.  Can’t Wait……. The winter?-There is always a theatre trip to plan or ‘What’s on at the Pictures’?

The object of this little piece is, it can be done.  Careful planning by being realistic about what is possible can bring you series of outings, trips, adventures, and even holidays.  A future you can look forward to.  And so much fun!!

Bon voyage
Anne