Comments on: Oesophageal cancer: prognosis

By: icyjumbo

icyjumbo — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 09:11:41 +0000

Thanks very much for the offer, Veronica. I really appreciate it. If I think of anything you can be sure I’ll let you know. I’m getting quite good at accepting help from people these days, and everyone has been very good about offering and giving help. Peoples’ kindness awes me.

As for the openness and insight: blush! The openness is just me, actually. I find it hard to keep most things private, and that instinct has turned out to be surprisingly good for me at this time. I started the blog just to give people information, but found that I didn’t want to whine about my condition in public, so had to force myself to be positive. Then I found myself thinking more positively all the time, and I realized that the main benefit of writing the blog was in keeping me upbeat. Having readers really helps with that, so please do carry on reading, and commenting when the spirit moves you.

I hope things are well with you two, given that we met outside the hospital. Let me know, if you feel able to.

By: Veronica

Veronica — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 23:43:09 +0000

Hi Chris and Gillian
It was a shock to see you at the hospital yesterday and realise how poorly you are. Thank you for sending your blog link. I have just read it and am really at a bit of a loss as to what to say, other than thank you for your openness and insight, coupled with it’s a real bugger. I was thinking about suggesting to David that he got in touch with you the day before we saw you. If we can be of any support to you in any way, please get in touch, either of you.

By: icyjumbo

icyjumbo — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:22:59 +0000

Yes, Wendy, I remember Spain fondly. It was a long time ago, but if you ever are close enough to visit, please do try, we’d love to see you, and I’d very much like to introduce you to Gillian.

Harold Pinter, I found out recently, survived oesophageal cancer, which I found out through Antonia Fraser reading her journals on the radio. I’d prefer to follow Harold than Maurice, don’t you think

By: Wendy Fortune

Wendy Fortune — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:35:28 +0000

Hi, Chris – haven’t seen you since Spain all those years ago, but our thoughts are right with you and we are willing you to get through this challenge. My ex husband, Maurice, died of oesophagal cancer – istn’t that cheerful? Don’t worry, Christopher, there’s more to life than thinking about possible cures. Just be yourself and you’ll come smiling through. Love from your so distant second cousin – Wendy

By: icyjumbo

icyjumbo — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 20:51:31 +0000

Thank you, Ruth.

It’s a shattering thing to find out, I know. What is strange is that we do find the strength to cope somehow. It’s like Shakespeare in Love, when Geoffrey Rush says “It’ll all work out on the night, it always does.” It seems to be working out. Even though the end result is not really in doubt, I find that I can bear it. The family and friends (including LV folk) are a big part of the bearing it.

By: icyjumbo

icyjumbo — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 20:44:46 +0000

Thank you, Hugh. I’m counting on the joy and the sublime over the coming months.

By: RuthieG

RuthieG — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 17:44:28 +0000

Chris. I am like Hugh, I don’t know what to say, except I admire you – and your wife. I admire your honesty and your bravery in posting this. I think I would have gone to bits by now, or crawled into a hole. Saying “you are in my thoughts” is trite, but it happens to be true, also. You have a lot of friends all over the world who will be with you every step of the way.

By: Hugh McGuire

Hugh McGuire — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 15:50:45 +0000

I guess one of the reasons I struggled is that what I was writing kept coming out like advice! But, what do I know? Cancer has touched people close to me, it’s always tough, and of course a very personal thing to deal with, for people with cancer, for those around them. So I didn’t feel right, as “advice” kept spilling from the keyboard.

So instead, I’ll wish you again much joy, and wonder, and the sublime. There’s no reason cancer should get in the way of any of that – even if it gives you lots of less desirable stuff as well.

By: icyjumbo

icyjumbo — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 14:16:06 +0000

Thanks for stopping by, Hugh. I’m sorry that you struggled for so long. I can tell you that just seeing your comment here would have been a boost, no matter what you said. It was a bonus that it was so supportive. Do remember that, if you are ever, heaven forbid, in a similar situation again.

After a few bad days over Christmas I’m managing to keep my spirits up very well. What is truly inspiring is seeing people come by and wish me well. I’m getting a lot of support in real life, but there are only so many people who are nearby at any one time. The great advantage of the Internet is how easy it is for people to provide support and friendship, no matter how far away they are. That’s one of the reasons I started blogging this experience. I want to make it as positive as I can, not just for now, but for my family to be able to look back on after I’m dead.

By: Hugh McGuire

Hugh McGuire — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:16:42 +0000

Chris, I’ve struggled for 15 minutes trying to figure out what to write. I’ll stop struggling and just get on with it: 2010 will be tough year for you, and for your family and friends, but I wish you lots of joy along way. My thoughts are with you as this year starts off.