Finding Strength: My Journey with Cancer

The world went silent. The room seemed to shrink, the doctor's words echoing in the vast emptiness that had become my mind. "Cancer." A single word, heavy with implication, forever altering the course of my life.

In that moment, fear, a primal and unwelcome visitor, gripped me. But amidst the whirlwind of emotions, a spark of defiance ignited. I wouldn't succumb to fear. I would fight.

This blog is my story: a story of navigating the uncharted territory of a cancer diagnosis, the challenges, the triumphs, and the unwavering spirit that fuels my fight

The Diagnosis

Picture this.  I’d just spent two weeks in the Caribbean, it was the final weekend of a great holiday. However, the news was telling us that a hurricane had changed course and was now heading straight for us. Our days plans have changed. Tomorrow’s flights have been bought forward and if the timeline was right, we would be off the wonderful island of Grenada before the hurricane struck. “All good” time for a shower before breakfast.  I’m feeling great. As I step out of the shower my coordination goes nuts, then the pain kicks in, followed by the loss of breath. I know what this is. I make my way carefully back to the bed lie down and announce to my wife I’m having a heart attack. Now, that in itself was bad enough, but with a hurricane on the way, did I really want to stay on the island. I knew the answer. As perfect as Grenada is “NO”. I rested, I did breathwork, The pain eased. I’m going home.

The Battle Plan

Forward 24 hours. Our plane was arriving early. I was taking it easy. I was good to go. When we got to the airport the boards were filled with cancellation notices. Ours was still showing as on time.  As soon as I was on the plane, I got comfortable and fell asleep. 10 hours later, we arrived back in the UK. 3 hours after landing I’m home. I ring the Dr’s I get an appointment for the following day. The next morning, I arrive at the surgery, I explain all that went on and I am hurriedly sent to the hospital. To cut a long story short, I had multiple blood tests, x-rays and scans. I’m admitted and was told a Dr would be round to see me shortly. Well, the Doctor did arrive, If I’m honest it wasn’t shortly as they promised, but I’m definitely not complaining.  The conversation went like this

“Hello Mr Adkin, Can I call you Jon?”

“Certainly please do.”

“Well Jon, you have had a heart attack, but I think you know that. However, that’s the least of your problems, because the CT scans have shown a mass above your lung. Are you a smoker?”

“No, are you saying it’s Cancer?”

“At this stage we cannot be sure, but all the indications are that it is cancer.”

The world went silent. The room seemed to shrink, the doctor's words echoing in the vast emptiness that had become my mind. "Cancer." A single word, heavy with implication, forever altering the course of my life.

What now?

I remained in hospital while the cardiac team changed Meds and checked for damage to my heart. There was some damage, but no further procedures were required. After 7 days they were happy to hand me over to the oncology team. And so it begins.

I met some of the oncology team, they explained the options open to me, Oh and did I want to give the cancer a name???

I had a further appointment with the oncology team. They showed me the scan. I met my cancer for the first time. It was bigger than I thought and to be honest I didn’t like it. Now as a hypnotherapist I work with clients who I help to evict unwanted voices, thoughts and memories from their minds. This is my time to evict an unwanted guest from my body.

Finding Strength

Now, it’s early days in my cancer battle, but I know I must fight to the best of my ability. And me being me I fight with humour. I have a very positive mindset which has served me very well for many years. Returning home from hospital the phone comes out, the Amazon app is opened, and a book is ordered. The title … Oh shit I’m dead, now what? It made me laugh but it’s a book where I can leave all information needed with regards to my personal and business life. Passwords, codes, logins etc. Now the funny thing is, because I searched that book, the Amazon algorithm has decided I’m dead already and my suggested buys is full of urns for ashes, and funeral related accessories. However, that in itself made me laugh.

If you have cancer, life can seem particularly overwhelming. You’re juggling appointments and your medication schedule, adjusting to changing treatment plans, and dealing with the side effects of treatments. While your life has been turned upside down, you’re probably trying to maintain some semblance of a “normal life.” So, where’s the laughter in cancer?

Sometimes, allowing yourself the time, and room, to see the humour in some of life's lighter moments can bring levity to the situation. In those moments, choosing to laugh is like a booster shot to your resilience, with no unpleasant side effects and hopefully some unexpectedly pleasant ones

Does Humour and Positivity Really Help?

In the book “Laugh ‘Till It Heals,” author and cancer survivor Christine Clifford wrote that “laughter reaches a place no medicine can touch: the soul.” In it, she writes about some amazing and funny stories shared by people directly or indirectly experiencing cancer. In most of her writing, contributors make it clear that laughter and a good sense of humour were essential to their recoveries.

But is this true? Is laughter really the best medicine for our ailments?

Truth be told, there is a scientific basis for the belief that laughter has curative properties.

According to experts, the physical act of laughing produces endorphins that help patients relieve their pain, anxiety, and discomfort. In some cases, laughter has even been reported to have the capacity to boost our immune systems.

But regardless of the science behind this, you have probably experienced this first hand. Think about it; laughter and joy fill any room with positive energy. Anyone within listening distance can instantly be uplifted by the sound of people laughing. It is a natural mood-booster and has a wonderfully contagious effect.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by the details and demands of what you’re going through, remember that laughter never really leaves you. Simply take a breath, shake your head, find your smile and laugh.

A New Normal

I am at the beginning of my cancer journey. Who knows where this journey will take me. I am planning for the worst but I’m going to fight for the best possible outcome. I’m sure I will cry, I’m sure I will have bad days. However, I also know that I’m going to laugh a lot, I’m going make sick and perhaps inappropriate jokes (at my own expense). You don’t enter into a fight if you expect to lose.

(Cue music:  Eye of the Tiger Rocky’s theme )

A Message of Hope

I’ve done this blog, not to upset anyone, but to inspire, help and perhaps give guidance. You are welcome along on my journey. It may be a rollercoaster. ( a kids one, I’m short and the big ones scare the bejeebers out of me)

Cancer is a formidable opponent, but it doesn't have to define you. By sharing my story, I want to inspire others facing similar challenges and remind them that they are not alone.

Thank you for reading this very personal blog. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or just want to chat.

Ding Ding. Round 1.

Until next time.

Stay safe, stay healthy and make the most of every day.

Jon x