Thank you

In the midst of the worst of it, there were some very dark moments. My desire to get back to my family, and setting my fitness goals helped my mind out of these depths.

I was very lucky to have married a nurse because at its worst, it was Vic who helped me through the program and noticed how the treatment was affecting me. It was Vic who understood how dangerous my lack of eating and drinking had become. It was her recognising what it was doing to me that led her to taking me into the emergency dept at Joondalup Hospital getting fluids and also her ability to speak directly with my treating doctors and not only understanding them fully (I had long since begun to lose focus) but describe what I was going through so correct treatment could be prescribed.

It was extremely difficult for her at times because I simply wasn't doing what I was being told I needed to do - I couldn't. But she kept pushing me and encouraging me to try. I understood but it didn't work. That must have not only been exhausting but worrying and extremely frustrating.

I was also thankful for the helpful assistance provided by Vic's medical colleagues at the St John of God Hospital, who took a personal interest in my situation and recommended actions for me to take. They also supported Vic at her work and helped put her mind at ease, at least to some degree, and I think that helped her deal with the frustrations I was causing.

Having to treat patients battling cancer everyday made the medical staff in the Cancer Centre at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital rather clinical and generally a little impersonal, I understood why this was. I wasn't the only person going through this and they were dealing with them all, everyday. Ultimately, I am thankful for their expertise and getting me out the other side with a positive prognosis.

I was lucky to have an enthusiastic nurse who helped me through the medical trial. It was always a pleasure to be able to speak with her each time I visited the Cancer Centre Clinic.

The ward registrar and nurses during my stay in hospital were excellent with the registrar in particular, working hard to understand my personal situation and find solutions. Ultimately, it was these clever and dedicated people who helped me through the worst of it.

I was buoyed by the many comments I received from family and friends, many of whom I rarely see these days except on social media. And although I had a long break writing my blog, I was truly surprised that so many people were reading it. Thank you everyone for your comments, support and encouragement.

I guess I'll never truly relax about the possibility of getting cancer again. In the back of my mind is the sheer brutality of the treatment. I will remain hopeful that cures can be found for the various forms of cancer and that someday, no-one will have to go through what I did.

I feel fantastic now, though I'll forever hope I don't ever have to go through it again.