I started doing the “Piss off cancer” series when I got to 65, mainly because I initially thought I wouldn’t make that age.

I was 54 years and 9 months old at diagnosis on 26th July 2010.  For the first few months, I had no idea what the outcome would be.  What I did know at the time, given the final staging, grading, and other damage that was accumulated via various tests, checks, and scans; is that my body had been slowly dying.

Without intervention I may not be here now to tell you this tale and who knows what would be listed on my death certificate.  It’s amazing to think something that would eventually kill me without intervention, didn’t have a much grander announcement than the one presented to me in 2010 (or had I been paying more attention, in 2008 or 2009). I will never know if a much grander announcement would have happened because following my chance diagnosis, I was ‘patched up’ and thankful to still be here today.

The initial intervention was really in two stages:

1.  A nurse who I saw at my local GP thought outside the box when I said I had lost a “wee bit of weight” and a blood test she ordered set off a sequence of events leading to a diagnosis of Stage 4 Grade 2 Neuroendocrine Cancer.

2.  I was lucky to live smack bang in the middle of an area covered by an emerging NET centre of excellence led by one of the biggest NET experts in the UK who also happened to be a brilliant surgeon.  Some people struggle to find and get this diagnostic and therapeutic luxury and I consider myself fortunate (and I now push for more access for all).

Here I am inbetween a liver emobolization and major surgery at a party when it was my 55th Birthday (not even my party!).  I used this picture in “Looks can be deceiving” with an invisible illness message.

Despite my good fortune (and it’s very strange a person thinks a stage 4 cancer diagnosis is good fortune), back in 2010 I had no idea if this unexpected event meant I would “shuffle off this mortal coil” earlier than planned. And I still don’t know today – prognostic crystal balls are not an exact science.  BUT. I’m no longer seeking an answer to that question because I want to plod on living my life, I have no wish to know precisely how and when. I guess when the time comes, I might get some form of announcement, perhaps grander than my reticent cancer diagnostic signals. I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it and in the meantime enjoy the journey leading to it. I remember my surgeon telling me he had given me at least a decade which is now 3 years ago.  I just felt my pulse, it’s fine! I always try to be an overachiever!

I thought I was going to die. I didn’t

I came out a couple of years ago about some thoughts I had been having in the first few years after diagnosis.  I honestly didn’t think I would be alive today to celebrate this birthday. I had no idea what to expect.  I thought I was going to die but I didn’t!

Original post

I started doing the “Piss off cancer” series when I got to 65, mainly because I initially thought I wouldn’t make that age. The 65th birthday pictures were taken on 30th October 2020, at Avon Beach Mudeford, on the south coast of England, not too far from my home.  Chris and I had ‘brunch’ on the beach in a quiet cafe called the ‘Noisy Lobster’ (!) followed by these beach antics.  Enjoy.

The video below is the making of my ‘jump in the air on a beach’ pose (it soon became clear that my jumping skills have declined but I’m blaming my heavy and tight-fitting jacket!).  Despite asking the photographer to look out for the tide coming in, I did manage to get my feet soaked but it added to the effect.  Chris (the photographer) insisted I repeat the jumps knowing the tide was coming in ……… she was laughing more than I was!

Every event is a cancerversery opportunity

I truly believe early surgical intervention, even with my metastatic incurable tag, has extended my life.

Sometimes you need surgery twice

It was not until I received liver surgery, that my Chromogranin A dropped back into normal.

Even another Christmas is a celebration! 

After my first surgery, the family gathered for the meal. Not knowing what was ahead of me, this was a great boost, despite falling asleep after the meal!

I even climb hills just to piss my cancer off!

I’m fitter now than I was at diagnosis – I see that as part of survivorship and I enjoy the challenge of getting to the top.

Disclaimer

I am not a doctor or any form of medical professional, practitioner or counsellor. None of the information on my website, or linked to my website(s), or conveyed by me on any social media or presentation, should be interpreted as medical advice given or advised by me.

Neither should any post or comment made by a follower or member of my private group be assumed to be medical advice, even if that person is a healthcare professional.

Please also note that mention of a clinical service, trial/study or therapy does not constitute an endorsement of that service, trial/study or therapy by Ronny Allan, the information is provided for education and awareness purposes and/or related to Ronny Allan’s own patient experience. This element of the disclaimer includes any complementary medicine, non-prescription over the counter drugs and supplements such as vitamins and minerals.

Click here and answer all questions to join my private Facebook support group (but only if you need one)

Thanks for reading.

Ronny

NET Facebook. Like/follow this page please.
Personal Facebook. Like/follow this page please.
Awareness Facebook Like/follow this page please.

Disclaimer

My Diagnosis and Treatment History

Follow me on X (formerly twitter)

Check out my online presentations

Check out my WEGO Health Awards

Check out my Glossary of Terms – click here

Please Share this post for Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness and to help another patient