I'll try and keep it reasonably brief. I was a very heavy smoker and general body abuser from my early teens until my diagnosis in 1997 when I was 28. To an extent I felt like I deserved what I got. I went through all the treatment and ops over the next couple of years and found strength from my wife,family,local hospice day centre and McMillan nurse to name but a few. Physically I coped quite well with treatment,an estimated 14 days in hospital for my main op lasted 4 days and I was back at home and I rode my motorcycle to radiotherapy every day for 6 weeks (faster than hospital transport). Mentally I didn't cope well at all and saw a phsycologist and various counsellors for about 4 years. While I was having all this treatment my wife decided that she wanted to work in the cancer field,she went to university and now she is the Day Care Manager for our local hospice,I am so proud of her. A few years ago I decided that a second chance shouldn't be ignored and that I would sort my life out. I have held the same job for 6 years,dont smoke(anything),only drink moderately,watch everything I eat and exercise for about an hour a day 5 days a week. If I had never got cancer we would probably still be drifting through life doing nothing. I have fond memories of my old life and dont regret it but I like my new life much more,I am generally very happy.

Good for you Hagg!
It's great to hear someone doing so well.
I don't think you "deserved" to get cancer (though smoking probably increased the chances).
& it's good to know you've heeded your warning.
I never smoke and rarely had a drink. Just one of those things cancer tapped me on the shoulder!
I guess the one good thing to come of this for me would be my family is tighter than ever. & i can't take anything for granted now.
Your wife is very admirable for changing her field of work.
Best of luck for the future!
Michelle

Cheers Michelle, I know what you mean about not taking things for granted. I hadn't really got on with my mum for about 15 years but as soon as I got ill that changed. Personally I think there was more positives than negatives to come out of my illness for me. I hope you have had some positives aswell. All the best. Hagg.

Thanks for sharing your story with us all. I really don't think that you deserved to get cancer. Unfortunately it's just the luck of the draw. My husband was diagnosed with SCC of the base of the tongue in Sept 06. He was very anti-smoking and only drank moderately. Some good that did him! We will draw inspiration from your survivor story. Thanks again.

Thanks Lorraine,I hope you and your husband are doing ok. Deserved might be a bit strong I suppose but with smoking and drinking excessively from morning until night,bad diet,no exercise and a generally bad lifestyle you know it's going to catch up with you one way or the other. I just didn't think it would be in my 20's. Such is and all that. At least I got through it as I hope everyone on the forum does.