Not clickbait…. Three weeks ago Sue and I were cycling between 8 and 10 miles each morning to get a morning coffee. Arrived back home and…. well time stopped.
I had received notice that my test sample for Bowel Cancer screening had come back positive. Two days later I underwent a colonoscopy procedure which didn’t work out too well as there was a mass occluding my colon and they could not proceed further. A few days later I had a CT Scan.
This morning Sue and I met with a consultant from the Colorectal Surgery department at Manchester Royal Infirmary. We were told the results from the scan and biopsy lead them to the conclusion I had cancer, stage 4, and it was also showing up on my Liver and Lungs.
The pathway was laid out….. MRI Scan to accurately plot the cancer followed by a stent to stop the mass blocking my colon, then a course of Chemotherapy at Christies Hospital and follow up body scans to reassess the cancer.
Once that was done, further surgery to remove the mass from my colon.
Tomorrow I meet with an Oncology Consultant.
Today as I write this I feel like I’m still in that tunnel without a torch…. but I know help is on its way.
Once I can see the light again…. maybe I will continue with Caravan Chronicles. But for now just understand I might be hitting you up for a bit of sponsorship for a cancer charity…. I’m thinking of a “Grumpy Old Man Park Bench Sitting” marathon.
Take care friends, and remember GET YOURSELF CHECKED OUT…FOR EVERYTHING… NOW !!!
As Arni said “I’ll be back”……… followed with a bit of Vera Lynn….. “Don’t know where, don’t know when”
S
Caravan Chronicles 
Best wishes Simon. Medics can do wonders to get rid of cancer nowadays. Here’s hoping you’re on your way to a positive outcome.
Playing catch up on your blog as we also own two Mi Rider bikes and knew you also carried a pair. Was totally knocked for six when I read your devastating news. Its that awful C word it just strikes like a bullet, which is what happened when I was told I had Prostate Cancer. Like many of us you will listen, learn, take advice from very clever caring folk then fight this dam disease. Good luck with all your treatment you can beat it we are all with you and your family.
Hi Derek, To tell the truth I really knocked me back as I had no symptoms at all. I have now had a stent fitted and start my chemo this Thursday. The team looking after me at Manchester Royal and The Christie Hospital have been great and seem to be moving things along as quick as they can for me.
Still not decided what to do about the blog, but I have a few things I wanted to write about so while I’m on chemo it will give me something to do. I am aiming to attend Tourfiest NW at Donkey Creek next May but hope to still get away before then and try to get back to normal.
Hi Simon, “social media” is indeed the oddest thing. I don’t know you, but things like this come as a real shock. I can only imagine what it’s like for your friends and family. Anyway, I wish you the very best with your treatment, stay positive…
Yep… I have seen posts for other people I ‘know’ via social media that have shocked me for similar reasons. Strange isn’t it how something can affect you like that. However, I’m determined to make Tourfest North… the Addys have a lot to answer for…. and keep on blogging. (Stop booing in the back…. I can hear you)
Truly sorry to read your news Simon. I wish you all the best for a successful outcome.
Take care.
Sorry to hear your news. Hope all goes well with the treatment.
Atb
Ian
Wishing you all the best!
Simon, I am so sorry to hear this news. I hope all is well and you are on the road to recovery.
Rob Davidson
Wishing you all the very best for the best possible outcome. Kind regards, Willi and Kay.
Sorry to hear about this Simon, thoughts are with you. Calm thoughts from Brittany.
Hi Simon & Sue. I am truly and most sincerely devastated to hear of this devastating turn of events in the lives of you both.
I will be thinking and praying over the next few weeks and months for a successful conclusion to the massive hurdle that is in front of you Simon and that Sue will find strength at your side whilst you battle-on.
Hi Simon, I am only following your chronicles recently but know my thoughts are with you and your family.
Lots of best wishes from the south of England.
Hi Simon & Sue. I am truly and most sincerely devastated to hear of this devastating turn of events in the lives of you both and your family.
I will be thinking and praying over the next few weeks and months for a successful conclusion to the massive hurdle that is in front of you Simon and that Sue will find strength at your side whilst you battle-on.
Wishing you a full & speedy recovery Simon.
Simon. I wish you well in he oncoming war. If there was anything I could say to help you and your wife at this difficult time if ha already been said. Thankyou for all you have done that has helped me in both build and maintenance. God speed you well. Brian Mac.
Hi Simon, so sorry for you and your family. I had the same diagnosis 10 years ago. I had surgery then got Sepsis and then on the 23rd of December 2013 my wife and I was told I wouldn’t be here next Christmas and was told to make memories!!
Three bowl operations, 2 round off chemo, liver surgery and I’m still here to tell the tail.
We bought a motorhome, finished work, and had any help that was offered, even reiki and support groups.
Good luck with it all and try and stay positive, David.
So sorry to hear that news Simon.
I do hope there will be many more chronicals from you.
Sending love and best wishes from North Yorkshire
Sincere best wishes for you and your family during this difficult time. I hope you recover quickly and fully.
Cancer just seems so awfully common these days and affects so many. We’ve been the breast cancer with my wife but thankfully now all clear. I wish you the very best Simon and hope for a positive eventual outcome.
Very sorry to hear your news Simon, but steady away, the medics can do wonders these days. I had a kidney cancer diagnosis 10 years ago. Had the CT scan on a Tuesday, phone call on the Friday to see a consultant on the Monday morning. Had the operation to remove the kidney on the Wednesday, out and home on the Friday. A whirlwind. Regular check ups since and, so far no recurrence. It may not be a tunnel, just a small bridge.
Really sorry to hear this Simon, all the very best for a positive outcome. Stay strong
So sorry to hear this Simon, I have followed Caravan Chronicles for a number of years with interest and using your guidance carried out a number of modifications and upgrades to my own setup.
I hope all goes well and you are soon back on the road, and feel like continuing CC.
Best of luck and all good wishes
David Dent
Dear Simon,
So sad to hear of your news.
I just hope that the treatment gives you a positive outcome, and the both of you have plenty of support.
All the best,
Peter Farnham
In 2020 cancer was found at the back of my throat and do not smoke. I underwent radio and chemo therapy and it knocked me for a six. Not pleasant. I have now recovered and been given the all clear, but still suffer from the effects of the radiotherapy. I wish you all the best and life goes on.