My name is Derek, 69 y/o and I was diagnosed with bladder cancer some 3 months ago and underwent an operation to remove the tumour about 9 weeks back. Since then I have been informed that I have to have a further operation for bowel cancer in the early part of 2016 which came as quite a shock initially however I am not one to complain and have now accepted the inevitable. I have many complications due to other chronic conditions that create quite a few problems for the up and coming operation(s) and have resigned myself to the possible outcomes. I am not a person that worries about these things that happen in life, in fact I should have died 15 years ago but through gods grace I was spared and have lived a full life since then. I am treating my current situation as yet another test as to my resilience under arduous conditions. For the last 20 years I have suffered many health problems that I have learned to live with and have gained strength from them in certain respects. Many people in my situation and would have thrown in the towel especially after the latest revelations with my health or lack of it. But I am determined not to let this latest setback to affect my life to the best of my ability and that is why I now going to try my utmost to gain strength in my resolve to carry on my life as though nothing has happened.

I hope that what I have said will help those who have lost hope and need guidance in seeing that their situation can be enhanced by having the attitude to life and living I have maintained in my life since the heart attacks (3) I suffered on 26th September 2000. Absolutely nothing phases me, nothing stresses me in any way.

Take heart and be strong in your resolve to change your outlook on life and you will feel better, stronger and be willing to fight for a better life.

Derek G