It's funny how a 'routine' procedure can lead to everything you ever knew, thought or trusted being thrown into disregard.

20th September 2015. Just an endoscopy he said. Nothing to worry about he said (never mind the none swallowing or vomiting after meals for months). I'll be out as soon as you know it...

I'd gone down to get a coffee and receive a phone call before I'd even started on the magazine I'd bought. Never mind my excitement that my barista had made me a coffee with a horses head on the top! 

You never expect to be taken into a room, to see your dad sat there looking like a child all of a sudden. And you definitely never expect to be told it's 'serious'.

Nearly two years on and the old boy is soldiering on. I've never seen such strength, dignity or sheer determination to get the next government payout at 80 (he still have 5 years to go!)  

So this is the story of how papa was diagnosed with oseophageal cancer. Harder than anything I've had to endure before. But I'm with him every step of the way.                    [[]]