Hi James. So good to hear from you. I was wondering how you was getting on  every thing you have been told sounds so positive to me   I can understand you feeling nervous about the surgery but you will be in good hands you just have to leave yourself in there care   Every thing sounds so positive James and I’m so happy for you things are all going in the right direction   I’m doing really well after my operation things really getting back to normal having the tumour out and having a resection to me was the best thing to happen I’m feeling really well and b m are nearly back to normal  I feel so happy to have this second chance of life and to feel normal again  I see my surgeon next Tuesday just a follow up and maybe a run down on what type of tumour this was  I’m under this five year thing where they keep an eye on you have blood tests every six month and a c t scan every eighteen month for the next five year  just hope no colonoscopy but if I have to then so be it. My thoughts James are constantly with you. Keep strong your nearly there   Lots of love to you x

Thanks Kate.

Trying to stay positive.

And rooting for you! Hope you have your plan soon.

So good to read this, Geri. You are an inspiration and cause for hope. I am really apprehensive about surgery but trying to stay positive and hopeful. All being well I'll be in a great place in a few weeks time, albeit I will need a second surgery a few months later.

So long as it gets the cancer out and I have no major life changing effects, ill be happy. Like you say, it's a new lease of life.

Thanku James I really appreciate your support, I will be thinking of you and looking forward to better days ahead for you x

So, my surgery is tomorrow. Im trying to be positive and am grateful I have an excellent surgeon and medical team. But im incredibly anxious.

I just need it to go smoothly, get the tumour out with the resection, and not get any complications or other damage from surgery. The chances are very good, but im still nervous.

Any good news success stories would be great to hear right now.

James, if you weren't anxious, I would be surprised. It's very normal and understandable as you face tomorrow and place your trust in those caring for you. They have knowledge, experience and are personally invested in your future health.. 

The advice I would share with you, in that I have offered to many others...

Tomorrow you relax, take your mind to special memories of people and places and concentrate on those.. it has stood me in good stead for the past 60 years.. having undergone multiple complex surgeries.. if we let our minds stray and concentrate on our worries, it depletes our power and energy to the road to recovery, which will be difficult and possibly lengthy.. but better achieved with a positive attitude..

My motto in these situations is... Don't let the b*****s get you down

From the moment of hospital admission, I 'mentally' hand over to the team.. trust in them and keep my mind on recovery..

You got this my friend..will be thinking of you and sending positive vibes xx

Thank you, so much. You have been so kind throughout this journey.

That sounds like excellent advice and I will try to adhere to it. I find it very difficult to "switch off" from things, and i tend to be an over thinker, so to speak. But I will try.

It's not about switching off, it's about focusing on your thoughts..YOU are in control of your brain and now the time for you to dig deep...not saying it's easy but I have found it invaluable and I hope it is for you James...mind over matter is one of my favourite sayings..

So tomorrow.. concentrate on a special time.. maybe a holiday, birth of a child, a magical place you have never forgotten... You will find your mind wandering, taking you to places and thoughts that are neither useful or helpful...this is referred to as the 'hook' time for you to consciously  take control and bring back your thoughts...

Over many years I have perfected this and am now able to take myself to a specific/ chosen memory , I wish the same for you  

Thanku for your kind words James

Try and remember that each day after tomorrow is a day towards recovery, hard days that can feel overwhelming and neverending but..it gets better, I promise you.. just focus on one day at a time and in a few days that become weeks you will look back and see how far you have come, how much progress you have made.. believe in yourself, I do x

Hi James. I will be thinking about you tomorrow I know it’s easy to say try not to worry  when I went for surgery I remember that morning when I got to the hospital I felt so calm as I was thinking today is the day I get rid of this cancer  and a start to getting my life back  just let the staff take care of you. Your in there care they will do what ever needs to be done  you will be safe.  I’m really well now James I have never felt as healthy as I do now  I’m not going to say good luck for tomorrow because you will be fine my friend  my thoughts will be with you. I’m so excited for you to be a start in getting your life back. Lots of love. Xx