“Life is short. Take chances, love, laugh and never take the simple things in life for granted”

Ian’s Story

I was diagnosed with Tongue & Throat cancer on 24th July 2019. A date I’ll never forget.

My journey began with a simple ‘sore throat’. After a few months of annoyance I visited my GP who prescribed a course of antibiotics. When these had no effect I was referred on a 2wk pathway to my local hospital. At this stage I was advised there didn’t seem to be anything ‘sinister’ and not to worry, it was all just a precautionary measure.

There I received an MRI scan and several surgical biopsies and overnight stays. In itself a daunting experience for someone never having stayed in hospital or prior illnesses.

After a short period of time I received my follow up appointment for the results. I was confident, ‘nothing to worry about’. Then the words came. Never did I comprehend the outcome of that conversation and the impact it would have on my life and my family.

Trying to digest the news and discussions as to what was going to happen next was a very difficult time. My world had stopped still and yet everything continued around me. The quiet before the storm.

Then the battle commenced. A blur of appointments started at The Christie & what felt like continuous bloods being taken. This I was to continue for several months. At this stage I never realised the fatigue I was going to endure or the reality of what was to come.

I think one of the the worst of those appointments was the day of my ‘mask fitting’. This was going to be an essential part of my 30 day radiotherapy treatment. I also now have a small ‘dot’ tattoo that will stay with me embedded on my chest of which was used to align the radiotherapy machine. I’ve grown to love my ‘dot’. It signifies the fight I took and overcame.

Putting on the ‘mask’ each day for radiotherapy was in itself a battle. I felt for the first time in my life helpless. Strapped in, unable to move and my life, literally in the hands of someone else. I closed my eyes & tried to block out the sounds of the large radiotherapy machine doing its job.

Alongside my radiotherapy, I had a course of 2 Chemotherapies. It was within these hospital stays for treatment I was fortunate enough to meet other patients staying in my bay that became my friends and we supported each other immensely. We also laughed, lots, & cried of which during that period was needed greatly for us all.

It’s sad that some unfortunately lost their personal battle but I’m grateful I met them and they left a big imprint on my heart. One of my main reasons for being part of this fabulous runway show. I want to walk the runway not only for my own appreciation and journey I’ve overcome but in their memory too.

The radiotherapy over time took its toll. I suffered neck burns, loss of taste, loss of saliva and had a mouth full of ulcers due to the intensity of the treatment.

I also had a personal battle against receiving a feeding tube. I was finally given no choice on the matter after becoming very poorly from lack of nutrients and dehydration from not being able to swallow any foods. Regardless of how pureed they were. At this stage I was barely managing to consume sips of water. On reflection, I didn’t realise just how ill I’d become.

After further ups & downs and several infections the day arrived to ring the bell. I didn’t realise at the start of my journey that this only signified the end of my radiotherapy and how much more of a climb was ahead of me. You listen whilst waiting for your treatment in the early stages & hear the claps for others ringing the bell. In the early days you assume ‘it’s over for them’. ‘They did it’ unknown then that the hardest part for some was still ahead.

Well..... I fought my biggest battle, I climbed to the top of the mountain and pleased to say I can taste foods again. I still can’t eat some of the things I once loved. Spicy foods, large portions. I’m more of a grazer these days but so thankful I can taste some foods very well.

My saliva has returned with the up-keep of daily mouthwashes and medication. My teeth are week but in comparison to some people who go through this radiotherapy I’m very lucky indeed.

So... my result.

Although I wasn’t due to receive my results from treatment until January 2020, I did have a follow up appointment in the November. An appointment I & my family were dreading.

As the consultant walked towards the room, his face was beaming. He sat down, looked me in the eye and said the words..... ‘NO CANCER’. As simple as that.....‘No cancer’. I asked the question again & again... ‘are you sure’?. The same response came with his wonderful smile I will never forget.

I, The Christie’s, Maggies, friends & family did it. We beat it!

It was during this follow up appointment they advised me as to the stage the cancer was at diagnosis. I was at stage 4 & several nymph nodes effected too. They never told me the stage earlier so I always had the belief, the will, and most importantly the fight to win the battle.

I’m lucky that my treatment wasn’t affected or delayed directly by Covid. I know this has had effects on outcomes for some & the speed of which cancer progresses without that essential treatment is saddening. I was unable to have the ‘after care’ & some treatments that may have helped with my appearance. I did receive a support call from Maggies during lockdown & quite honestly, it couldn’t have been better timed. It gave me the boost & lifted me again whilst in a difficult place. One of which we were all trying to comprehend and deal with.

I would like to mention the staff at The Christie’s. They were amazing. Too many to mention but each one I met I’m forever grateful too.

As for Maggies... they continue to support, comfort & understand my journey. They have been a prominent part of it from the initial first visit. They took the lead and helped with financial worries, emotional stress, anger and passed no judgement.

They are truly incredible. I don’t think I’d have put up such a fight had it not been for their support. I feel so privileged to be a part of the ‘Maggies Runway 2021’ and will be sure to walk like a ‘giant’ I feel so proud.

I’ve recently participated in a parachute jump & raised £1,500 for the Christie’s. A monumental experience I’ll never forget and for such a wonderful cause.

Cancer has taught me to value & appreciate my life. To focus on what’s important and live life to the fullest.

Life is short. Take chances, love, laugh and never take the simple things in life for granted.