I'm far to busy and just don't have time to die

[Robertlowe]

Diagnosed with terminal (2 to 3 months) small cell lung cancer in 1993. Asked for and took the strongest chemo and radiotherapy available, endured four treatments of each. Since 2000, have had ongoing surgeries and treatments, for basal cell carcinoma. In 2007, non small cell lung cancer and received surgery (lower left lung lobectomy). Do resistance training, and some aerobics, at least every other day. Retired and regard regular exercise as essential for recovery and wellbeing, thoroughly recommends its health benefits.

Then in September 2012 was diagnosed with my fourth cancer (oesophageal cancer) and presently undergoing chemo to reduce four tumours before surgery.

20/10/2012

9.30 am I am off to the Glasgow Beatson Cancer Centre for an overnight stay to receive chemo for my fourth dose of over friendly cancer.

First stop at the hospital was for blood tests etc.

Then up to ward B5 for a bed.

Back down for to get a painless PICC fitted.

Next my kidneys were being flushed by the pump.

Had a light liquid meal.

At 2.00 am it was time for the dreaded ice chemo.

Woke up 7.00 am and felt brilliant, no sickness, nothing.

The pharmacist visited morning and early afternoon and I

was over the moon at how well things were going.

Ate some breakfast and lunch.

Amazed that after my last horrific experience of ice

chemo 20 yrs ago I was so completely unaffected.

2.00pm I was informed I could go home soon as I felt

confident enough.

My son was coming to collect me after work about

6.00pm.

Just as my son walked in the ward, bang ! I was slammed

with projectile vomiting which continued for 24hrs.

I was assured with all the modern sickness treatments

available they would soon solve it.

Sure enough after various adjustments and much to my

relief it stopped.

The following day I didn’t eat at all, to frightened.

Woke up the following morning and was eating as normal.

Up walking about and felt brilliant.

So after 4 rather than 2 days I decided to go home.

I must say I am very impressed by the wonderful modern facilities and all the medical improvements and I am very confident that in me the ‘BIG C’ has yet another defeat and a good bit longer to wait.

STOBHILL CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

stobhilllungcancersupportgr...

[Billculbard]

Hi Robert.

Glad to see you're still giving cancer a hard time! If your story isn't inspirational, I don't know what is.

I just had a visit to the respiratory clinic at the new hospital in Larbert last week, where after comparing a couple of earlier x-rays, the consultant told me, "...there's something going on in your lung." I think I'll threaten him with Robert Lowe.

Keep well,

Bill

[Robertlowe]

Hi again Bill

Your on the ball, good to hear from you. I hope that our old cancer fiend isn't having another party in your lung. If it is just "Kick Ass!"

Let us know how your doing?

Regards

Robert

[xysia]

Hey Robert,

that is some story and I feel for you mate. Keep fighting. You sound like a veteran with all of this.

Take care.

[jillygirl]

Hi Robert I am a newbie to this site and get diagnosed about my lung cancer on thursday, so at the moment I am in the dark on what is going to happen. But your blog really does inspire me. I am 63 and determined to see more of life over the next few years. Aerobics here I come. Your a great guy and I am sure your comments will help me and others. xx

[Robertlowe in reply to jillygirl]

Hi Jilly

I am 73 and last week in hospital all the nurses kept saying they can tell who will do best by their attitude. Retaining a sense of humour, keeping your mind occupied and regular exercise in my long experience helps prevent and control depression which with cancer I found is the biggest problem. Remaining positive, mentally and physically active minimizes the threat of soul destroying depression.

Good luck on Thursday do give it your best shot, if you don't fight you can't win.

Robert

[jillygirl in reply to Robertlowe]

Thanks robert, your right I WILL show the cancer who`s boss. I think you are marvellous and hopefully I will join you as yet another winner.

[debjmac]

Hi Robert

What an absolute inspiration you are to people suffering from cancer. People automatically think it's a death sentence but as you have well proven it often isnt the case.

Stay strong and keep fighting.

Best Wishes

Debbie

[greekanne789]

Good Luck, Robert and thanks for sharing your positive thoughts with us all. We all need to keep 'talking', it's so important!

[Hidden]

Robert Lowe - you are without doubt an inspiration to us all! You probably wouldn't recall this but I met you at a RCLCF conference a couple of years ago and I'd recently finished treatment for stage IV after initially being told I had a few months left. You told me you could tell the ones who would beat it and I looked like a fighter. And do you know what? Two and a half years later I'm still here - with no sign of the cancer! I never forgot your kind words and your belief in me that I could get through this, when all around me seemed doom and gloom. I'm so sorry to learn cancer is trying its luck again with you but I know you'll beat it into submission just like you have done before. My thoughts are with you.

[Robertlowe]

Thanks for this, passing on hope is what keeps us all going. If I am that good at predicting cancer survival maybe I should apply to the NHS for a job. I think I will push my luck and try the national lottery this week. Seriously that is absolutely brilliant news, remember to be a pest and use your story when ever you can to help others.Cancer is no longer an automatic death sentence and people like you and I need to keep spreading the word. My latest prediction is that I will defeat this cancer and who knows possibly meet you again some day. Now that would certainly be an excuse for a meal and a drink or two.

Many thanks Robert