Manufacturing Morale: Why I Built a Dopamine Menu During Cancer
johndabell I recently went to the theatre to see Othello. The acting was quite superb and was it was brilliant to watch. Live theatre always gives me a buzz and a…
Cancer
The Real Hunger Games: Life on a RIG Feeding Tube
People hear the phrase feeding tube and imagine nutrition, support, recovery — something clinical and straightforward. A medical solution. A helping hand. What they don’t imagine is hunger. Yet being…
There Is Nothing Normal About the “New Normal”
After a major health scare or a life-altering diagnosis, you will often hear medical professionals talk about finding your “new normal.” It is a phrase I find infuriating because there…
This Is Not A ‘New Normal’: Life Through A Tube
I’ve been nil by mouth for over three months now, and I won’t dress it up: I don’t dislike it. I hate it. Not being able to eat or drink…
200 Reasons Why I’m Here
I’m not here to…… I’m not here to complain, I’m here to contribute I’m not here to wait for optimism, I’m here to create it I’m not here to hide…
10 Ways Cancer Improves Your CV
Let’s be clear from the start: no one wants cancer. And it certainly doesn’t belong on your CV next to “Teacher” or “BA (Hons) First Class.” Cancer is the ultimate…
When You Hit a Purple Patch on the Cancer Journey
The cancer journey has no shortage of grey days but other colours are available. Some you have to mix yourself. But grey days tend to dominate. These are the ones…
Nil By Mouth? Nil Desperandum
What is it like to be permanently nil per os (nothing by mouth)? I’ll tell you. Being nil by mouth is horrible. If you were someone who enjoyed food, cooked,…
Chronic Optimism And Incurable Cancer
Chronic optimism is not your everyday, “think positive” slogan. It’s deeper, stronger, and far more stubborn than that. It is optimism that has set up camp inside you and refuses…
10 Truths About Cancer And Happiness
They said “incurable.” They meant the cancer. But too many people hear that word and think it applies to joy, laughter, hope, love, purpose – it doesn’t. You can still…