I was 53 years old and my life was untouched by trauma or tragedy. I had a loving wife, a great career, two dogs, terrific friends, and an active and varied social life. I travelled a lot for business and pleasure, I was in the middle of designing a new house and I had a nice car. I jogged every morning and my life was good if somewhat hectic. There was little time for reflection. I was bullet proof.

Three months after my 53rd birthday I noticed a lump in my neck and was diagnosed with a tongue base cancer that had spread to the lymph glands in my neck. Life suddenly ceased to be a list of achievements, goals or possessions. A darkness of despair and fear descended on me. My existence was suddenly divided into two parts – before diagnosis and after diagnosis. I have never had to cope with anything as profound as this and I feared for my life and doubted my ability to cope. I watched the fear in my wife Diane’s eyes, and worried for her future.

There was a period of approximately three weeks between confirmation of my diagnosis and the start of treatment. I was referred to the RPA Head and Neck team. They explained the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment, but more than that, they opened the door of hope and I saw the prospect of a life beyond. I was advised that the best treatment plan for my tumour would involve surgery followed by radiotherapy. The thought was terrifying as I was told how my face would be cut, my jaw divided and my neck opened. Then, skin from my arm would be used to fill the divot - scary stuff!

The operation took ten hours and went to plan. I came out of the anaesthetic to find myself surrounded by family and friends.       more>>