Any word?
Just wondering how's it going man?
I'm sat at the computer during a free period, so thought an update might be in order...
Meg and I travelled up to Guy's hospital on Saturday afternoon, and it was a rather muted affair. I think that I'm getting weary from all of the ups and downs of this process, and it can be pretty hard to stay upbeat 100% of the time. It turned out that we were later than expected by the staff on the cardio-thoracic ward who weren't best pleased, but a mix up with the specialist was to blame and we were forgiven.
A number of nurses came around and took samples, bloods, swabs, details etc, and after signing several consent forms we went to Nandos (classy eh?)for tea. I walked Meg to London Bridge station, watched her get on the train, and walked back to the hospital. I'd taken my netbook with me and signed on to STW, looking at the many different messages of support from you all.
My op was scheduled for the morning, and all went well. My specialist explained that she'd got all the mass that she could out, so that'll be whipped off for biopsy and we'll hopefully have some results by the end of the week. The heart is a much bigger issue. Regardless, they're going to have to open me up to both see and remove whatever is showing up on the PET scan. So open-heart surgery it is then! I'll admit I'm not looking forward to it, but the scar will look ****in' amazing!
I had three MRI's yesterday to further investigate the lytic lesions on my pelvis/spine. It was the second time I've been for testing without Meg, and I find the experiences frightening and lonely. All was going swimmingly until about three minutes in to the first 30min burst, when the CD I had chosen started to skip, resulting in two different but painfully similar 'whumping' noises in the earphones!
Meg and I are getting married on the 31st of October in Somerset; now I know that some folk might see this as a poignant gesture of love in the face of death, but in actual fact Meg has an issue with me having a bald head in the wedding photo's and has accelerated our projected date by a few light-years...I would love to be able to afford to invite each and every one of you to the wedding, but I can't and I'm genuinely sad about this. Without all of your best wishes, support and love I would have crumbled very quickly in the face of all of this.
I will however be having a reverse 'stag-do' when I'm better next year; probably in Yorkshire, definitely with all of you, and proudly displaying scars on a body that you all helped to save. I give you my word.
M x
will however be having a reverse 'stag-do' when I'm better next year; probably in Yorkshire, definitely with all of you, and proudly displaying scars on a body that you all helped to save. I give you my word.
You'll have a pint of Black Sheep in your hand and some miles in your legs before you know it fella!
Hang in there 😀
Looking forward to the stag do.
Remember... "Chicks dig scars" (if not bald heads!)
Good lad! keep your pecker up - I can understand the loneliness of hospital tests without the other half there. That mental strength that you have displayed so far is the key, small steps 'get through this test THEN think about the next one'. All the best fella and I look forward to the 'do' next year - who knows I may have a new kidney by then too, double celebration! (without taking anything away from yours of course!)
Congrats to you both for 31st Oct - my birthday so I won't forget!
Hats off to you Mark and aren't women brilliant at being 'practical' with wedding photos!
I think this thread puts into perspective the 'problems' we all face in life - there's a lot of good Karma heading your way right now
best wishes
Tank
Not read the whole post by I think I get the gist of this, hope all turns out well. Good Luck.
Have been following this thread without saying anything yet, mainly because others have said it far more eloquently. But reading again, I just want to say that I feel humbled by your attitude to this.
Good luck for the 31st, I hope you have a great day. Can you let us know what the timetable is, because even if (understandably) you can't invite us all, I'd like to raise a glass to you both and wish you well in absentia.
Sounds like you're getting to grips with it all. It's going to be impossible to be upbeat 100% of the time. 99% is easily good enough 😉 I can appreciate that slogging down to Guys for treatment isn't much fun. Any chance you could combine it with something fun to look forward to? Art Gallery or Museum visit, gig, bike shop, that kind of thing?
All the best,
Rich
Followed thread for ages not saying much, don't feel I can add much. But boy you are an inspiration and puts silly things in my life into perspective. Have a brilliant wedding and make sure you post us all some pics afterwards. My thoughts are with both of you at this difficult time, have some of my positive energy and thoughts to add to your own.
You are an inspiration, both of you. xx
Looking forward to the ride already and hope you have a great day on the 31st.
Certainly makes dog-eggs in bags at the side of the trail seem like something to smile about. Keep up the positive outlook, but buy some new CDs!
Can we be the first tandem team to sign up for the 'reverse stag-do' please?
So impressed with how you're both tackling this. Sandy's father was a long-term diabetic and in his later years lost his eyesight, stomach, and both legs. He still went skiing, sailing & rock climbing. Takes a huge amount of guts & determination to keep going in such circumstances, and an incredibly strong partner by your side. Sounds like you have both.
With metta,
Rob & Sandy
Just got onto this thread as i'm sat at home having had a large biopsy myself this morning, i'm a teacher too so i'm not complaining about the time off work! I was diagnosed with skin cancer last month and while i appreciate it is no where near as full on as your case it's been a difficult time for me and my family.
You sound very positive and i know you'll beat this and be back on the bike before long, looking forward to a long and happy marriage.
Simon
All the best to you too Simon.
Hello Mark, Glad to hear things are progressing, and also that you have set a date for your wedding - congratulations to you both. Just wanted to say - open heart surgery is not so bad. The anticipation for me was so much worse than the reality. You'll be up and about within a couple of days, albeit with an elephant sat on your chest for a little while. Wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery. Rona
Like a few folk i guess, I've considered myself a noob to the forum and followed the thread not knowing what to contribute, however this struck a cord..
[i]but the scar will look ****in' amazing![/i]
My dad was a sick kid and had liver and kidney surgery - left a scar at the front and back - he told me (and i believed absolutely) that it was where a German guard had bayonetted him as he escaped from a POW camp during the war. Only AFTER i got to do maths/history at school did i work out the discrepancy between the end of the war and his birthdate of 1948!!
Im sure you can come up with a tall tale to make best use of the evidence left!
Good luck, and stay positive
Mike
It's good to hear from you Mark.
J says if any of his London days fall in with your hospital days, he'll come and visit, maybe buy you lunch if you feel like it?
I like Meg's reasoning for the wedding being sooner rather than later. Good lass.
Although to be fair, you may look much better as a baldie than you expect, and there's hours of fun to be had using sellotape to 'wax' patterns into your hair once it starts to go. 😉 And then there's the silly hat parade.
Another plus is that you don't have to put up with months and months of wedding planning!
Are girls going to be allowed at the reverse stag do? I hope so because I really want to buy you guys a beer!
And Simon, happy vibes coming your way too. Heal fast and heal well. 🙂 Don't belittle your situation, it is tough to deal with. There's no comparing here, tough is tough!
Oy!!! What's wrong with bald heads? 😥
Good luck fella. Everythings crossed for you.
[i]I hope so because I really want to buy you guys a beer![/i]
.(420 posts) (243 voices)
one hell of a round 🙂
You're a way stronger man than me, that's for sure! I'd say chin up but you're doing a mighty fine job of that already!
Good luck and congrats on the wedding!
Smudger - much as I'd love to buy you ALL a beer, I kind of meant Mark and Meg. But you knew that really, didn't you? 😉
Trudi - I'll let you know when I'm due to go in. It'd be lovely to meet up with J whilst I'm incapacitated!
And you guys would be suprised; before Meg and I got together, I wet-shaved my head for nearly six years! I KNOW how good I look with a bald head, its just her indoors that worries...[code]
Simon - Trudi's right; it doesn't matter what form illness takes, it's all shite and scary. Solidarity brothers (and sisters)!
You are an amazingly strong guy! Good luck and for course congratulations to the both of you.
x
Can I add my good wishes along with every body else on here , your a total inspiration to everybody cheers mate.
Thanks folks,
Mark i'll keep a keen eye on your progress and as i'm in Sheffield keep us posted about the Yorkshire stag do!
You'll beat it.
Never mind "a" stag do, I reckon you'll be going on tour next summer !
Another one that's read from the beginning but there hasn't been anything extra to add that's not already been written.
Your posts are inspirational and really put perspective to what's important.
All the best for the 31st and keep us posted on the reverse stag do and your progress beating this thing head-on
Mark, all the best - havent had much to add to the many wishes.
Keep fighting it, Mark.
Stag do in Yorkshire? I'll be there.........................and so will you, buddy!!
I was having a right old whinge earlier today before I read your update - as everyone else says it's put my life into perspective. I'm in london quite a bit, so more than happy to bring you a ST and some grapes if you're in while I'm in. Again been reading since the beginning - totally inspired by your courage.
I'm in for a stag do ride in some proper hills!
Like a lot of folks I've had friends and family that have had the big C, and have seen it go both ways. So all the best to you (both) and good luck. And have a great wedding too. I'll be buying you a drink should I ever be lucky enough to meet you.
Man, I read this thread when it was a day old and haven't been on here much lately. Can someone kindly fill me in with a brief summary on what has happened as I dont have time to read over 400 entries?
Good luck petesgaff!!
Spongebob, in summary......
Mark has a top woman called Meg, who is shortly to become his wife. As we can't all fit at the wedding, next summer when he's beaten the big C the entire STW massive is meeting in Yorkshire for the largest riding/beer drinking session the world has ever seen.
Have I missed anything?
Rob
no, that about sums it up
All the best Mark & Meg. I can't add to what has already been written, so I won't try.
but if you want a band at your stag do, let me know
Meg may have a dislike for grooms with bald heads and that's fair, but far beyond any such thoughts she clearly loves you beyond measure, and you her. I envy you this, and wish you good luck and the best of health for the future. :o) stay strong and overcome.
I can only echo everything that has already been said here.
Now about this wedding, i'm might be doing a Halloween ride on the 31st and that's in Somerset, so please do tell where you're going, you may then get a few STW guests, albeit dressed up as ghouls and nasties.....You could even bring your bike and slip off out for ride with us....
See you there Sharki 😉
I have a ginger scouse/afro wig you could borrow if baldness is a problem?
Mebee then Meg would see the benefit of the Kojak look?
Stag do in Yorkshire! Excellent choice. Will be there to buy you a drink (though if everyone does that, it'll be a fierce hangover...mebee we need to club together for a STW wedding present instead???).
CHB
Leeds.
mebee we need to club together for a STW wedding present instead???).
I'm in for that.
Thanks for taking the time to post the update, I'm sure you have more than enough on your plate without feeling you have to keep us in the loop, but it's really appreciated.
Great news about the wedding, will definitely be toasting you from Berks.
As others have said, I'm sure you'll be back on the bike before you know it.
I think the wedding gift idea is a bloody good idea. Who's going to organise it then!
Not me, I am crap at organising stuff, good idea though.
Great idea, i'm in.
Me too, I was thinking about it last night and Im really glad someone suggested it.
Just think what an ace present you could get if every one who has felt moved or inspired by Mark and Meg bought them a celebratory 'virtual beer' for their Wedding.
Could it be done through paypal?
It should be possible. With the internet you can do anything!
I'm in for that by the way...
Mark, chin up. It sucks being away from the people you love during treatment, but they are still there for you. Good choicer of date for the wedding... Halloween themed?
We are flattered that some of you would consider investing in a wedding present for Meg and I. In the nicest possible way I'd like to discourage the idea (and it is a lovely idea...) for the simple reason that I feel there are other individuals more deserving of a gift than the pair of us. I'm getting a wife, and Meg an sick meathead, which is all either of us had ever wanted (!).
However....
For those of you that insist on giving a gift, please think about making a donation to Trudi (TN) and Julians Yorkshire cycle ride for the Bone Cancer Research Trust. Ultimately any gift you give them will benefit me and everyone else that suffers from cancer. And they're lovely folk as well!
Don't feel obliged though - As far as I'm concerned, all the banter is gift enough!
Oh blimey Mark, that's just choked me up. You really are the most selfless person...
If anyone does want to take him up on his suggestion, you can donate here:
[url= http://www.justgiving.com/triptotheseaside/ ]JustGiving[/url]
Thanks.
Pete
Keep fighting as hard as you can. NEVER give up! When it feels dark just close your eyes and think of you favourite piece of trail and the faces of your loved ones. The blackness will go and you will find yourself one step closer to recovery.
While I did not have cancer, I had a degenerative lung disease; I have been forced to look into that abyss. It is not something I would wish on anyone but I fought back. You WILL be back to full health, and be a stronger person on all fronts for it. The few folk who know what I have been through are amazed at some of the things I now do and find it hard to believe what I have been through but then understand where I get my drive form. It may be a bit cheesy American but LIVESTRONG really is the embodiment of the ethos you have adopted and you will be fine.
I have been following this thread now since you started it and been keeping you in my thoughts.
Keep fighting Pete, never give up and when it is giving you a kicking those are they days when you need to kick it back twice as hard. I will see you in Yorkshire for that pint and we will all celebrate LIFE!
Mark and Meg,
Your strength and spirit is truly amazing and incredibly humbling.
I have been away from reading your posts and everybody’s replies due to being stuck on a hard shoulder on the M25 for 2 weeks but reading your updates and everyone’s messages today has left me with a feeling of such humility and a proud member of the cycling fraternity. It has also made a fairly hardy (although female) engineer burst into tears in front of an office of contractors.
Anything I can do (although I am sure that other members of the forum would be more use) I would be more than pleased to help. If you end up travelling up to Manchester for anything and your good lady (and you) fancy a coffee, a natter and a change of scenery I can always pop out of work.
Mark - you are an inspiration and your positivity and outlook is something that I could only ever dream of having.
Oh, massive congratulations on the engagement 🙂
I'd like to add my best wishes to you and Meg. Good luck with everything.
Have a fantastic day on the 31st October.
Mark and Meg, just given to the bike ride. Its a nice route.
Don't think this is instead of a wedding gift though! Even stingy Yorkshiremen like meself can be more generous than that.
250 riders on one ride. It has to be done folks.
Trudi - I'd make that link a bit more obvious if I was you - maybe on a new thread 'Donations for Petegaffs wedding present'. It won't get missed there...
Jimmy (or someone else?) - could you possibly do that as I don't have access to a PC at the mo and I can't do links from my phone, for some reason...
sorry i've not been paying attention and i think that someone else mentioned the teachers benevolant fund http://www.divide.org.uk/charitydetail/36/ also don't forget to get your union involved, they can be useful.
the decision to get married has to be made by the two people who know the most. go for it, love each other and live your life.
it's really hard, neigh impossible, to be positive all the time. it's much easier to be honest, the people who understand you and love you will understand.
best wishes.
Thanks for the updates Mark. Just update us when you feel like it, we'll wait patiently.
And of course congratulations on the engagement. I'll raise a glass to you and Meg on the 31st when I toast your life together and your fight back to health. Awrra best!
Morning Pete
Just wanted to say next time you have to face one of those proceedures alone and afraid PLEASE keep in your thoughts that all the people on here and all your family and friends are rooting for you. (Imagine we are all crowding in the room shouting 'Go Pete' and that Meg is holding your hand)
X
Personlly I really dig bald heads 😛
I echo the are girls allowed to the reverse stag - and then does it become a hag (hen and stag) cus then we get to meet Meg too (CHRISt you are going to be piddled!!) 😀
I can't tell you how much I am rooting for you.........keep strong x
*whispers* personally I think we should buy the obstinate, amazing bastard a new shiny bling as **** bike to get back on once he's recovered from being prised open....
31st october is in my calendar and I'll raise a glass to you on the day. Good luck and congratulations. (What some blokes will do to catch a wife! 😀 )
Keep the fight going - today and every day
Hope you are well soon
*whispers* personally I think we should buy the obstinate, amazing bastard a new shiny bling as **** bike to get back on once he's recovered from being prised open....
if we can donate bits for someone who has had their bike nicked then surely we can sort something out?
(obviously as well as contributing to the above charities)
what do we think, contribute to a pot for new shiny bike(s) or build from parts, contributed?
Happy to help, contribute, build, deliver etc? I have a lot of time on my hands at the mo, and nothing would make me happier than building a bike (or ahem a pair of his and hers bikes???), weekly updates, pics etc
I think a bling bike is a cracking idea.
I think that a biking holiday for the pair of them might be an even better idea.
Mark
Thanks for keeping us all updated. Really good news about the engagment, My wife couldn't have picked a dress in that amount of time let alone everything else.
Glad to read your still fighting hard and I know how it helps to put a face to it, makes it easier to fight the ****er.
Stay in there dude, we are all routing for you both.
John
Hi Mark,
Been dipping in and out of this thread since P1 . I am constantly amazed at your strength and positive attitude. I , myself, cannot add anything to help you that has not already been mentioned. PLease just keep posting updates and never be afraid to ask for favours . I think the majority of posters on here would go out of their way to help out , if its possible for them . Best wishes to You and Meg for your upcoming big day . Hope all goes to plan and you have a day to remember forever.
On the Stag weekend front , hhmmmm , this is probably going to come back and bite me but, How about 720 pints of beer in a 'Dalek ' sized tank in the back of van , brim full of cool real ale ready to drink, attatched to about a dozen handpumps . . . mix in a hundred or so thirtsy mtbers . .what could possibly go wrong. Just need a date and a time and place and i will do my very best to be there.
Keep strong.
STM
Update:
Meg took 90 mins to find a wedding dress on Saturday. I repeat; 90 mins.
That is why I am marrying her.
Wow - admiration. It took me a day.
90 minutes! You don't know how lucky you are 🙄
...even choosing underwear in this house seems to take up to 90 minutes...
now i your chance to pounce, i spent 4 times as much on my outfit as mrsmw spent on her dress 🙂
Slightly belated congratulations on the engagement, both - fantastic news!
+1 on the stag do (have own bald head to bring!).
Keep up the fight - there's this whole forum right behind you.
All the best to you both.
congratulations mark and meg have a great day and keep on going mate all the best, gaz
I am so excited to see some photos. Mark, I hope your dress doesn't clas with Megs. 😉
Keep fighting that fight. We are all there with you in sprit. Kick it, punch it, bite it. What ever it takes to beat the ****er.
Any update on how Pete is doing?
Stay strong and beat the ****er!
Count me in for the doo in Yorkshire, let us know if you have a location in mind. Money is tight-ish so it would be good to get accommodation booked now.
Will it be worth bringing a bike?
Hi folks,
Pretty shit day today. I had to take the day off school to go to St Thomas' in London to have a TOE (Trans Osophogeal Endoscopic), because the normal ultrasounds can't get past the lungs to see the problem in the heart. So I rocked up at 10am, and having agreed that someone (Meg) would come and pick me up at 4pm.
So the doctor tells me that he will confirm EXACTLY what the problem with my heart is today, because he is 'the best at what he does', and that he will let me know when I wake up.
Guess what? Our hero ****s off without telling me or leaving any notes; even his nurses seemed embarrassed. I got such a monk-on its not funny. Ended up discharging myself, walking to London Bridge and getting the train home. Seriously, I wouldn't even have minded if he'd have said that he was as bamboozled as everyone else, but to sod off after promising to let me know what he'd found doesn't cut the mustard....
It's the waiting that's difficult. If I knew what was wrong I'd be able to fight this pissing thing, but all the time it's "could be sarcoma this, could be mixoma that, could be blah, might be blah..."
Jesus. Sorry folks. 😥