The start of something new... 

New beginnings and new stories to tell and share.  

It's been over 5 years since I last put a blog together and there was a good reason for this. I will not share all the details, but I want to tell you some of it so as you can be aware of the need to have your Bowel Tests done and checked - They are Free to those over 50. 

I was one of those guys that just got the Bowel Cancer Test kit (see below) and threw it into the bin thinking that I'm alright and I'm bullet proof. 

Well, what can I say, I was not bullet proof and yes, I got Bowel Cancer. For 5 years and 7 months I have been in treatment with numerous surgeries and multiple doses of Chemo and radiation, but thanks to Dr Rob Mason, Gold Coast University Hospital, Dr Andrew Oar, of Icon Radiation and the wonderful staff in the Day Care Unit and the Oncology Outpatients Department, I have come through quite amazingly.

No, I haven't been cured, but at present I am clear and this has given me new life and determination to carry on my dream of sailing and doing all the things I haven't yet done on Fete Accomplie.

 So out with the old and onto the New . . .

The Pic above on the left is my berth at Hope Island Marina (The Old) and the pic on the

right, and the pano below, are my current digs in the Broadwater on the Gold Coast, (The New). 

 I was a bit apprehensive at the thought of leaving the security of the marina considering that I am still under treatment, but now that I have left, all that anxiety has gone, and I am again continuing on with my dreams.

 

This is a view of my/Fete's Rudder, as you can see . . .

This rudder has steered me on many a wonderful voyage

and thru some terrible times like a Hurrican 6 days out of San Francisco as well as these last 5-6 years of what I have stated earlier.

I have never believed in a negative prognosis, as I have stated to Dr Rob, I believe "What will happen, will happen" so I just got on with my everyday life and let the wonderful people at the Gold Coast University Hospital treat me.

I always had faith in their ability to do as much as possible for me thru this period - and now I have a window, (maybe a small one, but still a window), to get on with my life so I'm taking it!!!

So, what about you? Will you let this terrible disease control your life, like it has mine???

Remember one thing when you next get your test kit . . .60% of people that get diagnosed with bowel cancer die within 3-6 months, but if they catch it early enough there's a 90% chance of being cured.

So which way will your rudder steer you?????

That's all for this Blog - I hope you all take notice and as always . . .

Cheers till next time . . .