‘I constantly see research improving outcomes for patients’ – Richard’s story

A significant number of personal stories in response to Dr Adams’. Man is a survivor so must fight but it’s good to know that CRUK is in our corner.

As an uncurable cancer survivor and a regular giver to cruk , i was just wondering what there comments are regarding natural treatments for cancers and if they research any of them or there claims

Hi Richard
Your story has reminded me it’s time for another donation. JohnP

Hi Richard,
Such heart warming story, so pleased you have fought the big fight & won.
Keep up the fantastic work you researchers do I can’t thank you enough for all the people you have help along the way.
My daughter was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer at the age of 24, her 1st smear, thank goodness for screaning which picked up the cancer
She was in early stages but had to have a Traceletamy which took part of the cervix so she can still have children later on in life…. I’m amazed with all the research that they can perform these sort of operations.
My daughter & my family are very grateful to people like you for all the hard work you do.. I’m so grateful & happy to support this very worthy cause. My lil girl is fine & is my insperation xx

Hi Richard, I want you to know that Im doing the Great North Run and will be sending more money to Cancer Research. I am greatly inspired by people like you. Keep up the good work.

My friend’s husband is currently undergoing tests for testicular cancer so to read Richard’s positive comments is really heartening. Unfortunately like many others cancer has touched my family over the years. Both my father-in-law and brother-in-law died from lung cancer and one of my nieces died from a carcenoid of the liver at the age of just 45. My other brother-in-law also developed lung cancer last year but thankfully has now been give the all-clear. My heartfelt thanks go to Richard and his colleagues for the wonderful work they do to try to combat this awful disease. My contribution to cancer research is the least I can do to help them win the war. Thank you all.

Dear Dr Adams, your experience of cancer at such a young age is very humbling and you are the reason that we fund raisers do what we do and it a HUGE boost when we sees the very real results of the wonderful work CRUK does to help in the fight against this dreadful disease. Also, you help fellow sufferers in your work as an oncologist, and you now have a very real understanding of what people have to endure when they receive their diagnosis too. Bless you.

Hi Dr Adam, your story is very moving. By reading your experience and others takes me back in memory lane. In November 2014, I lost my nephew who was only 36 years old for aggressive stomach cancer. He was diagnosed in mid September and passed away in first week of November. As a family,we didn’t have time to digest the bad news let alone lose him.
Life goes on and we have to keep fighting. Thank you cancer research.

I was diagnosed with bladder cancer 22 years ago and had regular treatment at 3 month intervals at first then 6 monthly but it was persistent and kept coming back. About half way through I was given chemotherapy that wasn’t available at the beginning and in December 2015 was declared cancer free! To be able to give a small contribution to help others and to say Thankyou is the least I can do.xx

I think Dr Richard Adams is a fantastic ambassador for Cancer Research, more so since he has been a sufferer himself. I have lost two young nephews to cancer and one of my 8 siblings is now suffering too. I admire Dr Adams and his young family enormously, along with all cancer sufferers and their families for dealing with such a nasty disease.

Hi Richard, it was so good to hear that you have won your own personal battle against this horrible disease. I have lost 1 sister at the age of just 28 years old with a Brain Cancer and now my other sister is battling a very nasty Bowel Cancer. I have always given to Cancer Research as the sooner we find cures the better. Please keep up your brilliant work and i appeal to all the public to just give up 1 magazine or 1 Coffee per week/fortnight and instead give your money to Cancer Research in the hope that a cure will be found sooner rather than later.I send my thoughts and best wishes to each and everyone of you who have had your own battles with this disease.

I`m so pleased you are doing fine now Richard. In June 2012 my only sister died from her 3rd lot of different cancers and 2 weeks later aged 84 I had an aggressive kidney removed with a large scar & clips as then I had 6 lesions stuck together so my lovely Surgeon could not use keyhole. 9 months later I had a bowel cancer op. In between I had polymyalgia !! When my daughter rang after my kidney diagnosis she said was I joking as I sounded so cheerful ! No point being miserable as I couldn`t do anything about it only my lovely Surgeon could. I have been well looked after by the staff at both Bradford Hospitals with CT scans etc.and I feel lucky to live in this area because I did not have to wait for my ops. You & your colleagues keep up the good work Richard.

I am so glad my small contribution is helping in research and it was so uplifting to read Richards story. It is even more relevant now that we have recently discovered that my 21 year old daughter has been diagnosed with rare form of cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma research is vital in the battle against cancer on so many levels.

My sister has cancer and has been told no treatment is working on her cancer I am happy cancer research drug is helping some people and making their lives cherishable .

Very proud of this man. I know what he has been throw as in 2015 I got pancreatic cancer and with four boys aged 5.6.8.11 it’s a hard job. Keep positive and fight.

Thank you for sharing your story with us, it is so true what you said regarding not really knowing what it feels like until you have cancer yourself even though empathy and concern is the norm.
I was diagnosed breast cancer detected through screening two years ago, it was so scary but I had fantastic treatment and after paying into cancer research for many years I knew the hard work that go’s into finding better treatments. Please keep up the good work you and your colleagues do for research and hope you continue to feel well. Regards

I myself was diagnosed with lung cancer 4 years ago. I have had treatment every year. I go for another CTSCAN next week then go to see the oncologist in September so I am keeping my fingers crossed that all is well. I know how important this charity is. Best wishes Anne Power

Very moving and explanatory

Your story brought back alot of memories for me and my family. Support is such an important thing to help you get through treatment. I was very lucky with the support I received from the NHS who talked me everything. I have had testicular cancer three times, two with major chemotherapy and three operations and now I am enjoying life with three amazing children who we adopted and my wonderful wife.

It was inspiring to hear your story and it gives me a warm feeling knowing my contribution is helping with research for this terrible disease. I hope you continue to have good health and carry on with the good work you do.

What an inspirational piece. I had a mastectomy Nov 2015 and received wrap around care from my NHS team which is ongoing .

Thank you for putting your story out there. We lost my husband’s mum 13 years ago to cancer and have supported ever since. We will continue to support and hope that one day nearly all people who are unfortunate to be diagnosed will survive. Thank you all for the continued hard work

Hi Richard,

Thanks for sharing your story with us. I also faced Testicular cancer which resulted in a Left inguinal orchiectomy due to the growth of a cancerous mixed germ cell tumour in my left testicle. Surgically having it extracted.

Relapsing with Retro peritoneal disease resulting in 4 cycles of BEP chemotherapy.

I received 6 months treatment from December last year and being given the all clear result in May this year.

I’ve also started writing up a blog of my own. If you could email me on [email protected]

I’d really like my blog to be shared as far as it’ll go. For educational reasons, a clear insight as well as to raise awareness within the communities.

Much thanks in advance for reading my post. If you managed to find the time. And wishing you well for many years to come.

God bless!

It is so important research on the cancers as we never know what is round the corner keep up the amazing work that the team do for us

it is good to know that the small amount that I am donating is helping in some way and it is my pleasure to continue to do so,god bless Richard and his family

Cancer Research is an amazing charity. I feel my donation is really making a difference and it’s so good to hear stories like Richard’s as we can see that we can make a big difference . We are all affected by cancer in one way or another and research is so vitally important.
With best wishes to Richard and his family .

I am so pleased to read that you are recovering well. I think that all cancer patients are so brave as I know how awful some of the treatments can be, having lost my beloved husband to prostrate cancer. Good Luck to you Richard, thankyou for sharing your story and giving hope to others. Best wishes to you and your family, I will always support cancer research.

Its good to hear that you are doing so well Richard. My son had testicular cancer when he was 23. He is now 32 and living a full and active life. He has also produced 2 daughters. My father died from prostate cancer, my brother from small bowel cancer and my sister from lung cancer. They are the reason that I support Cancer Research. My brother donated his remains for research. The more we can all do to contribute to finding prevention and cures for these horrible diseases the better.

My brother in law has just had testicular cancer and seems ok at present also my sister has had brwast cancer my frien has just been diagnosed with Anal cancer which has spread to her liver I would like to know more about this and the rate of sucess

This is a nice message. Having raised money for cancer research and my own recent diagnosis (cured now within 6 weeks so can’t complain) I know how important the donations are for research!!

My Dad’s cancer diagnosis absolultely shocked me to the core. My hero, the main man, my strong, fit and amazing Dad..suddenly needed us like we’ve needed him all of our lives.
Thanks to some amazing surgeons he’ s one of the lucky ones and 2 years on we have our Dad back to being fit and healthy, back to being the main man and busy being my hero.
You and the work you do are awesome…I have so much respect for each and every person involved in Cancer Research UK and our hospitals across the country. We are blessed to have you in our times of need.

Am so glad your doing well Richard I lost my dad through cancer in August last year am still finding it hard today I miss him so much I wish you all the best for the future for you an your family stay strong all my hugs Tracey barker

Thank you for your blog, your story will be very inspiring for all. As a survivor of Breast cancer 10 years on, I am so grateful to all those before me, who donated to the research for cancer that’s why I continue to be grateful for the researchers like yourself who give your time to help research for this cause, thank you. I thank God everyday for still being here, and hope I continue to do so for many years to come.

Thank you for your your continued dedication to you research and patient care. I am now a 10 year surviver of Ovarian cancer and am so grateful to people like yourself. I have lost many family members from Cancer so know the importance of you work so that one day we will no longer fear the big C.
May you remain healthy and cancer free.

Thank you (and all the others like you) who work tirelessly in fighting and curing cancer. I found your story inspiring. I have had 3 different cancers in the last 28 years (the last 5 years ago) and count my blessings each and every day, for I am one of the lucky ones and know it. That is why I will always support Cancer Research.

It’s so important to hear these real life stories of survivors- I find the whole cancer subject devastating – thank you Richard for sharing?

My 20 year old son was diagnosed with testicular cancer in January this year and had to have his testicle removed he has since had a prothesis one put in.my son was fortunate that surgery was all he needed but he we go to Edinburgh every 6 weeks for X-rays and blood tests and will do for next 5 years every time we have been I pray that everything remains good.all staff between Dumfries and Edinburgh have been amazing for both my son and myself it’s good knowing all that support is their for us all and I hope people continue to support cancer research as it needs all the funding it can to keep pushing forward to finding cures

As I too had colon cancer 3 years ago and I caught it early I was operated on I thank other people who gave to cancer research as I might not have been so lucky we must all keep the research for all cancers

Thanks to people such as you , a cure will be found .
Keep up the good work and stay well .God bless

Very thought provoking and makes me realise how lucky I am. As a volunteer at my local hospice I am always amazed at the outward cheerfulness of the patients but of course I realise that when they are at home perhaps alone then I am sure that negative attitudes will surface.

Thank you Richard for sharing your story so publicly and for the work you do. I am happy to read that your research and work has not just saved others, you yourself have also benefited when you needed it. I hope you will continue to be well! My family and I will continue to fund raise. Take care

A good new story so positive

Pancreatic cancer took my dad without warning, cancer scares me silly.
It’s thanks to the great work you do, and sharing your personal story that we are slowly beating this cruel disease.

Excellent!

Cancer has taken my mum and affected a few others in my family. I have regular check ups for breast cancer and filled out a genetic form which shows I could be more susceptible to bowel cancer so will be monitored for that too. Being aware and checking can make a difference – as is supporting cancer research. Without their work we wouldn’t have the treatment available that we have today. Thank you

After reading Dr Richard Adams story it makes you feel that you are not alone. My father had Bowel cancer 40 years ago but he is still here today at the age of 80. My husband has now been diagnosed with Rectal cancer at the age of 50. He has a rare unknown case as its spread to his Prostate. He is undergoing 5 weeks of Chemo and Radiotherapy, but we are all staying Very Positive that he will be ok. A long road to come but we take one day at a time.

Sometimes, I wonder if there will ever be a complete cure or will just new types of cancer develop.
It’s nice to read about people who have been affected by cancer when there is a positive outcome. Thank you for sharing.

great it makes us feel part of a family in a united fight against this awfull disease I think
you should also give a voice to people like me who have had cancer and now have another ; especially unlike Richard have to deal with it on our own . thank you . trevor

So true can empathise with cancer diagnosis. My wife and i lost a son in an RTA and the same feelings/emotional experience is only felt by those immediately involved as per parents

Richard I wish you a long, happy, active and cancer free life. I think the job you do in researching better ways to cure cancer is honorable and I will continue to raise money, in memory of my sister, to help this research to continue. Thanking you and your team for all that you do.

Richard that winning smile says it all.
Thankyou on behalf of everyone everywhere who has beneficial for your kindness ?

It’s good to hear people are beating cancer and new research will help even more sufferers a chance to live longer. A good story from Richard Adams, not unlike my own, but breast cancer was my challenge. I will be forever grateful.

I am glad to hear the positive outcome .and very happy for you and your family Richard.Thank god!
Up until 2016/2017 I am Ms Southwark Galaxy .
and the competion will be in March march 9 park hall Lancashire .
if I win I will go for international competion In USA .
My biggest dream is to support more my charities.
If you would like me to appear opening ceremony, fundraising, etc .
I would be very happy to do more and help cancer research with God help.

Hi Richard. I also had Testicular Cancer back in 1992. My son was only 8 months old and I ended up having surgery and Chemo. It was a very tense time but we got there with all the help and support of the medical staff and my family.
Raising funds for Cancer research is not a chore, but a delight!

So happy to hear how well you are doing and how you are enjoying time with your family (things we sometimes take for granted are appreciated). Take care.
I became more involved when my sister was diagnosed and had a long, rough battle.

Fantastic, very inspirational. I totally agree we are all seeing the effects of excellent research going on.
Dr Richard’s testimony is an inspirational example.
Keep up with the brilliant work.

Excellent account.

What a sad but lovely story well done Richard having had 4 from my siblings and a daughter die from Cancer and know a few would of been cured now with the wonderful research,we must keep the money rolling in for all the good work it does so we can make a difference,good luck to you stay well and enjoy your lovely family ..

It’s so good to hear a positive outcome, the very word cancer puts fear into most of us, I became a supporter after my son was diagnosed with a neuro endocrine tumour last year, thanks to prompt surgery, he is doing well now though will be monitored on going, I trully believe research is the way forward, and we should all give a bit

so glad you are ok. you were my oncologist in 2011 …i had bowel cancer i too am now ok thankyou

My husband has incurable testicular cancer, we have been fighting it for 7 years now & to be honest it feels so unfair when I read things like this. Our youngest was 7 when he was diagnosed so at least he’s had his dad for longer than we expected & every day is a blessing BUT it’s hard living with a noose around his neck never knowing which day the floor is going to drop away, the endless round of chemo & radiotherapy, finding £1000s of pounds when the NHS say they won’t give him what’s needed. I am pleased for everyone who recovers from cancer & we have seen friends & family do so over the 7 years+ I just wish it could be us. ☹️
I will keep fundraising & keep hoping ?

Richard I have just read your blog and your thoughts resonate completely with mine. I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer at age 57 in May 2013 and had surgery chemotherapy radiotherapy which took a whole year to complete. I am fit and well now and have had clear scans every six months. I never thought I would have reacted the way I did. I was very calm clear headed first thoughts were for my loved ones my husband my daughter who was just 21 my grandson of 2 and another on the way and my mother of 78. My treatment was harsh but necessary and my care from the medical profession absolutely fantastic they took the responsibility off my shoulders and I let them do their job. That is why I contribute to cancer research to give myself and other people the gift of continuing life. Thank you for the work that you do.

I was diagnosed in 2012 with bowel cancer Just a clear scan after chemotherapy but unfortunately within the 12months of feeling great it had metastasised in my liver and lung which then turned my diagnoses to palliative.I had another 12 sessions of Chemotherapy and then went on to maintenance unfortunately the Chemotherapy available to me at my local hospital stopped working after doing some research I found a technology called SIRT which after being referred to The Christie in Manchester I had in April along with more Chemotherapy two weeks ago I had the fantastic news the there was significant shrinkage in the liver tumours and have been given three months off from Chemotherapy.
We have booked a holiday to Sicily and making every day count….so research is imperative to people like me as it buys me time extensions giving me hope that round the corner there will be something else to extend my life ….thank you to people like Richard who are giving us that hope ??

I was Secretary pf the Peak District Friends for about 20 years, raising over £300,000.

Like many of our “team” I too have had cancer, and had a hysterectomy in Jan 2012. Hopefully coming up to my 5 years in January.
Keep fighting – and all good wishes

You are brave to share your story. I nursed my mum after surgery for colon cancer when she was about 77 she died in 2012 aged 96 and three quarters she was brave she trusted me and she thought the surgeon was marvellous. Later she told me the shingles which she had for 6 months was far worse than the cancer and it had been harder to look after her with shingles. So I look out for both. A brave and brilliant mum and a wonderful example.

very interesting to see how cancer can be beaten with treatments. I had a check up in case I had prostrate cancer and went to hospital for a scan , which fortunately came back # clear # but I had to take a pill daily.

I was pleased to read your story and good luck for the future.
You will know how people are feeling after chemo/radiation with having gone through it yourself. I always support c.r.u.k.

I think that we all know that at any time we could be diagnosed with cancer especially as one reaches their fifties. I know thst my life would never be the same again if I was diagnosed but comfort comes from knowing thathat people can live with cancer and not necessarily die from it.

I’m pleased for you Richard. It’s comforting to hear stories like yours. I have been supporting cancer research for over 9 years,. My sister died from breast cancer 9 years ago and I have been diagnosed with it recently. It’s made me realise what my sister went through, because in my opinion nobody understands what a struggle it is until you’re faced with it. Thank you for you story. Xx

It is great to read the stories of those who have benefitted from the research done through Cancer UK and other agencies. My husband has a similar story to tell and is leading an active life (for a 75 year old with an arthritic condition) since having Prostate Cancer a few years ago.
At the current time, my 48 year old daughter is fighting advanced Leukaemia in UCH in London and I can see the daily struggles the staff have in trying to stabilise her treatment. Her condition was discovered late, as somewhere along the line the results of blood tests were not flagged up and it wasn’t until her GP became suspicious about other symptoms and sent her for further blood tests that it became clear and she was immediately admitted to the hospital, where she is receiving the best of care.
Cancer UK will continue to have our support.

What a wonderful story, that you all stayed strong & kept going & never gave up. I’m so pleased you found it in time. Now you can carry on enjoying your life to the full, with your wife & your 3 children. Well done Richard & please keep up the good work your doing & never give up. I lost my mum, nan & auntie to bowel cancer, which was very devastating, especially has my mum was so young, she was only 47.

My husband also had testicular cancer some 40 years ago. He had an excellent surgeon and like Richard, went through the regime of chemo and radiotherapy. The experience was a shock and prompted him into getting his affairs in order, just in case. This seemed a negative approach to many, but it helped to concentrate the mind on something tangible. There followed a bout of leukaemia, which was also cured and recently a melanoma, for which chemo and radiotherapy are of no benefit. As a result he lost the lymph nodes in the left arm and chest so lives under the constant vigilance of not getting cuts or infections in his left arm, daily lymphatic massage, and a constant emergency supply of strong antibiotics – just in case ;-)

He has followed some of the advances in cancer treatment, which have dramatically changed since 1974. During his treatment periods at the hospital, he assisted in a study to predict where the secondary might occur, being both a scientist, statistician and computer person. I know he would love to do more, to help with research, but has to suffice with financial aid to help the research.

It’s so lovely to see and hear that the money donated to cancer research makes a difference ?

I was pleased to read about your personal story it’s a pity that my son who died just over two years ago from a Cancer which started similar to your experience but was not followed up , then the tumour on the kidney which was believed to be benign was removed without doing a biopsy proved to have been cancerous. A year later he collapsed and was sent home from A&E with a bottle of Gaviscon it took seven months to establish that he had a tumour in his right atrium strangely enough the same side that the kidney and the attached tumour had been removed from. I lost my son just over two years ago this why I support Cancer Research as I believe no family should to go through this experience but research alone will not eradicate the inadequacies of the NHS with it’s waiting lists, inadequate reviews and lack of conjoined working. I know that at this time it is a tall order but it rests with people like yourself who have both the knowledge and have experienced the personal journey of Cancer to continue not just the research but the day to day work from within the NHS

Thank is so wonderful to hear.Wishing you the best health and happiness with your family glad I am to support this truly amazing course.I have family members going through it at the moment but thanks to the amazin research that is being done they are still with us.Best wishes to all that are involved in this truly wonderful organisation

So happy for Richard and his family. Good to know that my small effort is helping so many in the wonderful research now being done.

Thank you for such an uplifting story. It’s so important to hear of the positive outcomes and, of course, to reinforce the message of how vital research is. My very best wishes for the future for you and your family and for all those battling against cancer.

Richard’s story is just one of the many that occurs and that’s the reason I donate £4 per month to cancer research as I have a lot of family and friends and two sons and three grandkids I worry everyday about this terrible disease and the chances of getting it and Richard who continues to help others after he and his family and friends came through it with a great ending its a shame more people don’t donate until they or a loved one get it or the research would be moving far quicker I would just like to thank all involved in this battle against a terrible disease and my thoughts are with the many sufferers going through it at this time.

Hello Richard,
I was diagnosed and promptly treated for testicular cancer 20 years ago. I remember self diagnosing using my mother’s 1930s medical encyclopedia. The last line of the diagnosis was ” Mortality from this condition is 100%” ! Thankfully for all of us who have suffered testicular cancer, things have improved considerably since then thanks in no small measure to organisations like Cancer Research. However, I am very optimistic that the advances in treatments we have seen to date will soon be surpassed by new technologies . I am pleased I am in a position to help in a small way and I look forward to the day when you and your colleagues have got this sorted.

It is thanks to all those wonderful people involved all the way through the field of treating Cancer that I am so grateful to and to be celebrating my 25th year of enhanced life since being given the words ‘in remission’ back in 1991, after going through a maximum treatment of quite aggressive chemotherapy following surgery – and by ALL I include Researchers, Consultants, Nursing Staff, Support Staff, and everybody you meet along the way who gives an ear of empathy not least of them, the family around about you living it with you, suffering the pain and misery with you and they too becoming aware of the value of the days, day by day – a whole new meaning to value of LIFE for us TOGETHER, also together in faith that one day the battle will be won against Cancer.

Having had cancer my self i like to do my bit

I lost my dad 14 years ago to mesothelioma he was only 46 then 10 years later lost my mum to pancreatic cancer. I know both these types are hard or even to late to diagnose and treat 14,yrs ago mesothelioma wasn’t well known in Scotland. My dad got chemo when first diagnosed and it did shrink a year or so after it came back but too late. Mum got diagnosed in Feb and died that August. Chemo didn’t work and had already spread into the liver.

What a wonderful story Richard thank you for sharing your story. I recently lost a close friend to cancer spent a lot of time sitting with her and being there for her sister in law. As she leaves behind two sons who are 9 and 12. So its good to hear a story with a happy ending. Xx. I was not able to do the race for life this year as been ill myself was admitted to hospital Las October for a blood transfusion had to have liver biopsy done for liver cancer thankfully I didn’t have it. But hopefully will be well enough to run it next year. As like to help with the research into cancer. Xx

Thank you Richard for your inspirational story! I wish you and your family all the very best for the future! I am a retired radiographer so I do realise the level of work you are both doing in clinic each day.Keep going and keep strong!!!!My prayers are for good people like you!!

Great article and hearing how people are affected by Cancer really makes the fund raising all the more worthwhile – I’m one of the lucky few, no-one in my family has had Cancer but I have many friends and clients who have been affected. So, huge thank you for sharing these human stories.

Having had prostate cancer I totally understand where your coming from Richard. After treatment I wanted to give something back to help others. That was why I walked the Anglesey coastal path,, to help raise money for Cancer research uk.

Thank you for telling your story Richard. We as a family are living with a diagnosis of a brain tumour diagnosed 4 weeks ago.we hope the outcome will be favourable but not sure . Treatment starts on 15/08/16

Thank you Richard for telling your story. Where would we be without caring professionals like you. I am so pleased to hear that you have recovered and you are carrying on the good work. I have just completed 20 years of working at a hospital as a Medical Secretary and the company wanted to give me a bouquet of flowers, I would rather see flowers growing in the garden and asked for a donation to be sent to cancer research, I am so pleased that I did. I will carry on donating whenever I can.

Well done…..keep up the good work. Had breast cancer 1995, grade 4 and rampant, had lump removed, 7 1/2 weeks radio, allergic to the chemicals!!!! one day off school and am still here …..thanks to all your work …..?big hug. Jp

Thank you Richard for telling your story. It’s stories like yours and others I have read which Spurs me on as I prepare for the shine night walk next month! I am so glad to hear you have battled this and survived a stronger more positive man for yourself, your family and your patients! So many people don’t make it and I want to be a part of helping to ensure as time goes on more and more people do make it!

This resonates with me as I was first referred to the breast cancer clinic in the same month and year. A swift diagnosis and mastectomy/reconstruction took place in May 2013. Complications, not with the new breast, from the harvest site meant 2+ years and 3 more operations to rid my body of infections. The support of my family was second to none as was the help and support of the medical staff. I’m lucky and a survivor, I refuse to be beaten by cancer and any it’s the constant research that’s helping others in a far worse situation than I was in, so thanks to all the donors who help to ensure research can progress quickly and hopefully eradicate cancer sooner.

Well done coming from an oncologist who has been on the other side of treatment. It can only be a mixed blessing but one that will help so many. He will never forget how it felt to have the diagnosis and treatment and how he and his loved ones coped. He now has more insight in to how best to manage his patients care. Brilliant story xx

Wow! Thank you for sharing such an inspirational personal story.

Thank you, Richard, for sharing your experience and using it so positively. I hope that your health remains good and wish you and your family lots of happy times.

Thank you Richard for your account of your experience, I wouldn’t wish cancer on anybody but it’s a shame that other consultants who have not had a personal experience do not have the empathy to try and get results to patients as soon as possible and take the time to reassure sufferers. My experience was so bad it has left me feeling terrified of a recurrence (grade 4 intermediate) so pleased you recovered well and are getting on with life

A very personal thankful piece of reading. I was very moved. I’m also happy to be of help in my own small way.

Bloody brilliant article…..you are an inspiration

It is us that should be thanking you Richard for all the hard work you do….But so sorry you had to experience it for yourself! My husband has had bowel cancer (just coming up for his 3 yr checkup) my great niece Summer (who will be 10 on the 13th) is dealing with Brain Cancer since she was 7! So everything that people like yourself do we will be eternally grateful! Anything I can do in the way of support , I will follow!
So from me a BIG THANKYOU and and an extre BIG CUDDLE!!

What a positive story. It is encouraging to know that research is helping in the battle against this horrible disease & I appreciate a thank you.

What a wonderful story. I have given a small amount of money on a regular basis for a long time now and i am glad that i have contributed although in a small way. I am so glad you are well and wish you and your family happiness for the future together.

I love the openness and honesty of this site, and the sense of optimism and hope it conveys