| Johnny The Razor is the alter ego of veteran rocker Mick Tilbury. In 2005 I contracted small cell lung cancer, (you know cancer, it’s the disease that kills other people and no one ever talks about), The thing I found most helpful when coming to terms with my diagnosis was the experiences of other victims, though they are difficult to find and reluctant to talk. I was inspired to set up this site for two reasons, first to provide some first hand information to fellow sufferers, and second, to try to put something back in return for the wonderful treatment I have received from Northampton General’s Oncology department. |
 Rocking 2001 |
(Tip)
My first advice is, if you are going to search the internet
for information on your cancer, get someone you trust to look first and
select the sites you should look at. Why, well they make pretty
depressing reading. The medical profession does not want to raise any false
hope so there is little or no reassurance or encouragement for the newly
diagnosed. There are helpful websites out there but don’t frighten
yourself unnecessarily.
When you hear those words, ‘I’m
sorry but………………….’, everything
changes forever. Of course at that moment in time you are certain you
are going to die horribly, you go numb and no other information goes in.
(Tip) I would always advise taking another person with you
to any consultation, tests or appointments, it is so easy to miss important
information. |
On diagnosis you will go through all the classic symptoms of bereavement, as if grieving for the loss of your own life. First you just can’t believe it and you deny it. (They’re looking at someone else’s X-ray, they’ve mixed up the blood samples, they’ve plain got it wrong). You’ll be angry. (Why me? What did I do to deserve this? Why not some wicked axe murderer?). You’ll blame everything and everyone, including yourself. (If only I hadn’t started smoking, If only I’d had a better diet, If only I’d not worked in the ……..industry). Finally you accept it. (Tip) My advice is to accept it as soon as possible you are going to need all your energy, don’t waste it where it can do no good. Medical science can’t tell us why, but they will tell us that maintaining a positive mental attitude is a key factor in surviving cancer. I christened mine Carol and ranted at her from time to time. Seems silly I know but it gave me a point of focus, somewhere to direct my anger and determination to see her destroyed. And it worked, or at least something did because apart from the initial week or so after diagnosis, I have never doubted that I would survive. Not that I’m a hero, in fact I was scared ****less most of the time but I rarely saw anyone looking defeated in or around the Oncology department. |
 Screaming 2003 |
 Death's Door 2005 |
Here’s the (Tip) Demystify your cancer, take ownership and as much as possible take control. People don’t talk about cancer, it’s a taboo subject, when they find out you have cancer they will not know what to say. (This is why talking to other victims is so valuable). Some will avoid you completely, some will want to do as much as they can. Cancer affects every aspect of your life. Leave the physical side to the medical profession, they know what they are doing, but your psyche you can control. Don’t ever let your cancer get the upper hand. Use the word cancer rather than some euphemism such as ‘condition’. Accept the cancer as yours. It belongs to you not the other way round. This demystifies it and takes away its’ psychological power. Take control of any situations as they arise, for example, Don’t wait for chemotherapy to make your hair fall out, shave it yourself, get an outrageous wig or hat, make a statement, it was ‘My decision’ the cancer had nothing to do with it. (Tip) One more thing make sure you use the Macmillan nurses, they are there to help you and can do all the practical things that you won’t want to think about. Prescription charges, Disability benefits, Mobility, and much more. They know how to play the game! |
| As I am writing this I am waiting for my energy levels to return to normal after nearly six months of treatment. I am told I am cancer free, but will need regular check ups from here on in. I could waffle on for ages but the point of this site is, that this is what I needed to read in the four or so weeks between diagnosis and treatment. I hope this helps somebody in the future to be able to face a potentially terrifying experience a little easier. I do not want to raise any false hopes, I know that a lot of people still die of cancer every day. But here’s the thing, I now know more survivors than victims. It can be beaten. As a fellow sufferer once said to all of us in the chemotherapy suite, ‘Keep The Faith!’ |  Bald 'n' Healthy 2006 |
 Hair's Returning 2006 |
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