Bucket list.

Tags

ABVD, beam, Bloodcancer, bone, Bonecancer, bucket list, cancer, change, chemotherapy, haematology, health, hematolohy, Hodgkins, hogkins!Lymphoma, Ice, live, myloma, PET CT scanner, positive, remission, remmission, results, scan, survive, transplant

Morning, how are you today? Well have you done one, I know it’s something I have to do. I have been a little  apprehensive about doing one. Mainly because when I was in the scouts at St Andrews church Blackburn. There were many times we would go and be given a pen and paper to write down the things we would like to do. The trouble with that was that, we only ever wrote a list, we never actually did the things that were on the list. Obviously if you had asked me to write a list in January this year. There would only have been 1 entry. I think you can guess what that entry would be.

  
The point is though that the only person standing in the way of your happiness, your dream, your ambition is YOU. We can spend our time blaming situations, other people. The things people say that make you feel so negative, the things people do that are not the standard that we want to attain to. Those things are choices that others have made. Why should your life be dictated by another’s Wants and dislikes, how is that right that our list contains bullet points that mean you want to change another person.

  
Life is about accepting people for who they are, and walking away from negativity. Not allowing negativity to take hold of you. Saying yes, taking control of your own Destiny not allowing it to be redirected by another’s opinion. Believe in yourself, and keep close those people that have a positive influence on your life. The people that truly love you will walk with you, no matter what!

  
Me and Andie feel a bit lost at the moment as our focus has to change, our goals have shifted and to be quite honest I don’t know what the new ones will be. What I do know is that it will involve encouraging others, that maybe involved with cancer.  The last months and years have changed us, the big house in the country is no longer on the list. Health is the new house in the country. Smiling, laughing, friends, love, passion, family, and compassion.

Some might say that cancer has taken our dream, I say our dream has changed because of cancer. These are the things that are on my list now, not a parachute jump or a ride on a Segway.  Morning is where it’s at for me right now, just waking up will do me quite nicely thank you. Whilst awake I aim to encourage people with my blogs, and giving myself the best chance at being cancer free, that’s where it’s at for me right now. I am sure while me and Andie have our holiday which is soon we will add some things to that list. But there is one thing that we WILL do on holiday, we both have wanted to do all our lives. It’s more of an ambition though. I will post when that day arrives.

  
It’s with anticipation we think about the future, clouded by the possibility of a return of the dreaded, that just involves cation, I try not to think about that though and try to concentrate on enjoying each day, that we have been given together. I hope you do to. As we start to live again as apposed to having cancer to beat. I hope you are with us on our new journey to.

  
Have a great bank holiday Monday.

Mark

http://www.fonzandcancer.com
Follow me on Twitter
@fonzmark
Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.

Writers block.

Tags

block, cancer, encouragement, faith, forgivness, happiness, help, hope, real, remmissin, walk, writer

Morning, it’s Sunday morning and we are still stunned by the news. The emotions that have been flowing through my body, has quite literally meant I have not been able to focus on writing my blog. I have sat here on a number of occasions, trying togather my writing mo Jo back. I feel that my Jo has got up and moved on. I am even looking in my drafts at the dozen blogs I have yet to finish. Alas it’s just not there, getting the all clear has kinda stumped me. I don’t have to fight any more, I don’t have to have nasty sessions of chemo and there is nothing to focus on. Well nothing that needs determination, nothing that needs tanasity or inner strength.

  
It’s like there has been a power cut and there is silence where there once was a huge party. I don’t even know if I am making sense. What I am finding out however is that more people have been reading my journey than I thought. I am getting messages from all over the world congratulating me, and some close to home that I didn’t even know where reading. It’s quite humbling to have all of this reaction, no one has delivered my ACshelby cobra though yet… I feel honoured if that’s the right word to have been able to share this journey kicking cancers butt. 

  
I will tell you though, there were times when I thought stuff it, no one reads anyway. I fought with myself to make me write, believing every day that it’s just 1 person I needed to encourage and I did not need to know that that person had read it, I had to believe it by faith. Seems I was right to do that, but you had a part to play. The stats for this blog dropped severely at times, and I really battled to dig deep and carry on. I have challenged myself to write every day for a year. We are now 120 plus days in, a third of the way you may say. I will continue but I am unsure of the path I will go down as far as topics are concerned. I assure you though that I WILL. Just by reading you spur me on, so while you keep enjoying I will keep blogging.

  
Have a great bank holiday weekend, and remember. You only live twice.

All the best

Mark

 www.fonzandcancer.com
Follow me on Twitter
@fonzmark
Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.

H.O.P.E.

Tags

belief, help, hope, others, remmission, together, wife

Morning everyone, even though it’s just seemingly another day. For me this is no ordinary day. It’s a day where we (me and Andie) can look at each other and see the relief in our faces. We can see the strength that our relationship has in each other’s eyes. We feel relief and release knowing that together we have done all we can to beat cancer. How amazing my wife feels, it’s a beautiful thing to see that in someone’s face. The emotion that runs through our veins having beaten cancer together twice, must be over whelming. 

  
During this second journey I was completely the opposite to how I handled it last time. Sadly I did not want to speak to anyone, communicate about cancer in anyway. I locked myself away and only a few people knew what we were facing. It’s true to say, although I had to work very hard to get to this day with no cancer in my body. That no matter what the outcome was going to be I was absolutely committed to telling my story. I was passionate that people (men especially) would get anything sinister checked out thus saving lives. 

  
Cancer has the ability to take even your inner belief, your drive, passion, and ruin your life. We refused to allow that to happen, Andie has been so strong in this process. Now is the time for us to reaffirm why we are together. To rest together, walk on the sand together. To hold hands, and remind each other that we love each other. That cancer has been sent packing. It’s a phenomenal thing to have achieved, massive. Along the journey we have made many friends because we were open to Hearing Other People’s Experience. That’s what Cancer stories has helped us all by us Hearing other people’s Exsperience. = HOPE.  It’s give us all Hope. I have certainly had to learn to listen, I am always to quick to talk. Listening is a true skill and one I am trying to perfect. 

  
There are so many things to be grateful for, but the people around us that give us hope, they are priceless. You have the ability to give someone hope, you have the potential to encourage someone so much they choose life. They decide because of you to be a better them. I was told the other day (constructively) that my blogs are repetitive repetative. I am not so sure they are, but what I do know is that they give hope to someone every day. That’s gotta be worth doing right? So I will continue regardless. My cancer may be gone but the journey continues. Your don’t all of a sudden lose all your side effects when your told your in remission. 

  
So today I ask YOU this. Will you give someone hope today, listen to them and help someone to realise there is hope for them to. Everyone has had experiences that can benefit others, it’s our job to listen to them.

Have a great day

Fonz

http://www.fonzandcancer.com
Follow me on Twitter
@fonzmark
Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.

The results are here!

UPDATE – WoW, what a day. The new oven arrived, we always get a new one when it needs a clean…😳 only kidding it was 4 years old. So today is the day that I also got a phone call from my doctor. Not just my doctor, my oncologist consultant to tell me what the scan results had to say. It is with tears, and overwhelming feelings that I can now say these words.
“I am cancer free” I can’t believe I am writing them myself, everything has come flooding back. The tests operations, procedures, and the many many hospital visits. How amazing it is to have beaten such a cruel disease. He says my bone marrow has recovered, the legions in my neck are no longer there. I am now in remission!!!!!!!!
Tonight we are going to celebrate, we are going to go out for food and drinks. Such a rarity these days.
I want to thank you all for being on this journey with me, for your support and encouragement. For the kindness you have shown to me and my amazing wife Andie. I guess it will take a little while to sink in, but I am thankful to each and everyone of you. Words are not enough, but if you were in front of me now I am sure you would be able to see the delight on my face. 
Thank you everyone from the bottom of my heart.. 
Mark x

Could today be results day.

Tags

belief, cancer, contemplation, faith, fear, mystory, relief, trust

Morning, today is a strange day, because it’s 6 days before my appointment with the consultant. But of course me being me, I have called the consultant asking him to relay what the scan results are before that time. Considering it takes 2 days for the scan to be reported, it’s surely there by now. I have a knot in my tummy and am almost paranoid about what will be. I can only relate it to a boxing match, as the rocky storey remains a source of strength to me. I still watch and gain huge strength from the storey and it gives me the strength to believe, to believe that the battle is won.

  
What I feel I guess is fear of the unknown, but I have faith that all the prayers people have sent for me have been heard and answered. I have to believe that I won’t have to have chemo again, have faith that I have done all that I can to survive. The journey has been relentless, it’s been tiring. As I lie here, I am thinking about how my wife must be feeling how my parents must feel, how my friends must be feeling, The people on Cancer stories. So many people are involved, because so many care. There are real compassionate people out there, people I will think fondly of till my last breath.

  
So where is my positive today, truth is I don’t know. I just have no idea how or what I should be thinking, I just have to be patient. Unfortunately it’s not the the person I am, I am a doer. A person that makes things happen, not the hot air type.
I want you all to know I have done everything I have been asked to do. It’s just a waiting game today, but then maybe the call won’t come at all today. My mind needs focus, needs the answer so I know how the path before me is laid out. All these feelings I have of, trust, faith, belief etc are all in a huge pot with other emotions like fear, hope, anticipation, and love for all the people that have helped me on my way. All the things people have done for me whilst on this journey. It seems appropriate to say thank you to you all, new friends have been made. Connections all over the globe, it’s amazing the positive things that have happened as well as all of the fighting there has been some good come out of having cancer to. I am thank ful for that. So I thankyou all for your input, I thank you all for being there for me on my journey.

  
Even though I have all these mixed feelings today, I still feel this overwhelming passion to help others. It’s just in me, and believe that I have been on this journey for a reason. I believe there is a purpose in all of this somehow. It’s the not knowing that’s worse than knowing what you are faced with sometimes. I hope you are having a good day, I will put a blog up as soon as I hear anything. 

Have a great day

Mark

http://www.fonzandcancer.com
Follow me on Twitter
@fonzmark
Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.

DO NOT READ.

Tags

ABVD, beam, Bloodcancer, bone, Bonecancer.transplant, cancer, change, chemotherapy, haematology, health, hematolohy, Hodgkins, hogkins!Lymphoma, Ice, myloma, PET CT scanner, positive, remission, results, scan, survive

Hi, how are you doing today? I want to talk to you about negatives today, what people say that discourages you. I also want to give you a thought about why that is, remember all I say are my opinions based on my experience.
  

  
You see that’s what a negative comment is, an opinion. The only reason we MAY think a comment negative is because it’s what we don’t want to hear? Is that the truth? Negative to me is when a person says can’t to me or words like never, or no. Having said that I accept the word no in this sentence. “You have no cancer” now that’s a negative I dearly want to hear.
  

  
What did you think when you saw the title of this blog? I bet you opened it anyway because I would. Why can’t we breed a people that say yes like the TSB. A people that say CAN not can’t DO instead of don’t. Well it boils down to what we are taught. Can I put it like this, The Lord’s Prayer. Is there a negative use of a word in the Lord’s Prayer? (Lead us NOT into temptation) I deem to be positive how about you? It’s a prayer we are taught to repeat every day as Christians. 
  

  
 In our house we use words like can, will, and am. We are determined to be positively positive. We do our best daily to encourage people around us, to offer solutions as opposed to finding a problem with every solution. Isn’t that easy to find a reason not to as opposed a reason to do. The real successful people on this planet like Richard Branson have nick names like “the yes man” words like wish are replaced with will. You see you choose with every decision to do or not to do. I chose to have chemo to save my life, so I could live more years. The hard way, it’s not easy to say yes all the time, in fact we say yes we take on more and seemingly make life harder. Do we not give pleasure to someone else by saying yes though. Is not someone’s life made better does it have to be ours? People love honesty, but people also like consideration to. 
  

   
 Remember a blog I wrote a while ago that talks about we are what we say we are. We have the power to bring up positive children to become a positive nation. But also grounded , informed, intelligent People. I tell you what I wish I had “Siri” or “Google” when I was growing up. We had scientific calculators that had more symbols on it than the Highway Code. A Rubix cube, and a 14″b/w tele, without a remote control. A video player had a wire leading to the control on the really good ones. The only way a boy found out about the female form, was in Kay’s catalogue, but wondered why a girl shirt was so small. At school you were most excited when there was a TV on a stand in the room. 

  
How different the world is today, I mean it really is. I pads will be laughed at in 30 years. What will the world look like then? Well I can’t tell you that, but what I can tell you is. Tomorrow never comes, so love with your whole heart today, give with out regret and most of all. Listen to those that are in your life. Oh and if you had to google video, it’s the old you tube.

  
  

Have a great day
Mark

http://www.fonzandcancer.com
Follow me on Twitter
@fonzmark
Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.

A special blog.

Tags

Bloodcancer, change, chemotherapy, haematology, health, hematolohy, Hodgkins, hogkins!Lymphoma, myloma, positive, remission

Whilst sat on my bed in royal Preston hospital waiting for my PET CT scan. My mind is imagining all of the different people that have sat where I am right now. I wonder how many people have had the good news that I hope to get, it’s so over whelming so much so it has upset me. Probably not in the way you think I may be upset. I am thinking of all the people who’s lives have been preserved because of the scanner I am going to go in. Where did they work, what did they do, where do they live. 
  
We are privileged here in Preston to have 1 of the 2 64 bit scanners that the UK has. We have so much to be thankful for, so many blessings that we have that we did not know we had. The families of the people that have been in here, what do they do. How did they get on. I am so grateful to still have my life, so thankful to have such a beautiful wife and family. Your life is precious isn’t it, don’t waste what you have thinking negatively. It never has a positive outcome. I would love to create this picture with my family….

  

I could be sat here thinking why do I have to do this, life’s unfair, but I believe in PMA a positive mental attitude. You can’t ever get depressed with a PMA, because it’s a way of life not a feeling. It’s something we choose. All the gifts God has given us are free, amazing that isn’t it. The birds, the trees, mountains, everything we see around us, I for one am so grateful for. 

  
There are some amazing people in this world, I hope you are one of them. People who really care, people that show compassion and concern. People like that are hard to find, that’s because it’s easier to do nothing. It’s easier to just walk on by, we make those choices everyday to do or not to do. It’s up to us, no one will make you it’s your choice to give or take. I personally find it far more rewarding to give and not take. It’s our choice what we do with our life. 

  
I have been my own worst enemy in the past, but now I want to befriend the guy in the mirror. I actually think he’s alright you know. Well it’s nearly time now, I have had my lorazepam now it’s just a case of getting it done. It will all be over in an hour. Have a great Tuesday.
Mark

http://www.fonzandcancer.com
Follow me on Twitter
@fonzmark
Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.

Scan day today.

Tags

ABVD, beam, Bloodcancer, bone, change, chemotherapy, haematology, health, hematolohy, Hodgkins, hogkins!Lymphoma, Ice, myloma, positive, remission, survive, transplant

The day we have been working towards is here, this day will collate the imformation that they need to find out if all the chemo I have had,  has worked and kicked this little spineless life changing thing, that’s been named cancer. No doubt it has turned our worlds upside down, not just mine. All of my family have been affected, and my closest friends. So many others around the globe have been included in this marathon on Cancer stories ( support group ) people have been amazing. True friendships have been made stronger because of cancer. People have met each other because of it. No doubt people have even had relationships restored because of cancer.

  
So you see, cancer may be trying to take away but I believe any situation can be made positive. It’s just how we deal with it in our own minds. Along this journey we have made many friends, we have relationships that we know will stand the test of time because of thier efforts. Sadly we have realised that some people just don’t care. Full stop. Why is that? Maybe you have an answer but I don’t know why some people distance themselves. People locally have just been awesome, weeding the garden, cutting grass, and Karl Boardman has shown an amazing arm of strength for me. Even building a man shed next to my stream. My dad has sent me a text every day, showing how mum and dad are supporting us.

  
Cancer has been a real eye opener as to who is who. No doubt all of you reading have your own stories to tell, I would live to hear how others have been with you. I must have faith today as I go in that machine, and believe that I am healed, that I will never have to have chemo again. I want to rejoice with my whole family, so you see the importance of today. It could put the whole fight into perspective giving me longevity and a life that I would never have had without the help of all the health professionals to.

  
So here we go 12.45 appointment injection at 1pm then in the scanner at 2pm leaving the hospital around 2.45pm glowing like the boy on the ready brek advert in the 70’s

Thank you if you have been in this fight with us. Really thank you, your all important to us.

Mark 

http://www.fonzandcancer.com
Follow me on Twitter
@fonzmark
Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.

Being happy.

Tags

achieve, animal, attitude, blood cancer, Bloodcancer, bone, cancer, desire, destiny, encouragement, energy, facebook, family, friends, given, help, Hodgkin'sLymphoma, hope, hospital, life, lire, love, loved, muscle, neurology, oncology, partner, raise awareness, relentless, silverback, Spirituality, stories, struggle, survived, survivor, together, transplant, travel, tvr, twitter, Writing

I have said for a very long time now, but appreciate it even more having gone through the cancer journey twice. That the people that are millionaires in this world, are the ones that are happy. Today we went to a show that I did not want to go to really. The leg pain was unbearable, but even so we did it. My attitude to it stank, I was a grumpy middle aged man thinking about the things I wanted to do. Not what was important for my wife to do.

  
Part way in I realised that I had worked hard to be alive and what was the point in that if I was not to enjoy the day we had together. So I physically changed what my thought pattern was, changing it to a grateful one. One that I appreciated what we saw, appreciated that Andies mum would have been with her today if I had not been there. But Norma sadly is not with us, and I am. I quickly realised that it was a privalage not a chore. But it was up to me to change my own thinking, to be grateful and to think about my Andie not the pain that I am burdened with. 

  
It was amazing, what happened moments later. We bumped into Andies Auntie who lives 50 miles from where we were in southport. It was almost like a acknowledgment that I was putting my wife first. Great isn’t it how it makes us feel to put someone else first, I am just so grateful that I was able to make this happen. Although seeing Andies auntie was awesome and it brought back lots of fond memories of her mum and dad, and other family members. I hope you have had a great weekend and hope you have a great week.

Mark

http://www.fonzandcancer.com
Follow me on Twitter
@fonzmark
Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.

How laughter helps..

Tags

achieve, animal, attitude, blood cancer, Bloodcancer, bone, cancer, desire, destiny, encouragement, energy, facebook, family, friends, given, help, Hodgkin'sLymphoma, hope, hospital, life, lire, love, loved, muscle, neurology, oncology, partner, raise awareness, relentless, silverback, Spirituality, stories, struggle, survived, survivor, together, transplant, travel, tvr, twitter, Writing

For me all the way through cancer I have needed people around me that make me laugh, fortunately I have a wife with a great sense of humour. I have learnt to find things funny, I have learnt to feel comfortable laughing at myself. Good job really when you see the reflection I have to look at. I believe laughter disperses the weight that problems give to us. I believe all people should have a day a week where you spend it with people that can make you laugh like no one is watching. Spend time with people that you don’t care what happens whilst your with them because you can be yourself.

  
Us Boys make time every week to have what we call Pool night. Where we all hook up for a game of pool, and some food, it’s a time where we forget the weeks hassle and let your hair down. It’s so vital to our health that we make time for friends as well as the family we have. Friends are our tonic, they help keep us sane and walk our walk with us. These people you will find smiling at you whilst pushing you in the Limo when it’s broken down. These people will show you unconditional love, it’s a beautiful thing. Something I for one absolutely value. 

  
If you know someone that is fighting, give them a smile today. Go on you know it will be good for you to, don’t go to comfort go to laugh together like no one is watching. The down time will be remembered and appreciated.

Mark

Dealing with anger in cancer.

Tags

achieve, animal, attitude, blood cancer, Bloodcancer, bone, cancer, desire, destiny, encouragement, energy, facebook, family, friends, given, help, Hodgkin'sLymphoma, hope, hospital, life, lire, love, loved, muscle, neurology, oncology, partner, raise awareness, relentless, silverback, Spirituality, stories, struggle, survived, survivor, together, transplant, travel, tvr, twitter, Writing

Hi guys, how does today find you. I am verY conscious that people want to turn their back on the exsperiences they had fighting cancer when it’s over. This is because of a few reasons. Your brain is amazing and quickly shuts down memories that are harmful to our future. That’s why I documented my fight so I would not forget. When you fight cancer, you really do have to fight, nothing comes to you easily. It has the potential to make you lose it. What I am about to share with you is very private, but a true example of how I managed to get through the isolation side. There is a particular day I want to share with you, the day I Experienced being neutrapeenic for the first time. Bear in mind your body is capable of overcoming any emotional feeling.

  
Please bear with me while I exsplain. When you go into hospital to have a transplant, the chemo you have pumped into your Hickman line directly into your main arteries. The medicine flattens your blood so you have no defence against germs at all. That’s what being neutrapeenic is, having no defence system, so that when your stem cells are introduced into the body, that your body does not try to reject them. I will attempt to discribe what this feels like.

Ok so the day I am thinking of, I was so very very scared. I felt as though I was falling in my mind, not like I was falling out of a window. But like I was floating very fast towards earth from space. Totally out of control, nothing to hold on to. No where to gain strength, just falling with no way of stopping it. I was shaking bent over, dribbling as I cried with my hands clenched hard. Digging in further than I ever had, I was experiencing feelings I had never known before. Feelings of complete helplessness. Which was making me very angry, I started to imagine ways I could escape from my room, great escape style. Maybe tying sheets together to get away from the feeling you have inside of you.  My wife was sat next to me reassuring me, I remember asking her. “What’s wrong with me Andie” she did not know. We called a nurse to ask her what was going on. I was to hear the words “it’s normal what you are feeling” WOW what relief that gave me. How much relief I felt inside, so although I am out of control ( seemingly ) it was at least normal.
  
Many times in there I got angry, I used twitter to help me. Putting into the search box things like. Positivity, positive, encouragement, belief, anything that would give me positive vibes. Writing my blog for you helped allot as well. Although knowing my wife would be there every morning was the best thing I could wish for. When she left I would go to the bath room, and when I came out she would have gone. But in my mind she would be back in the morning. 

  
The hardest part of cancer treatment, is staying calm and focused whilst enduring the crap you have to face. I say have to, you have a choice to not do it. But not when you have promised your wife and best mates that you will complete the transplant to give yourself the best chance at an exstended life. Cancer stories group was a huge help, and having many people to talk to everyday was such a blessing. You have to use every conceivable tool possible to keep yourself from losing it. Having a long suffering wife is a huge blessing to. 

The purpose of this honesty is to say. You can be the very best of you in that situation, should you choose. You can achieve what ever you decide to. It boils down to a decision that you make, many things can make us angry. It’s how we respond that matters.

Have a great day

Mark 

http://www.fonzandcancer.com
Follow me on Twitter
@fonzmark
Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.

Your beautiful. (No really YOU are)

Tags

achieve, animal, attitude, blood cancer, Bloodcancer, bone, cancer, desire, destiny, encouragement, energy, facebook, family, friends, given, help, Hodgkin'sLymphoma, hope, hospital, life, lire, love, loved, muscle, neurology, oncology, partner, raise awareness, relentless, silverback, Spirituality, stories, struggle, survived, survivor, together, transplant, travel, tvr, twitter, Writing

Who are you? Those words, they just leave so much unsaid. But I want you to look in the mirror today, I just want to to have a word with the person in the mirror. Because you are beautiful, you are the one. No one else can walk your steps and be you. I am not saying your perfect because no one is, but you have beauty. You chose and choose to see it or not see it. Have you watched the lion king? I know I have mentioned it before but YOU are more than what you have become. You are so much more, and the beauty that’s in you can only be brought out by you.  it’s you who chooses to see it or not.

  There are so many people that need what you, and only you can offer. It’s in your hands, to see what you want to see. You see for me it’s a clarifying moment for Simba the Lion, he saw his own reflection in the water. What everyone sees right. Wrong. People don’t see what you look like, they only see that when they first meet you so they are able to tell what you look like. What people see is in what you say, what you do, and how you smile. Your beauty can be seen from far away if we allow it to be seen. The guy that asks for your change everyday, he sees your beauty. 

  
What I love about this part of the movie is when the monkey replies to him. Simba says “it’s just my reflection” the monkey was trying to get Simbe to see that his father was alive. He says “Simba, look harder” only then does he see the reflection of his father in the water.  That’s because we have our parents in us. We are a reflection of what our parents have taught us. The parts of them that we choose to be, and the parts of us we let others see of us. This song says what I am trying to say to you. 

When I travelled across Australia I found my inner beauty, some people call it insecurity when they don’t allow someone to see inside them. I call it stubbornness, the longer we don’t let people see who we are is more time when we can’t truly bless someone. 

  
I hope you can become your Beautiful? I hope you choose to allow someone to see who you really are. I remember 20 years ago, I was walking threw Exeter. I had a little time to kill as I was going to get on a bus bk up to Lancashire. There was a guy begging, so I sat down next to him and opened my sandwich box. I turned to him offering him 1 of my 2 rolls. It was an unspoken moment that we shared, but I know he remembers it like I do. That’s called showing your inner beauty, not wanting anything in return just allowing someone to see how beautiful you are. 

The most precious gift in life is free, LOVE.

Have a great day

Mark
http://www.fonzandcancer.com
Follow me on Twitter
@fonzmark
Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.

Travelling guy.

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10.10am and I am still in bed, leg pain is bad today. So is the ill feeling so I am resting today. So here is a blog I wrote some time ago for you.

Travellinguy 
Back in 2003 I sold my house in Preston put all my property in storage and got my dad to drop me off at airport.

  
Sat at the airport with a rucksack and a few quid, it was going to be an adventure. A time to find out who I was, as I sit here in isolation disconnected from the world 1 of the only ways to keep sane is to remove yourself from the situation in your mind. So right now I have just landed in Perth. I was to meet a guy with an Aston villa top on, never having met him I had no idea what to expect. He was a short stocky guy with a bald head. We smiled at each other and that familia sound of that horrible Midlands accent came out. But it was kinda diluted by a Aussie twang and sounded quite cool.

 
Many things were to happen before me but after he feel asleep at work and printed 38 pages off of the letter p that was the end I had to leave. I had bought a car, picture below. Blow up mattress in the back and off I went on the adventure of my life.

  
To places with 2 Swedish girls with me, the most boring girls I had ever met in my life. I was not to leave them until I got to Albany where I just got up real early got money off them for the fuel they owed me and drove off to Esperance. 

   
Esperance is where I will leave writing this blog today. But the point of this blog is to say. You have amazing u inside you, you just have to be willing to allow yourself to find it. Love you, don’t take any negatives from anyone. Be the best you can be, love the best of your ability but most of all find the real you. The you that’s amazing, refuse anything the world says and protect your heart and what you believe in. Go where you want to go, and let nothing stop you from achieving what you feel you can.

  
You are unique and no one is on YOUR journey.
Have a great day
mark

A memory

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belief, faith, love, loved, memories, Presence, presents, Safe

Isn’t it amazing how we change as we move through life, as we get older we react differently to situations. We respond differently to how we used to. We understand words in a different way. 

I remember being at Sunday school and the Sunday school teacher was telling us what she had done that week. She had been for an operation and was exsplaining to us how she felt. That when she went into the theatre for the operation, as she prayed she felt Gods presence. I didn’t hear much more of what she said, I just spent the whole of Sunday school trying to work out what sort of presents God would have. 

  
I pictured lots of children’s toys including a Tonka toy ( my favourite ) but that’s my interpretation then because that’s what I knew. Later in life I learned what it was really like to have Gods presence, Gods presence can’t be imagined or pictured. Although having a go I would say it would be like bathing in Love. 

  Hard to portray a feeling in a picture I think a bit like this though…
I love how it took me so long to find out what was meant by the word “presence” when I asked her what she meant at the end of the class she said “it was like lying on a bed surrounded by his presents. I spell it that way because what I imagined was neatly wrapped birthday presents all around her bed. Tonkas and other boy toys. Oh how different it is when you know the difference, but the other way isn’t a bad one.

  
I wonder if this story has jogged a memory? Please share it? What would it look like to you?

Mark 

I so want to hear those words..

Hi every one, I want you all to know that although I have fear of being unwell. I know that this journey WILL make me better. It will make my body free of all ailments and maybe the new blood will give me new energy.
I am quietly hopeful that this journey will encourage others to succeed. We must never ever give up. Always looking for positives in every situation.
We are all here for a reason, trick is to find that reason. Mine is to fight, not men but the unseen negativity that surrounds our daily lives.

  

I will stand till the day it’s not possible and on that day I will write words of encouragement and remember the battles that we have won together. No man can do everything alone. No man can judge you, your decisions are what makes you, you.
Be happy with who you are only changing the parts that can be improved. Do not change for anyone except yourself. You are in charge of your own destiny.
Don’t be sad be eager to chase what you believe in. 

  
It’s drawing close to scan time, week Monday 24th 12.pm I will have it, then the next week I find out if cancer has gone from my body once more. I have butterfly’s when I think about it, I proberbly feel a bit scared to if I am honest. It’s taken allot just to get here, I long to make that update. Where you will read the words “I am in remission” oh how amazing that will be, just to know you have done all you can and its worked once more… I am sure many of you reading my blogs will be hoping for that to. I want to thank you for reading my daily witterings, it means allot to me that you find them interesting enough to read.

  
I still believe you know, I still have hope that the past years efforts, tests, chemo, scans, and operations have been worth it. Oh how I long to hear those words…. What ever your facing can be done with a positive attitude. I met a lady on Thursday who had been given 2 years to live, that was 2 1/2 years ago.

  
Have a great week, and keep positive.

Mark

Christmas Eve 2014

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Update – so house phones rings, it’s my consultant. I am thinking well he must be ringing to let me know the results of the needle biopsy. Alas it was inconclusive. Which means I have to have it cut out of my neck after all. Right now right at this moment I am definitely contemplating (thinking) of just not having a second lot of chemo. See the facts are I live everyday with pain in my legs, walking the dog is not even a consideration some days so I run her in the garden instead. My hands are numb most of the time, and the chemo they propose is 1500 times stronger than the last lot. They can’t tell me what damage will happen above what I have already. So I quander live what I have left. Or have the chemo that will make the damage to my body worse. Some of you know what I face, see last time I went on a trial which meant the information they learnt would save someone’s life maybe. So of course I went on the trial. There is no chance of a trial this time. It’s just to save my life. Dunno how I feel about it really, just unhappy and furious. Sorry to witter. Above was written October 2014.

Seems light years away since I wrote the above words, but every word is the truth. 

  
I would need to go in for a pre op, it’s like an mot, or a check to see how well you are. To see if you are fit enough for an operation. The lady there had had cancer herself, she was quite upset herself talking to me as it brought it all back and I guess she was reminded what is involved in my journey ahead. We are all human, and I guess when you work in the medical profession you have a caring nature, and compassion. We have to bear that in mind when we talk to folk, it does not matter where we work. We all have feelings.

The day of the operation was Christmas Eve, I decided to drive myself to the hospital in my Rocky balboa robe that my sister had bought me. The eye of the tiger should have been playing thinking about it, it was just my way of getting strength to go through with it. 

  
Of course I got some looks but I didn’t care, I had to find out if it was cancer again. The only way to do that was to have the mass removed from my neck. I had had this operation before, but last time I was awake whilst they took a slither sample. They said 20 minutes but it took 1hr 20mins awake and remaining still whilst they cut away. I can’t remember a time that I was more scared, I remember praying out loud for God to help me as they wheeled me into the theatre. Bear in mind I was not aware how hard cancer was to beat the first time, I just knew that being at stage 4a was very advanced. Having beaten it at that late stage, you may think I had confidence I would beat it again.

  
 The answer to that is No. I could not have all the information, all I needed to know was what I needed to do next. What I needed to prepare myself for next, not in a few months! now. By taking 1 step at a time was vital. Although I was aware of what was ahead, all those steps had to put to the back of my mind whilst I just concentrated on what was next.

  
No one knows except the person who is told they have cancer what it feels like to hear those words. I can still feel that feeling, even smell what it was like. I can’t exsplain that. I remember asking my consultant questions like. What happens if I don’t have chemo, then hearing the Brutal words “you will die” Andie said my face changed at that moment. 

  
Now you have to know, I am very very confident in how I do everything in life, I believed I would beat what ever life threw at me, I even remember Andie looking at me saying, “you can do this” I whole heartedly believed it. That I could do it what ever it was, right up until the moment I got my answer to that question. It’s hard to be told you WILL lose your life because of cancer, now I know my journey has not been as bad as some. Really..? Cancer is cancer and it’s horrific what ever has to be done to beat it.

 I am documenting my journey even writing a book. Which I plan to finish before the end of the year. I want others to know that your not alone there is help out there. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1595998743956536/

http://www.fonzandcancer.com

You are not alone.

Now I am recovering, and still positive in my recovery, but hope everyday to help someone out there. That’s all I want to do every day, encourage you.

  
Have a great day

Mark

Liebster Award.

A Yooper Story

A giant THANK YOU to Sagittariusmoon75  for nominating me!  This is an amazing surprise. I don’t think Mr. Nose and I saw this one coming! I was nominated for a

I have questions asked by Sagittariusmoon75. I will answer them with my usual wit and charm. Let’s hope Mr. Nose stays asleep long enough so I don’t have to add in his answers too.

1. What is your favorite color? I have too many to count and most are glow in the dark!
2. What do you love about where you live, now?The beauty of the UP and the culture. It is a great place to raise your children. We don’t have crime like other places. It is coming here, but it isn’t Detroit.
3. Your fondest childhood memory? I have many. Most include my Grandmother. I will give you one though. I remember going to my Uncle Donald’s house one day…

View original post 1,190 more words

Giving is a beautiful gift.

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The best things that have happened to me this week have been born out of giving. It’s amazing the pleasure I get from it. Take seeing my parents this week, you can’t go out and buy the look my dad gives to me when he claps eyes on me. It’s to be treasured. My wife Andie has made me see that, time can bring its last tock at any moment. Why some people are taken early and others have a long life is just the way life is.  But you never know how much you will miss them till they are gone. Just to see my dads face light up yesterday was worth the effort that’s floored me today.

  
See the point is, (this I got from my wife to) it’s not what you do for someone when they are gone that matters. It’s what you do when they are here that matters, how you make them feel inside when you see someone. What you give does not need to cost money, it’s time that means so much as far as I can work out. Time with people that matter to you, so that when they or you have past you leave behind happiness and memories.
  Since being infected by cancer, I have chosen to bless others where ever possible. I hope every time I write that someone chooses to do something they otherwise would not have done. Don’t think about it, make it a memory, I am proud to be married to such an amazing person. Now I think it’s time to give to her, in the shape of a thrashing at pool. 

  
Have a great weekend

Mark.
http://www.fonzandcancer.com
Follow me on Twitter
@fonzmark
Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.

Friendships

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friendship, social, support

We meet many people in our lives, some stay with us for fleeting moments, some for our lifetime.  For me each of them are an important part of my journey.  I don’t regret meeting the “time wasters”, or the selfish people, as each of them has taught me something…even if that is just a reflection […]

https://pandyb.wordpress.com/2015/08/14/427/

Why me.

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Have you ever done that, wondered that question. I know Balliotelli did. But I don’t mean why me, in the sense of why I got cancer. More why did I survive, why did I make it. What’s the reason behind it. All I know is I am a prayed for man, many people around the world have held me in prayer, some people (well most) don’t even know me. I have a loving family for which I am grateful for.

  
Sometimes though, even though I have allot to live for as we all do. I just feel an overwhelming feeling of guilt that brings me to tears. That I made it where others didn’t, but maybe that brings others hope that there is some light in the darkness we all call cancer. This invasive intruder of life we call cancer, it has no right to come and change the direction of our life. You spend so much time getting into remission, then hear of someone who did not make it. You feel like you want to take their place, that it should be you that was there. I don’t understand all these feelings, but what I do know is that I long to use this negative experience to help others. NO MATTER what I WILL tell my story. 

  
Life is about learning, then giving, or sharing what we have learnt. My hope everyday is that someone somewhere is encouraged to carry on, get up, or keep moving forwards. I want to take nothing from this world just encourage. That’s all. To encourage people to keep moving forward no matter how small the steps are. It’s about moving forward, no matter what. 

  
I don’t have all the answers, but I still have a life. I intend to use my life to encourage others every day.  Whilst struggling to answer my own unanswered questions. No matter what there is always morning, and morning means I am alive and there are opportunities to be a better person and use this life I have been given.

  
What ever you give, will mean something to someone somewhere. So I encourage you to encourage others, no matter what. Imagine if everyone did the same, the world would just be full of awesomeness. Whilst I am not there yet, I WILL never give up. 

Markwww.fonzandcancer.com
Follow me on Twitter
@fonzmark
Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.

Create memories.

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belief, create, faith, family, friendship, fun, fun in the sun, gift, happiness, holiday, hope, life, lovel life, memories, memory, precious gift, sun, travel

Good morning. How are you today? Today is a great day, it’s Thursday but it’s also an opportunity to choose to step outside of your comfort zone. Every day we live is an opportunity to challenge ourselves, to become more equipped humans. To be more knowledgeable, to share love with people you may never have. To learn more skills that you may never have learnt before. It’s up to us to be excited about the future, or to just let it drift past without us even noticing. I hear so many times, well it’s because.

  
 It’s really gets on my nerves how people would rather make an excuse as opposed to taking action. I mean take my brother for instance, he just does it. No excuse not to, just reasons to do. We should all take something from that. DO IT as opposed to reasons not to do it.

  
We have to choose to do or not to do everyday, your future is in your hands no one else has control of it. You were given a life to live. A world to live on, make the most of it enjoy every morning. It’s so nice out there when the sun shines, although clouded by pain in my life. It’s to be appreciated, loved and enjoyed. If you have a sweet tooth, then cake to your mouth is like a wonderful view on a summers day to your eyes.

  
I know stepping outside of your comfort zone is hard, to do something that you have never done before. But it feels so good that you have stepped out and created that memory, memories stay with you. They stay for a long time, and you can keep enjoying them time after time. If however you have not created the memory you think of, you will only ever imagine what it’s like. 

  
Don’t imagine, remember.

Mark

Today we celebrate Grandma Jennies life.

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It’s hard to find the right words today, being a day we remember a life that’s lived for over 90 years. It drives it home again once more how short and precious  this life we live really is. 

  

Everyone who holds Grandma Jennie dear are in our prayers today. Love and prayers to all the family.
Sorry it’s short today, but don’t forget to tell your loved ones you love them today.  Enjoy having them with us. Instead of regretting what we didn’t do.

.
 
 

GRANDMA JENNIE – Today Is your day,  a day we remember and pray. We will miss you gramma Jennie,  your smile I miss more than any. I know you are safe, in a special place now. We will see you again, but not yet, not yet. You won’t be made to walk again, never again will I see you here. But Grandma Jennie – you will know when I think of you.  Goodnight Grandma Jennie, and God bless. 

XxxxX

A tribute to Norma Winn. 70 today.

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A tribute to Norma Winn.
If Norma was with us today she would have been 70. Norma was taken suddenly, non of us expected it to happen so quickly. Norma was a Manchester City fan, not a part time football fan. She was an avid fan passionate about the game and absolutely loved Franny Lee. I remember chatting to Mike summer bee one afternoon, I rang Andie who seemed hysterical at the other end saying “my mum would have loved to have spoken to you” 

  
Norma gave birth to 3 girls in her life, Malcolm had an adopted daughter to. Although I was not there in the family whilst they grew up together, I believe football took a big part in their lives. Norma was the secretary to wilmslow Albion and the family all pulled together whilst making the football club a success.

  
My own experience of Norma was a very nice one, she did not complain. She did her best and worked right up to her last days. She made fancy dress costumes for her daughters boys, ironed the uniforms etc. She was just so kind, considerate and a best friend to Andie my wife.

I remember taking Norma out, it was a big deal for me as I was to ask for her eldest daughters hand in marriage. Up I rocked with my shirt and tie on expecting to take her somewhere expensive. Where did she want to go. Burger King, ok we can do that I said. So off we went to Burger King, I had a whopper with a strawberry milk shake. I was soon to learn that that was exactly what Malcolm used to have. We sat down, and I asked her if she minded me and Andie getting married. She was so pleased, and said she would need to buy a new hat. I loved that lady, so innocent and loving. 

  Norma’s mum, and Bev.
Norma had a brother called Phil and a sister called Anne. Norma had her mother live with them for many years 16 years I believe giving up much of her time to look after her. It was a big sacrifice for Malcolm and Norma to make. This just showed what amazing people they were, whilst looking after 4 children. 

Norma would have been 70 today, Norma died suddenly from Liver cancer, although the primary was never found. All I ask is you like this for Norma. We miss you. X

http://www.fonzandcancer.com

So what’s life like. After transplant?

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Ok you ready for a dose of real honesty from Fonz. This is the true me, just like you really, I got hungry and ate. I got tired and pushed myself past being tired. I did my own shopping, I enjoyed weight training. I can safely say I enjoyed my life. It was a life where I did not fear anything much. Apart from spiders and snakes, I was cool with most things.  I didn’t really have money worries, because I used my abilities to bridge the gap. In fact you would think life was great for us. That is if you never considered cancer, taking both My wife’s parents at a young age. Your never forgotten, Malcolm and Norma. We are here in their honour.

  
I never considered what was in foods, I did not consider much to be able to harm me. That’s pretty much all of us though isn’t it. We just get on with our lives, not even thinking to take a breath, considering how fast our heart beats. It just does it, and we take it for granted. We never consider it, you may never have considered it until now. Humans are amazing, how we work is absolutely astounding. How do we last as long as we do.

I had become as complacent with life as I had with my body working in harmony. I just had a zeal for life, I never expected anything to go wrong in life, I only ever expected to win. Even if I lost I believed I would win the next time. 

  
Then I found myself in a place where everyone tip toed around me, held me like broken glass felt sorry for me and did not know what to say to me. It was like I had a, oh. I did have a disease. But why was I ostracised  why did people stop talking. Why didn’t some people treat me like they did before, then you think how hard it must be for them to watch a person they love to endure such a thing as Cancer. You see people go into survival mode, where you have to save your own life. Yea all sounds a bit dramatic doesn’t it. Maybe that’s because it is exactly like that, but you just yearn to be treated normally. To talk about normal stuff and to laugh at normal stuff.

  
 I have been treated for cancer twice now, and we live a very different life to that which we had before. We don’t take our breath for granted, when we hear birds sing we listen, when butterfly’s show themselves we are grateful. I appreciate bees, watching the cat play. Seeing the cat lick the dogs ears and visa versa. Everything is so much more important since treatment, the love people show me I value more. People, friendships and other people become more real as you realise how precious they are. 

  
Everything I do now has more meaning than ever before, because I have learnt. I have learnt one thing. That the life we live is a gift, a very precious gift. What cancer has given me is an ear to listen and eyes to see. I personally do not hate the journey we have had, rather thankful my eyes can now see just how amazing life is. I would never have felt this joy to see people enjoying life if I had not had these steps to walk. It’s like having the path before you lit by a thousand candles. 

  
Thank you to all my friends that have helped us push the limo  and continue to do so as my body holds me back, whilst my body is weak I will continue to tell my story. Remember how amazing you are. Have a great week.

Mark

http://www.fonzandcancer.com
Follow me on Twitter
@fonzmark
Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.

Remembering people.

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Good morning, how are you today. My thoughts are with family’s of people that have been lost today. People who have been left behind. As I do, I start to feel Grateful that I still have my life. That I WILL get stronger once again.  I am thankful for all those that are in my life, and for those that did not make it to my future.

  
Don’t forget about the families left behind will you, try and remember them today and send them a message, or maybe use that thing they call a phone. Send some cheer, some love and encouragement today, you may want to  take some food to them. It must be hard to be left alone, especially after a full life together.

  
I was stood on the brow of the marshes yesterday, a short walk from the car. It was so nice with the wind in my face to hear the music being carried on the wind all the way from St Anne’s festival. To see the birds nesting, and just hear nature at its best. We don’t know what we have till we have to live without someone, or life changes abruptly. It makes me more determined to enjoy today with the people that are in it. Life is our gift to use, thank you for being a part of mine.

  
Mark

Www.fonzandcancer.com
Follow me on Twitter
@fonzmark
Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.

How writing has helped me beat cancer.

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Every day I have tried to write a blog, since being admitted to hospital for 3 weeks. Some blogs have just been a means of focusing on something different. Remembering good times in our lives, feeling useful that I perhaps encourage some folk by what they read. Maybe even what you have read, blogging has been a great distraction from the reality I faced on some occasions. As it draws close to scan time, I am nervous that the stubborn mule has stayed. But hope and pray it will be a time to celebrate. 

  
What I have tried to do, is to turn a negative situation into something positive. I don’t know how many blogs I have done to date but it has to be over 100. I have challenged myself to write 1 a day for 365 days. We have a small group on Facebook called #365 day writer challenge. It’s just a place to blog. Writing has been an outlet for me, let’s have it right, there were not allot of things I could do. So I am very grateful that I have been able to see writing as not only an exspression, but a way of giving something to others. 

  
See some people need to help others, some people don’t feel good inside unless they have witnessed a smile from someone that you gave them. I am one of those people, I love to see a face light up because of what they read. I know I can’t actually see the effect it has on people. I learn that people like or are affected by people’s comments. It so nice to smile myself because you had made someone smile when in a situation where you really feel you can’t smile. 
  
So blogging has been a real blessing to me, you have blessed me by reading this. Thank you, thank you for your encouragement, for your uplifting words and the things you have done for us in this situation. The things you have done for me without knowing it. It’s amazing how the circle of life works, how giving makes you feel so good. How the reaction of someone else can be changed just because you read something uplifting. Well I hope you are able to enjoy the sun today. I wish you all the happiness you deserve and more. Happiness is what makes us millionaires. 

  
 Have a great day

Mark

http://www.fonzandcancer.com
Follow me on Twitter
@fonzmark
Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.

Doctors orders

What a glorious day, i am laid in the garden with a towel down on the grass, faith ( our dog ) is with me but she keeps throwing the ball at me. Sometimes it hits me on the head, other times my I pad. It means today’s blog maybe somewhat short. Right so what’s the crack, with me out in the garden, well apparently. Really shocking this, I am low on vitamin D. Oh really? That’s a shock. You lock me away from the world in isolation and now I have vitamin Ddifitioncy. Now there is a shock, but here is the thing. I have been told to stay out of the sun so I don’t get burnt. Oh well, I have my top off and I am topping up on my D as we speak. 10am on a Friday morning getting balls thrown at my head in the sun.
  
    This is a day where I can hear the birds, children in the distance enjoying morning time. Our neighbours girls are playing on the bikes outside. It’s just a nice place to be, as budding X factor contestants practice frozen in the garden. Faith seems very interested in the songs they are producing. Although I would say the ball is more interesting to her today.

  
  It seems crazy that me being outside in the sun is part of my recovery but I don’t think there has been a longer period in my life where I have not been near the sun. Even if it’s outside in a small garden, or abroad somewhere enjoying a cheeky week in the sun at a cheap resort. How fast life passes us by, it’s so short isn’t it. Oh how we need to enjoy today for tomorrow never comes.

  
  Well I am gonna sign off now, but I hope you are able to have some you time today. Enjoy some of the rare sun we get here. While I continue to get balls thrown at my head. Have a great weekend. Make sure you make some time for you today.
Mark 
http://www.fonzandcancer.com

Follow me on Twitter @fonzmark

Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.

Energy you give to others.

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You may never know how much you affect someone’s life, how much the things you do mean to someone else. I guess the greatest measure of how others are affected by something is how we ourselves are. I try to find positives in everything I am faced with, I choose to see the good in people not the bad. However I am finding it strange that the first thing I think of sometimes is not positive. I am training myself. Although my wife does a pretty good job of reminding me what my blogs have said.

  
I believe just a compliment can make all the differance to someone, imagine doing something that warms someone inside. It’s amazing to get that feedback. You know what I have learnt recently is very special. So simple yet so effective to everyone.

That is, that every time I/we do something for someone and they feel good about themselves and I/we find out, it makes me feel awesome. So in doing something for someone else we actually make ourselves feel better, it has a similar effect to me as laughing, such is the feel good factor. Why have I not learnt this sooner, that life is about how you can affect someone in a positive way. Can you imagine the effect on the planet if we all did that everyday. The world would be full of people smiling at each other, life’s not like that is it. 

  
That is the reason I do it though, because it’s not the way of the world. I was never a follower, always wanted to do things differently. The first exsperience of cancer I wasted, I am determined that this experience will be positive to others. I want to thank you for reading, and hope that you will share what you read so others can benefit aswell. That could be the thing you do for someone right now.  I don’t know why I want to share this link in particular, apart from it really spoke to me. I hope it speaks to you to.

 http://youtu.be/RX_HvLVOEZ0

Have a good day

Mark

http://www.fonzandcancer.com
Follow me on Twitter
@fonzmark
Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.

What people think.

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achieve, animal, attitude, bone, cancer, desire, destiny, encouragement, energy, facebook, friends, given, help, hope, hospital, life, lire, love, loved, muscle, partner, raise awareness, relentless, silverback, stories, struggle, survived, together, transplant, travel, tvr, twitter

Its amazing how our very opinions of a person can be changed by what they wear. Don’t you think it’s amazing how children just don’t care what your wearing unless the parent has taught that child what trends are. That they will look silly wearing certain things at certain times. I watched the below video and it got me thinking.

  
What really motivates people, what really makes people think nice thoughts about others.  Because it seems we are in a world where people seem so hung up of what we wear, how we look. The next trend etc. I absolutely love it when I see people working together to make something happen. 

  
When I was in hospital I had a team of people with me, these people were encouraging, motivational, and considerate towards me. At a time in my life where I needed people in it. Cancer stories is there to support people facing cancer in what ever guise.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1595998743956536/

These people did not care what I drove, where I lived, they just cared and said what they could to encourage me. I truly don’t know what I would have done if those people were not there to turn to.  But what I do know is that there are amazing people out there who are “human kindness” they are an example of what human kindness is. 

  
Be the guy that helps the struggling mum off the bus, the person that slows to let someone cross, as opposed to getting cross because you have to wait a few more seconds.

Trust me when I say there is so much truth in the circle of life, one of the main principles I live by is. You reap what you sow. Fact. What we give always comes back around to bless us sooner or later. I hope this video blesses you like it blessed us.

Have a great day

Markwww.fonzandcancer.com
Follow me on Twitter
@fonzmark
Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.

You are what you say you are.

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achieve, animal, attitude, bone, cancer, desire, destiny, encouragement, energy, facebook, friends, given, help, hope, hospital, life, lire, love, loved, muscle, partner, raise awareness, relentless, silverback, stories, struggle, survived, together, transplant, travel, tvr, twitter

What we say is what we are, you ever heard somebody say words like. I am useless, what we say we are is what we are. Let’s look into it a little. When I was told I had cancer, I told cancer I would win. I told cancer I would not accept you here. I spoke nothing negative intentionally, every action was to defeat cancer.
  
One thing I know is what I am about to tell you. It changed my life when I realised. You see I believe in God, I believe in satan to. I believe God can hear everything we say, I also believe satan can to. I believe that God knows what I am thinking, I also believe that satan can’t. Yep that’s right, only God knows what is in our minds. Therefore only God hears our non audible prayers right. Then surly if we only ever speak positivity in our lives, positivity to others. Believe positives, speak, and act positively. Will affect you and others in a good way.

  

How can a person be brought down by words, that speak strength, power and positivity in someone’s life. Now don’t think I am this amazingly positive guy that’s never down. Of course I do, but every time I am there, I speak out with faith, I speak out believing that I will achieve what ever I set out to do. Not being swayed by people’s negativity.

  
What we say we are is what we become, the only trouble is. When we speak it out loud both good and bad hear the words. Our weapon is what we say in our minds, what we say in private can be so effective. You are what you say you are, people will believe what you say you are.

  
I don’t want to hear words like “can’t” I want to hear words like “will” you are without doubt more than what you have become. We are all living a life, it’s our choice what we do with it. But then sometimes a stumbling block gets in our way, which means our lives have a different direction chosen for us. That does not mean you are less, it means you are more because you have more to deal with.

  
Do your best to speak strong positive words into people’s lives and you will win your battle. Go try it and see.
When I was 4 I asked God for a bike, then in the same prayer thanked God for the bike I did not have yet. Believing I would get a bike. It was red with solid tyres, I loved it. What will you believe?
Mark

http://www.fonzandcancer.com

Follow me on Twitter @fonzmark
Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.

how do you wake up?

Kirsty's Fitness Journey

What have you kick started your day with?
I got up to a glass of water and this beauty 😀

Loving being back on my healthy diet & treats to put my weight on ☺️
I’m still under 8st but I’m going to get back to strict maintenance diet from Monday again as will muscle gain my weight will go up slightly then dip when I water deplete again pre comp 😍
My friend has sent me some products to try so I will let you know how they are over the next week 😀 there are some muscle lotions and moisturisers = exciting as I love new products
I’m also going to incorporate juicing into my diet I think rather than a pre-workout I would much prefer a high spike of insulin through oranges and fruit 🍊🍎🍓😀

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Day before ICE March 2015

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achieve, animal, attitude, bone, cancer, desire, destiny, encouragement, energy, facebook, friends, given, help, hope, hospital, life, lire, love, loved, muscle, partner, raise awareness, relentless, silverback, stories, struggle, survived, together, transplant, travel, tvr, twitter

Ok so tomorrow is first chemo day, but let me just tell you   a little story. So today we were having chilli sausage and bacon baps at ours today. Johnny Wilson Karl Boardman Alison Wilson and Chris Dale came to see us. We had a few games of pool and then went for a walk. We jumped a couple of brooks, threw the ball in the estuary for the dog and just chatted and laughed. It was really nice, quality time with good friends. As we strolled back we came across quite a wide brook hardly any water in it. But at least 10 feet deep I really was contemplating jumping it. Till Johnny (Against the opinion of the group majority. Said) “I can do that.” Ok I said “after you” at which point Johnny jumped.
  
Now you know how ducks land on water. Well that was how he landed. His feet carried on forwards as his body fell backwards. Now I have to say at this point I was very sorry I did not have my phone with me, as I had dropped it earlier. I was very disappointed I could not take advantage of this tremendous photo opportunity.

  
Johnny had managed to fall all the way down to the bottom. Funny though as he seemed to be in the recovery position growning in pain. I asked him if he broken anything he said no. His wife however was holding back her laughter. And eventually did one of those very hearty laughs.

I don’t think Johnny liked us laughing at him ALL the way back to the car.

  
Karl Boardman got int front and put on the blonde wig ( prefer blondes ) we have in our car. I have pictures if you want to see.

  
Sadly not of Johnny because on his removal from the embarrassing position he put himself in, it revealed the wheel that his whole body had been impailed on. Johns reaction when he saw it was “it’s not even an alloy” n they said master cards are priceless.

  
The next day was to be the first day of treating relapsed Hodgkin’s lymphoma. That was nearly 6 months ago, we find out next month If it’s been kept at bay. Have a great day. 
Mark

http://www.fonzandcancer.com

Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.

Human kindness

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achieve, animal, attitude, bone, cancer, desire, destiny, encouragement, energy, facebook, friends, given, help, hope, hospital, life, lire, love, loved, muscle, partner, raise awareness, relentless, silverback, stories, struggle, survived, together, transplant, travel, tvr, twitter

Why is there hate in the world, what motivates someone to harm another human being. What motivates a person to show Hatred towards their fellow man, I guess it’s a differance of opinion. Is it? I mean let’s make it simple, what has it got to do with me what, or who someone decides to worship. What has it got to do with me if someone decides to live in a certain way.? How does it affect me? It’s doesn’t does it? What matters is what we do for others, how we are with other people. Isn’t it better to concentrate on us and make sure we are doing things that we believe in as opposed to worrying about what others are doing. Isn’t life about example. About making the first move ourselves as opposed to wanting life to change, and others to change.

  
I personally love to think that a simple act has changed the direction of someone’s life, I love to think someone has done something nice for someone that makes a differance to them. That improves the direction their life was headed. Would it not be better rather than complaining about people. Rather to lead by example, helping the world to be a better place with every act. I know life is not like that, but what’s stopping us.

  
Would you step out and make the world a better place somehow, would you do something for somebody to help their lives and get nothing in return. Do something for someone without reward, just because it benefits them and not you.

  
It happened to me yesterday, someone paid my bill and gave us some human kindness. The feel good factor felt great, now I am not saying go and spend money on others that you have not got. But what I am saying is give what you can this next week. Just once to one person, give them something. Your time, your energy, money, love, whatever it is make sure it helps someone. I will do the same, and look forward to telling you how that worked out next week. I just put into YouTube “human kindness”  this is what I decided to post in this blog.

Life is your choice

Mark
http://www.fonzandcancer.com
Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.

Survivor

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desire, loved, partner, travel

So what is a survivor, I googled the right meaning. This is what the dictionary said.

 To carry on despite hardships or trauma; persevere:

  
If your reading this and you can think of a situation that you survived, I congratulate you. Only you really know how hard that battle was. But I know only to well what courage it takes to just have chemo, never mind how much strength it takes to maintain positivity and just get into remission.  There are many many heroes that are walking today, having fought for their life, they have stood and faced their fight. They are the ones that have walked forwards whilst being hit. ( ring any bells ) 

  

I am one of the fortunate ones though. I have had an amazing support net work of friends. I have shared a link on face book that thanked all the people that actively helped us in fighting.

( unfortunately I lost all my original post so am attempting to re write it ) 

Your fight to survive is not just about beating cancer it’s about standing and facing your enemy head on. Not retreating but head down and moving forwards. Maintaining a positive mentality, believing you will win.  If life’s easy I have a strong suspicion you are not achieving anything.

  
I remember me and my Brother being in a situation on a cliff, we had a box containing food for the afternoon on the beach. Unfortunately we went the wrong way, which meant that we were hanging off of a cliff holding a box with only blades of grass roots keeping us there. My mum was below sat on a deck chair with her back to the situation. My brother took the box off me somehow, and we were able to scrabble to safety and enjoy the rest of the day. My mum I don’t think ever recovered.

  

Enjoy being the best you can be, whilst enjoying victory in your survival. Whilst I still have complications with pain, this afternoon we will turn our back on that and enjoy some quality time together.

Have a great day.

Mark

http://www.fonzandcancer.com
Everything you read are based on my own experience and my own opinions. I express them here to encourage you. Please share with others, if it meant something to you it will to someone else.