I was diagnosed with bowel cancer several years ago and to say it took me by surprise is an understatement of epic proportions. In trying to come to terms with the implications of the diagnosis and cope with the subsequent treatments both surgical and chemical, I needed to keep my mind occupied. Despite being well versed in the power of the mind and aware of the value of keeping up-beat, I found it difficult to do so for much of the time, especially at the beginning. I started writing a log of what was happening at each stage and the random thoughts that popped into my head in relation to the disease. This, I found to be more efficacious if I tried to use humour and to write in poetic form. The results are not worthy of laureate status but are an honest reflection of my struggles.

The language is strong which reflects the highly charged emotionality associated with one of the most feared diseases of the modern age. Doctors and consultants with whom I have shared the enclosed have taken appropriate excerpts to help explain in a lighter manner what might happen to those newly diagnosed and this is a rewarding outcome. They suggested I publish the anthology to maybe help a wider audience and this is the result. I hope that those who read it will find it entertaining and informative whether they are just interested, have the dreaded diagnosis or care for someone who has.