Despite this, in December 2021 I was diagnosed with cancer following a colonoscopy as a result of me having completed a routine 'poo' test.
My initial thoughts were not good. Until I had a CT Scan and the results of the biopsy there was no way of knowing how extensive the cancer was and what my life expectancy could be.
I remembered boasting in my book that even if something like this happened I was unlikely to go back to alcohol as a 'why not' solution, and I am delighted to say the last thing on my mind was having a drink. I was more concerned for my wife and family. In fact having managed nine years without alcohol and not missing it at all, if there is an afterlife I would hate to look back and think how I screwed it all up at the last minute by having a drink. I really truly am cured of wanting alcohol in my life - forever.
I have now had the CT scan (a bit like being a piece of laundry in the tumble drier and quite pleasant) and it appears that my cancer is contained. I will need major surgery however and I am seeing the surgeon this week to finalise arrangements. That is all very scary and unknown but I take heart from the examples given in the bowel cancer UK charity website, the fact that the Queen Mother lived another 30 years having had bowel cancer, and the fact that I am otherwise very fit, slim (which means key-hole is an option) and determined not to let this get me down.
The key things that relate to drinking for me however, are:
Had I carried on drinking I wouldn't be here anyway.
The healthy position I am in will really help, and all that is down to having quit alcohol.
The positive outlook I have on life, and all the future plans I have will help me mentally, and all that is down to having ditched booze.
Finally, if you are offered the bowel cancer screening test - please do it! The early diagnosis makes ALL the difference.