I book in to see my doctor about a lump under my left arm. He thinks it’s a harmless cyst. I get back to work and training. In early July a second lump emerges on the left side of my chest. The GP thinks it’s another cyst but, because it’s more noticeable and I’ll be overseas soon, I ask to have it removed. He sends me to a surgeon who wants a biopsy before operating.
So on a wintry afternoon in late July, I have a series of scans and a needle biopsy at a clinic. It goes on much longer than expected. After the doctor glumly studies the X-rays and does another biopsy, I ask if he thinks it’s cancer. He nods.
Whatever either of us says next is a blur.
Arriving home, I tell my wife, Heather, as calmly as I can what the doctor said. Just as stunned as I am, she’s immediately practical: suggesting we wait till we know more and take things day by day.
I break the news to my son, Kip, 27, who is on his laptop in his bedroom. He takes it in slowly and calmly. We all know there is no point wasting tears now.
Denne historien er fra January 2022-utgaven av Reader's Digest UK.
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Denne historien er fra January 2022-utgaven av Reader's Digest UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
EVERY SECOND COUNTS: TIPS TO WIN THE RACE AGAINST TIME
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Sam Quek: If I Ruled The World
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Stand Tall, Ladies
Shorter men may be having their moment, but where are the tall women?