Someone once said “we read to prove we are alive”. I write to prove I am alive.
My name is Ian Spratley and I am a cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in December 2005. Since then I have had tumours removed from my bowel, liver and more recently, my left lung. Just to make it interesting, I also lived with an ileostomy bag for the first 18 months.
The lung surgery in Summer 2010 not only took away the tumour, it also took away my voice and messed up my heart. I live in continual hope that I’ll get my heart and voice fixed – and, it has to be said – get my life back. Which, apart from family and friends, revolves around my wife Annie, my bikes and, until last summer, singing.
I try not to think about whether or not the cancer will return. Heart and Voice are enough to be going on with. I don’t want to push my luck.
the prodigal tumour 
Ian, I asked Steve (in Azerbaijan) how you were doing and he referred me to you current link. Guess it explains why I’ve not seen Fat Freddies Cat for a while and whilst the band is good it is never quite the same without your fine and distinctive voice.
I was sorry to read that life continues to throw new hurdles at you but am pleased you still have your fighting spirit and things you cherish and enjoy.
My best wishes to you. I may be visiting Steve and Sandra this Summer. If so I’ll have managed to see them in every place they’ve lived so far. Keep blogging.
All the best to you.
Charles
Hi Ian,
Sorry to hear about the set back but hopefully it will not be as bad as you think – as you say, you have to remain positive and take one step at a time. I will be thinking of you on the 21st and say a prayer for you.
I have to say you are such a talented photographer – loved your photos of Paris and so glad you and Annie enjoyed yourselves there. It has a special place in my heart too as I lived there for 4 years in my youth. It has some great jazz clubs in the Latin Quarter – La Huchette being one. It must have done you both so much good to be in such a beautiful city.
Even though I have been in remission for 6 years, I still worry about unexplained aches and pains. Had an ultrasound today and found that the polyp in my gallbladder has now grown but apparently nothing to worry about – I have a cyst on my kidney too. The insecure feeling never goes away and the run up to the ultrasound made me irritable and stressed all week so I know only too well what you must be feeling right now.
I am away in Spain for two weeks from the 4th but will log in when I get back on the 20th to see how you are doing.
Sending you lots of positive thoughts your way.
Regards Marie-Therese