I returned to work on a part time basis on the 31st October 2001 and retired on the 4th July 2002, Independence Day, three weeks before my 65th birthday. The return to work was a real moral booster as I proved to myself that I could still make a useful contribution. It also boosted my pension!

On 13th November 2002 I had a laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasound scan of my liver at the BRI following three scans that all showed liver abnormalities. The laparoscopic examination showed the surface of the liver was fine but there was an abnormality below the surface. I was later advised that following a case review the abnormality was unlikely to be a metastasis and I would have follow up scans to monitor the situation. In March 2003 I was advised that my recent scan now looked like a normal post-hepatectomy scan and it was very unlikely I would have any liver recurrence. Very good news indeed.

For the last two years I have been working as a part time Volunteer at the Yeovil District Hospital Macmillan Unit where I found so much support and comradeship during my own treatment. I cannot over emphasize the benefit I felt from the shared experience and support between patients, carers and staff.

I was very pleased with the coordinated approach to my treatment by consultants at Yeovil, the Bristol Oncology Centre and the BRI; and with the information, choices and explanation of risks that I was given.

Shortly after my initial diagnosis I contacted the Cancer Support Service CancerBACUP and requested copies of their leaflets dealing with cancer of the colon and rectum, liver cancer and chemotherapy. I found they were a great help in understanding the types of cancer, diagnostic examinations and various stages and forms of treatment.                                                 
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