That’s what I’m going to try next!

But first… an apology. Because, from some private emails received, its apparent that my inactivity on this website has caused considerable anxiety. Especially for those who wouldn’t have had the reassurance of bumping into me around Sligo, or being able to check with a friend or family member. The 2+ years of silence here must have been very worrying.

I am sorry for that. I didn’t mean to cause any upset.

The extended silence was caused by combination of

taking on too much (over-exuberance at finding myself having a second chance at life) which left me with very little free time, combined with…
the very challenging reality of coping with horrible flashbacks, unexpected reminders and on-going medical interventions and checks (my kidneys are not out of the woods just yet; because it seems some lymph nodes may still remain enlarged in the abdomen – but more on that later).

All of which often sees me with barely enough emotional or mental energy resources to manage a few minutes conversation. Never mind write a lengthy blog post.

And yet… (and this is the really weird thing)… and yet… physically I feel very, very good. So much so that I’ve been able to develop my cycling far enough to dare even consider cycling 500km over three days.

Starting tomorrow.

Like last year… we’re cycling for the Sligo Cancer Support Centre – an organisation which continues to be a great help to me.

Like last year… I won’t be alone on the road (see photo – c’est moi avec la barbe and eyes closed!).

And like last year… I will do as much as I can; but am hopeful that this time I’ll be able to go the full distance (we’ll see!)

Then, when the dust has settled, I’ll do a ‘proper’ post here about all that’s happened, and continues to happen medically (there’s been a lot; main news is the ureteric stent was removed; although recently there’s some talk about them wanting to put it back in; sigh). I’ll also talk about how I’ve been finding life with this cancer (for the most part, manageable; but sometimes… well sometimes, it’s just hell – and, sadly, how I’ve been coping with that has been impacting negatively on how I relate to others… but more on that anon).

Meanwhile… here are the three days that lie ahead. And if you felt like donating you can give me something in person next week maybe, or donate online through Con Lee’s page here

Day 1, Thursday June 22nd

8:00am Strandhill – Dromore West – Inniscrone – Ballina – Crossmolina – Bangor – Mulranny – Westport (arrive Castlecourt Hotel, Westport late afternoon c. 4:00pm)

https://www.strava.com/routes/9205179

Day 2, Friday June 23rd

(dept 9:00am) Westport – Louisburgh – Leenane – Recess – Maam Cross – Rossaveel – Spiddal – Galway – Oranmore (arrive Maldron Hotel c. 4-4:30pm)

https://www.strava.com/routes/9205344

Day 3, Saturday June 24th

(dept 9:00am) Oranmore – Claregalway – Headford – Ballinrobe – Castlebar – Swinford – Coolaney – Collooney – Strandhill (arrive approx 5pm)

https://www.strava.com/routes/9205505

Donations through:

https://give.everydayhero.com/ie/wild-atlantic-challenge/wizard/share

As I pedal I will be thinking often of Fiona Lee and Jo Moore. Two friends I made through the Something To Sing About Sligo choir. Remarkable women who, this time last year, were still alive and doing their thing.

The world is a poorer place for their absence.