JONATHAN’S STORY
Jonathan was 20 when he was diagnosed with a PNET brain tumour, very rare for someone of his age, and as the cancer had spread down his spine he was given a 20% chance of survival.Serious complications ensued, resulting in a fifteen month continuous stay in hospital.
In his own words, Jonathan picks up the story:
“Life has definitely changed.I had my independence, I was healthy (or so I thought), had my career path mapped out – uni, law school, barrister and up the ranks etc.Suddenly the rug was pulled from beneath me.
OK, I am still alive, which is great I hasten to add, and even though life is very different at this moment in time, I remain positive and in good humour but feel insecure about my future.I worry about the extent to which my short term memory impairment will improve (then I forget that I have thought about that issue and worry again!)There is also the whole fertility thing – will I be able to, won’t I be able to!And my numerous scars.Add to that the new challenge of life in a wheelchair.I want to get back to a state where I feel independent and more in control of my life.Don’t get me wrong; when help is at hand, it is brilliant, I just want to get to be living MY life again.
I have my dreams of how my life would have progressed ‘sans’ cancer.Had I been able to complete my degree, what then?Perhaps one day I would have become a Judge, allowed to sit in the House of Lords, maybe even set up a home on my land in Scotland (though it would have to be a very tall, not very wide castle!)There was, along the way, a delightful young lady I had intended to woo.I would love to have a bit of a rewind, to have another try at that stage of my life, but with some differences, obviously.
What now?I struggle to maintain any Faith, except that which I hold in myself.I am convinced that I will not be bound into my chair forever nor be unable toretain and recall new memories.All my dreams seem to have … fizzled slightly, waiting to be reignited!
Friends have stayed in contact from a distance.I have had very few visits and ‘phone calls from them. I realise that everyone else’s lives have continued and that I was previously only a small part of it, but it does leave a slightly sour taste that you can so easily be overlooked.Fortunately, relationships with my mum, dad and sister have not suffered although, even though it is unfounded, I do feel an inconvenience at times, as I am almost completely reliant on them.
I have not had a great few years, but there are many others who have suffered and continue to suffer far more than myself.I have had a lot of support and met some incredible people and undertaking these challenges is my way of saying thank you and also helping to ensure that the services that I have benefited from continue, so that others may benefit also.
I have composed the following short verse in acknowledgement of the love and support that I have received. It might not be a masterpiece but it is said with heartfelt feeling.
Martin House!
All previous hospital encounters fade into the background!
The facilities are beyond compare!
The staff, I do declare, aid and assist with ultimate flair!
Alison or Mand, whoever it may be
They are all there overflowing with kindness and geniality!
Thank you Martin House (Whitby Lodge).”
