I have been building for clients since 1984.  All the way through this journey I’ve built, lined and maintained chimneys and fitted woodburners.  So, I got to thinking about oesophageal cancer in terms of my work…it’s funny where your mind can take you. 

I’m going to compare a poor conditioned chimney flue and my oesophagus!! One is for omitting gasses into the atmosphere, the other for the feeding of fuel into the body.  So, when I reline a chimney it’s done because the flue is in poor condition, it may leak gasses or perhaps be blocked up (are you beginning to see where we’re going here?).  My oesophagus is presenting problems and just like tar builds up in a flue, equally does this horrid tumour try to grow.  In this circumstance I can clean a tarry flue and then line it to ensure that it works to full capacity (however it will need to be maintained).  In comparison, one option to help with my oesophageal problem is to fit a stent (a form of flue liner).  Moving along, as we’re aware, my flue is in poor condition and maintenance is thus required.  One quick and easy option would be prescription drinks, however, I remain certain that these are not for me.  My own form of maintenance is to keep my flue in working order by ensuring that, at regular intervals through every single day, it’s nurtured with as much top quality food, providing carbs, protein, fats, vitamins and everything else that the body requires.

It’s extremely hard at times, but it’s worth it. 

Oh and by the way, just a note: Of every flue I’ve ever lined, I’ve never once been beaten or conceded defeat, I’ve always stuck with it and won.  Needless to say, I’ll stick with this and I intend to win.

I believe that, had I not looked hard at my situation and worked out the strategy I needed to use, it probably would have been over by now.  I have hope, and if I can provide a glimmer of that hope to others then it will make the battle worth it.