By Craig Fountain, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in September 2018. He has two daughters
1. Memories over material things
I know this sounds like the sort of cliché you’d see on pictures of people in the wilderness somewhere, but it's true. I used to think that ‘things’ would give me the most joy but after thinking about not being around with my kids, doing things together now means the most. My days may be numbered.
2. Fatherhood is a gift and should be treated as such
One of the realities I've come to learn in a very stark light is how lucky I am to have my two girls. They may be challenging at times, but I cherish each day as for all I know, they could be the only children I can have due to chemo making me potentially infertile. I'm very grateful to have my two but my thoughts go out to all the guys out there that can’t have children of their own.
3. Finding the joy in simple things and making time for them
Part of my recovery is to get out and about as much as possible. Walking was something I did occasionally, but now it's something I cherish. It's even better now I have a backpack so my daughter Rosie can come along. We chat about the things we see, sing songs and get some fresh air. This was certainly something I took for granted but now she'll come and ask to go out in the backpack.
4. You don't need to be a superhero
My children simply want me to be there. To be engaged. To be involved. To be real. At the same time, I learnt the very hard way that trying to plough on regardless to show face is not the way to be. It almost cost me my life.
5. The precious present
Trust me, I was never going to be the guy that got cancer. Turns out I was wrong.
Having a baby during chemo was tough, but I’m still here to remember it.
I don't look down on those moments because it's part of my experience. Now I have a story to tell my kids about why you should live in the present as no one knows what tomorrow will bring.
About Craig Fountation
”In September 2018 I was diagnosed with bowel cancer, a form of cancer very rare in my age group. I was 32. At the time of diagnosis, my wife and I had a two year old and a second child on the way. Navigating cancer, surgery, chemo and a new born has certainly been the toughest thing I had to do. I started my Instagram - @boy.vs.cancer - as a way to connect and share my experiences.”
