Finding light in adversity – Sarah & Steve Howard 

When Steve received his diagnosis of oral pharyngeal cancer, we were like most, in complete shock and disbelief. It was like a bad dream that took weeks to sink in, even whilst going to the hospital for numerous investigations.  

However! We managed to find humour during these difficult times, we made light of buying two shiny new buckets, (not wanting Steve to be sick in our well-worn buckets that had been used in the garden, for washing the car and much dirtier jobs!!  

Fast forward a few weeks, Steve started radiotherapy & chemotherapy which was, as many will know, horrid!  

The time came as we expected for the PEG (a procedure to insert a feeding tube directly into the stomach, bypassing the mouth and throat) to be used for medication. The first laugh was when I spotted the PEG tube was full of red liquid! Of course, my immediate reaction was one of panic, ready to call the hospital! Moments later Steve reminded me that he had mixed berries with runny porridge for breakfast. 

The PEG continued to cause amusement (& frustration!) Expletives could often be heard coming from the kitchen, usually when the contents of the syringe ended up on the ceiling rather than in the tube!  

Further amusing moments to share are the evenings that Steve couldn’t speak due to what only can be described as “wallpaper paste” in his mouth, I got used to him waving his hand at me as I nagged him to drink!  

Finally, Steve quickly noticed that day-time TV, consisted of adverts for life insurance and funeral plans!! Cheery eh?!  

Reflecting on the last few months we are grateful to have seen humour in what has been the most devastating time.  

These situations really remind us that every day is special, staying positive, supporting each other & finding light in each day saw us through.  

Six months on, life has a new “norm”, a norm that includes many happy plans for the future as well as making the most of every single day.