So this is where my journey begins.

Well, it began a little while ago but this is the first time I’ve chosen to write about it and post in public. I’m sure in future posts I will work my way backwards and tell you about the origins. I’ll also move forwards with this and you can join me if you like.

Maybe I’ll travel through time, space and relative dimensions. I’ll become the Dr Who of my own cancer journey, and you can be my assistants. My Doctor will echo the footsteps of the Peter Capaldi version, it suits me.

But I digress. This is my first post and I should get on with it.

I’ve got cancer. The big C. The word people don’t like. Understandable I suppose, it’s not something you want and yes it can be very scary. Both for the person diagnosed with it as well as there family, friends, loved ones etc.

But it’s a reality and I have it. I can’t run or hide from it. I look at it every day in the mirror.

To be precise I have Mantle Cell Lymphoma. It’s a type of blood cancer but I won’t go into the details of that here. I’ll save it for another post

Who would of thought? Jon Gauntlett has cancer.

Bugger!!

Now, I may sound flippant but I’m not. I’m deadly serious. Cancer is serious. Especially as I’ve been classed at Stage 4b. So in a lot of ways it’s no joking matter, but in other ways I have to joke about it.

On some occasions I will probably write very seriously about it. On others though it can fuck right off and I’ll take the piss out of it. I can have a dark sense of humour and it helps.

Sorry about the swearing by the way. I do that too. I hope you’re not too offended, but I may do it occasionally.

Now where was I? Oh yes, stage 4b. That means some people look at me and see a dead man walking. But that’s some people.

That’s not me though. And it’s definitely not the fantastic people I have around me. I have every intention of beating this.

I love my body, I love myself, I love my daughter, my wife, my family and my friends.

I love life!!

I will be cancer free again!

There is still too much living to be done to allow this cancer to end it prematurely.

Don’t get me wrong, I fully understand all the implications of my diagnosis. The specialists don’t let you forget that. Every time you see them they are the reality check. Just unfortunately some of them, but not all, are a bit too doom and gloom. But that’s ok, that’s their job. To tell it as it is. It must be hard to give out those diagnosis’s everyday. I don’t know, maybe it isn’t, but that’s not my journey. I’m not here to write about that.

I’m here to write about my journey and all the wonderful people who are along for the ride.

What am I going to write about?

That’s a good question and I’m not entirely sure I know. But one thing I do know is that I will write. There is a lot to write about with this and I already have ideas for the next couple of posts. I love writing too, even if it’s in note books just for myself.

For example I will explain why I gave my blog the name I did. There is a reason I chose the raven but I’ll tell you about that next time.

To finish off let me explain a couple of things.

This blog is about me and my journey, I’m not a spokesperson for other people with cancer. Although I’m sure some of my experiences will cross over with others. But my opinions are my own and others may not agree with some of the things I have to say. Still, we’ll cross those bridges if we have too.

I’m not a medical practitioner so please don’t ask me for medical advice. I’m not qualified to give it. I will put links to websites I think may be worth looking at on the Info Links page. I’m not responsible for what they put on them though. It’s up to you what you make of them if you choose to look. And if you choose to follow advice on other websites it’s because you chose to, not because I made you. Take responsibility for yourself.

If you love what I write, great, come along for the ride. If you don’t like what I write, don’t read it. Simple. Don’t troll me and kick someone when they’re down. I kick back. I’m a die hard Leeds United supporter. We know how to fight back. If you know, you’ll know. Just jog on and leave this blog to those people who have a genuine interest in it.

Ok, dad lecture over.

If you want an all rounded view of me check out my About Me page. The Info Links page I’ve already mentioned. There is a contact page but I can’t promise to reply to everything I get sent. But then again I might.

Keep living life. It’s what it’s there for!!

See you next time.

Jon