In the office's quiet corridors, where whispers hide, A tale unfolds of power, ego, and wounded pride, I stood tall, a threat to those who aimed to reign, With a team I built, together, we'd break every chain.
Innovation thrived under my watchful gaze, Assembled a crew, together, we'd set ablaze, The stagnant norms, the old and tired ways, But in the shadows lurked a rival's subtle plays.
He saw me as a challenge, a rising star, Threatened by my light, he sought to mar, His ego bruised, they concocted a scheme, To break the bonds of our successful team.
Behind closed doors, he whispered lies and deceit, Manipulated minds to ensure my defeat, my team, once loyal, now torn apart; As doubt and mistrust crept into every heart.
Betrayal stung like fire, a searing pain, as friendships strained and began to wane. But I held my head high, for truth was on my side, I swore that in the face of adversity, I'd not let my spirit slide.
I faced the storm, the false accusations they'd cast, With grace and dignity, I did stand steadfast, For loyalty and integrity were my guiding stars, Though they tried to dim my light behind those bars.
In the end, I was ousted combined strength too strong, none of them could do no wrong, Their web of deceit unraveled, their agenda stood still, no more "I" in team, once fractured, they would find their way, So I go forward with my success, come what may.
For in the heart of adversity, strength is found, And even when dark clouds gather all around, We rise above the schemes and the cruel charade, with rising resilience courage, my future is remade.
So, here's to the battles we all will face, and the strength we find, when faced with adversity, we leave no truth behind. Though betrayal may wound us, it can't break our soul, for the power of integrity will always make us whole.
Experience is all I have really
The above poetical introduction speaks of the pain of welcoming people into your life, striving to align your efforts with your abilities, but such experiences, I believe now, contributes to your personal growth. I hold fast to my integrity, self-belief, and resilience to press forward, even in the face of encounters with those who prove unworthy and events that perhaps aim to halt our journey. These experiences, although challenging, are worthwhile, as they empower us to regain our strength and continue our journey.
A Year of Resilience: Battling Prostate Cancer and Job Loss
This year has undoubtedly been the toughest one yet for me. It began with a life-altering diagnosis of Prostate Cancer, but I held onto the hope that an operation could potentially set things right. Little did I know that this would only mark the beginning of a series of challenges that tested my resilience in ways I never imagined.
In the midst of grappling with my health concerns, I made a difficult decision to inform my employer about my diagnosis. It seemed like the right thing to do at the time, to be open and honest about my situation. I had been a dedicated and hardworking employee, even contributing significantly to the firm's portfolio of achievements, such as securing the coveted ISO9001 and ISO27001 certifications, and expanding our export provenance. However, instead of compassion and support, I was met with a shocking turn of events.
December 2022 brought with it the heart-wrenching news of losing my job. Despite my contributions and even receiving a probationary pass after three months, my boss decided to terminate my employment, citing a reason that seemed unjust - "lack of quality." It was a devastating blow, and I couldn't help but feel betrayed and abandoned during a time when I needed stability the most.
But amidst the chaos, there were glimmers of hope. The MRI I underwent showed some auspicious signs, offering a ray of optimism in an otherwise dark time. During a break at a Warners retreat, I received a phone call from the hospital with the results, paving the way for a biopsy in January 2023. This small piece of good news brought on the tears and remembrance of my dad and he gave me the strength to keep moving forward.
Financially, I found myself in an unexpected predicament. Losing my job was a heavy blow to my income, but I received £5,000 as a parting gesture from my former employer, which my lawyer skillfully obtained for me. They also provided a free subscription to the Calm app until August 2023, a gesture from the HR manager, that reminded me that there can be kindness even in difficult times.
Reflecting on this turbulent year, I can't help but wonder - who gets money when they're sacked after just six months? It's a question that lingers, highlighting the complexities of my situation, but if I died in their service my widow would have received almost 4 times my annual salary which at that time was £60,000. I guess that's a good enough business decision to terminate?
However, what stands out more is the resilience that emerged from within. I've faced adversity head-on, navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis and unexpected job loss. Through it all, I've discovered strength I never knew I had and a determination to push forward, no matter how tough the road might be.
As I continue to walk this path, I'm grateful for the support of loved ones, and friends that communicate with me, I don't have many, they know who they are. The glimmers of hope, and the inner fortitude that has carried me through. This year, 2023 may have been my toughest yet, but it has also shown me the power of resilience in the face of adversity. its not quite over yet but surely, now my luck has to change.
Operation to be Achieved
I had no job, although the firm paid me that £5k to move on so for four months after my biopsy and after being told I had a Gleason score of around 2, I planned my comeback tour.
For those interested, and men (get checked), a Gleason score is a grading system used to evaluate the aggressiveness or grade of prostate cancer based on the appearance of cancer cells under a microscope. It is named after Dr. Donald Gleason, who developed the system in the 1960s. The Gleason score helps doctors and oncologists determine how likely the cancer is to grow and spread.
Here's how the Gleason score works:
- A pathologist examines a biopsy sample of prostate tissue and assigns a Gleason grade to the two most common patterns of cancer cells they observe. Each pattern is given a grade on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing well-differentiated, less aggressive cells and 5 representing poorly differentiated, more aggressive cells. These two grades are then added together to calculate the Gleason score.
- The Gleason score typically ranges from 2 to 10. The lowest scores (2-4) indicate well-differentiated, less aggressive cancer, while higher scores (8-10) suggest poorly differentiated, more aggressive cancer. A Gleason score of 6 is often considered intermediate-grade cancer.
- The Gleason score helps doctors and patients make treatment decisions. Lower Gleason scores may be suitable for active surveillance or less aggressive treatment options, while higher scores often require more aggressive treatments like surgery, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy.
In summary, the Gleason score is a crucial tool for assessing the severity of prostate cancer, guiding treatment decisions, and providing information about the cancer's aggressiveness and potential to spread.
What Next?
I've successfully landed a new job, but I'm presently on sick leave due to having undergone the robotic prostatectomy on August 28th (a UK "bank holiday" and the date my old Dad passed) . It's heartening to mention that I received a thoughtful get-well card from my new employer and colleagues, last week, indicating that people may be more compassionate towards me now. This newfound kindness encourages me to look forward to returning to work with renewed enthusiasm.
Managing my incontinence has been a journey, and it appears to be under control. I'm fortunate to have someone special in my life who genuinely cares about me (she knows who she is), as well as my wonderful sisters, inherited daughters, and son, not to mention the delightful current grandchildren. Oh and even a Liverpool and Arsenal supporter are out there who might be routing for me too?
So there's even a glimmer of hope that this year I might yet see Tottenham achieve something noteworthy.
P.S. By the way, I won't be continuing the story from my last blog, "One Hundred and Eighty Cosmic Bonds: The Triumph of Friendship, Darts, and Cricket," as I didn't receive any feedback. I'm gearing up to create another literary masterpiece, determined to see my work in proper print before my time's up! 📚🖋️ #WritingGoals
Hoping to be on the mend and signing off for now.....
It’s here, he’s gone, Ange has come
It’s here, it’s now, he gone, it’s done
The season’s underway with Ange and Son!
Hoping, the pathway is clear ahead for a run
With play-maker and maestro James - MADDISON.
We’re out of one cup, but we did some work,
Got rid of pretenders, the ranters, THAT Italian berk.
The HK team its history, it’s time manage
Nobody ‘Special’, nobody Chelsea, they’ve done their damage.
No longer “HK” just Tottenham -SURPRISE!
Free flowing football and Angeball-‘all rise”.
We just need a striker to keep others on pole,
So bring in young Brennan, to shoot for the goal!
There’s No Van Der Vaart when things were quite tricky
But we have a new ‘Van Man’, we’re calling “our Mickey”
Incoming news, the Captain’s gone too
What - PROMOTED ‘our Son’, has Postecoglou?
Makes sense now, how COULD we lead from the back
So, Look out Gooners and Scousers, in September, we’re out to attack!
We might not beat City to further awards,
But we will cross the boundaries, we will have to cross swords.
BTW, It’s no longer lucky for us when the year ends with one?
It’s not about luck when you've got Heung Min Son!
For me it’s a year that’s been tough for this Spurs long time chancer ,
Got myself diagnosed didn’t I ?- with Prostate Cancer!
But I’m on the mend, and cheering again.
Wishing good luck to ‘ONE OF OUR OWN, yes Mr. Harry Kane.
He’ll be cheering us on, I’m sure, as I say he is one of our own,
Saying, COME ON YOU SPURS , so we will never disown
Our legend, our hero, oh! there is so much more to say
Put a shrimp on the barbie, and play the Angeball way!!
#COYS
