So I am a very fit and healthy 46 year old (or so I thought), who collapsed whilst running in August and had a seizure. Long story short I was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, the fastest growing, most aggressive, kind of brain cancer. Only 12% of people make it past the five year mark after diagnosis.
At the moment I am still really fit and healthy. I've had brain surgery, gone through six weeks of daily radio and chemotherapy, and next week start six months of chemo on its own, but I still feel good!
But I don't know how long I will feel good as glioblastoma has almost a 100% reoccurence rate. I've requested ill health retirement from work, and that is being processed at the moment, so I should get my pension paid out in full. I've got a big critical illness pay out, and all the savings I had planned to use when I retired, so I want to make the most of them. I have no kids, no mortgage and am not married, so I want to enjoy myself!
Things I like
- Travelling: I've got friends living aound the world so I might go and spend time with some of them, also I'd love to see more of the UK.
- Running: I am contemplating doing some scenic marathons/half marathons around the world to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity
- Cycling: I am partial to a bit of cycling too.
- Football: I am a big Everton fan, as is my dad, so I thought I'd treat us both to a full hospitality package up at the new stadium and stay in a nice hotel.
- Cats: I just like them
- If I get full ill health retirement I'll probably offer to volunteer at a local cancer charity as well.
Barriers:
- The main one will be getting travel insurance to go travelling overseas, as it will be very expensive but I can afford it.
- Obviously I don't know how long my health will be good enough to allow me to do whatever I want, and I will probably need further treatment in the future.
- I can't drive for two years due to the initial seizure I had.
I am just open to ideas for things I could add to my bucket list, so I can make the most of whatever time I have left.
Thanks!
EDIT: Thank you so much to everyone who has replied, even if I haven't replied directly I have read every single suggestion and started a separate bucket list document on my computer to keep track of everything I want to do! I really appreciate everyone's responses and kind words.