Ep 186 On Being Told You Have 12-18 Months To Live | Oyster 485 Talisman
We’re not the drama channel. But this time was real … and not good.
I tell the story in the video, but the short version is that last summer I was diagnosed with a form of tongue/throat cancer. It’s not the rarest form, but it was caught very late in the game, after the tumor had grown to be 2.5cm x 1.5cm. Cancer cells had entered the lymph nodes of my neck, and were now on the verge of metastasizing throughout my body.
My oncologist, Dr. Andy Nemechek, was optimistic in the way that cancer doctors often are, telling the patient to fight hard and have faith that all will be well. It was a message that sounded at once optimistic and dire. Those who work in the field have to build an emotional wall around themselves when it comes to their patients.
This stopped our cruising plans dead in their tracks. It’s amazing how fast a wonderful life can come to an end, and it was an emotional time for Wendy and me.
Did things get sorted? It’s hard to tell. Once you’re in this place, you never really know. It’s a constant regimen of office visits and tests, which does not lead to a warm-and-fuzzy belief that it’s all over. But we cherish our time together and try our best to live life through every moment.
Anyway, as I allude to above, the story is told anchored in Falmouth Harbour (Antigua) aboard Talisman. Might as well deal with these events in paradise.
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Sailing Talisman
RYA Yachtmasters Kevin and Wendy Kelley have transitioned from their Oyster 485 to a new Nordic 40, 'Lulu'. Explore their 2026 vessel transition and technical journey.
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Ep 186 On Being Told You Have 12-18 Months To Live | Oyster 485 Talisman Locations
- Antigua and Barbuda (17.060816,-61.796428)
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Ep 186 On Being Told You Have 12-18 Months To Live | Oyster 485 Talisman
We’re not the drama channel. But this time was real … and not good. I tell the story in the video, but the short version is that last summer I was diagnosed with a form of tongue/throat cancer. It’s not the rarest form, but it was caught very late in the game, after the tumor had grown to be 2.5cm ...
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