John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 8hPessimism has been detained at the border. Impossible is wanted for questioning and the plot twist has been approved. 4575
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 01/10/2026Are you a grit grower or a quit sower? Are you a cheerleader or a fearleader? Are you a try-athlete or a why-athlete? 4617
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 30/09/2026Are you a hopemonger or a mopemonger? Are you a joy spreader or a joy shredder? Are you a naysayer or a nayslayer? 2538
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 29/09/2026I'd like to say that today I have been better, stronger, faster but recovery is not like the bionic man. Heart meds are making me feel very lightheaded and very tired. Having major bowel surgery combined with being permanently nil by mouth also means feeding is a huge challenge. I will never give up 1414312
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 28/09/2026Hopetimistically: the practice of adding optimism to hope and then doing something with it. 3739
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 26/09/2026Turbulence doesn’t mean you’re going down. Sometimes it simply means the journey is rough for a while. 71008
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Life may subtract from you without subtracting you. 3737
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Dosed up to the eyeballs, I managed a walk this morning. 2 weeks ago, surgeons told me an operation would be very risky given my medical CV. It's actually being active and keeping active that got me through it. Walking has saved the day again! 262538
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 21/09/2026My latest life-saving operation and ICU admission reminds me once again that tomorrow is never a given. My wife, daughter and I had a heartbreaking last goodbye conversation together and that wasn't easy. When you get the chance to say hello again, you realise just how precious being here really is. 141099
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 18/09/2026A week ago to now. What a difference 7 days can make. I've picked up pneumonia while I’ve been here, & my heart has also been affected, so I’m now on medication for that too. It’s been another difficult & unexpected turn, but I’m still here, still fighting and still taking things one day at a time. 9076953
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 16/09/2026Update from Dad: After 8 days of being fed through a single central vein in my neck, I am now back to using my RIG and pumping liquid feed into my stomach. This is a big step. Walkies could be on the horizon! 15863
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 15/09/2026Dad is out of Critical Care after 7 days is now on a ward. He needs to get back so we can share some fresh air together and get back to our walks and sniffs. 22905
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 10/09/2026I can't quite believe I have ended up in intensive care again but here I am. This time it is a perforated duodenum causing peritonitis. The magnificent staff at Nottingham NUH have saved my life for the 4th time and I couldn't wish for better care. Everyone has been superb. 10375445
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 04/09/2026Dad's got a nasty jaw infection so I'm on perimeter watch to ensure there are no breaches. 14744
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 02/09/2026Dad went to hospital yesterday and now he's on two lots of antibiotics. I told the doctors that he has to get better because of my patrols and walkies. 181644
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 01/09/2026I want Dad to get better so we can go on another adventure 😕 9572
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 31/08/2026Today was going to be my 79th immunotherapy treatment but I have a nasty jaw infection related to osteoradionecrosis which is very painful. My crumbling jaw has managed remarkably well considering the almighty battering it has endured. Hoping to get back on track soon. 12633
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 30/08/2026Hopetimistically: approaching life with hope in your heart and bounce in your step. 4817
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 30/08/2026Hopetimistically: approaching life with hope in your heart and bounce in your step. 0270
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 26/08/2026Optimism is looking for what’s growing, not just what’s gone. 0504
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 25/08/2026Head and neck cancer is often called the "Cinderella" of cancers because it receives far less public awareness, research funding, and media attention compared to other major cancer types, despite its severe impact on breathing, swallowing, and speech. 22541114
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 24/08/2026Back in familiar territory for another CT scan this evening. Whatever the scan sees, it won’t see the size of my determination. Scan, smile, soldier on! 5825
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 24/08/2026My kind of crop rotation: courage, gratitude, hope, repeat. 1584
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 22/08/2026Every day doesn’t have to be amazing. It just needs to be noticed. 0755
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 20/08/2026With a nod to Henry James, three things in life are important when “going through” cancer: the first is to be courageous. The second is to be courageous. And the third is to be courageous. 5766
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 19/08/2026Incurable doesn’t mean incapable. There are still paths to walk and bridges to cross. Cancer has taught me not to wait for perfect days - there aren’t any. So, get outside, cross the bridge, take the photo and make today count. 511312
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 18/08/2026My 2 jobs for today: 1. Feed the hope 2. Water the optimism 1706
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 15/08/2026Hetty and I taking a well earned rest, all of five seconds of it before she spotted her next chase! 4696
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 15/08/2026Hetty and I taking a well earned rest, all of five seconds of it before she spotted her next chase! 1340
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 14/08/2026Sunshine people have a remarkable gift: they leave every place, and every person, a little brighter than they found them. Choose to keep them close. 5799
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 13/08/2026Find something worth caring about, then keep showing up for it. 1707
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 12/08/2026LIVE FOR THE MOMENT Make today count. Open your heart. Move with purpose. Embrace what you can do. Never stop living. Take nothing for granted. 5747
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 10/08/2026Each new sunrise is an encore! Here at the Helios installation at Southwell Minister in Nottinghamshire. 2525
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 09/08/2026Another distraction day courtesy of Belton Hall. 1525
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 08/08/2026Having treatment and then biopsies the very next day has meant a fair bit of inflammation and pain this week. It’s been uncomfortable and draining, but thankfully a walk at Chatsworth has given me some much-needed distraction 78170797
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 07/08/2026O.P.T.I.M.I.S.T. O – Outlook that sees possibilities. P – Persistence through every setback. T – Trust in a brighter tomorrow. I – Inner strength that keeps rising. M – Mindset focused on growth. I – Inspiration that fuels action. S – Smile that lights the way. T – Triumph that follows belief. 48110
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 07/08/2026Diagnostics complete. ✓ Resilience: ONLINE ✓ Gratitude: ACTIVE ✓ Purpose: ENGAGED ✓ Hope: STEADY ✓ Kindness: READY TO DEPLOY Mission status: Keep going. 5636
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 06/08/2026CANCER Claim today. Accept uncertainty. Navigate with hope. Choose optimism. Empower others. Remember how far you've come. 08112
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 03/08/2026It's hard to get my head around, but it's my 78th immunotherapy treatment today and every single one represents another chance to keep living with purpose, gratitude and hope. 1216414
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 03/08/2026I can't see the future, but I can choose how I face it. 3686
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 02/08/2026When illness narrows your options, widen your perspective. 37510
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 01/08/2026Some people cast spells. I prefer casting optimism. 4735
John Dabell @johndabell.bsky.social · 31/07/2026Hope grows best when you give it something to climb. 07212