Just wanted to add my best wishes. It is amazing how adaptable the human body is and remember the prime instinct is survival. Make the most of the your time- it becomes even more valuable as you get older and inevitably runs out. This is no consolation to you, but recently it fell upon me to attend cancer clinics in the private sector over a period of months. Without going into any details I found out what I always new to be true, that those with  positive attitudes make the best of their situation. Look to the future, make the best of it and good luck!

I seemed to have missed this thread, kenbo, for which I am really sorry  

I am so glad it has turned out much better than was hoped, you deserve it.