Connect
TERESA: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect?
@martin77: When I was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in October 2022 it came as a bit of a shock. I started to seek advice online and soon came across Mayo Clinic Connect. Since then I have received enormous help and support from others with a similar issue.
TERESA: What motivates you to take part in Mayo Clinic Connect?
@martin77: Having received help and support from others, my making a contribution to the forum hopefully assists those having to weigh the many different procedures, therapies and treatments available.
TERESA: What about Mayo Clinic Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and to be open with the community?
@martin77: Mayo Clinic Connect has proved to be a really friendly place. There is a strong community spirit about helping others which encourages openness.
TERESA: What support groups do you participate in?
@martin77: Following my initial diagnosis of bowel cancer in 2022 I was diagnosed in June 2024 with liver cancer followed by lung cancer in February 2025. I therefore participate in the Colorectal Cancer, Liver Cancer, and Lung Cancer support groups.
TERESA: Tell us about a meaningful moment you've experienced on Mayo Clinic Connect.
@martin77: I think one of the most rewarding experiences has been to find people in similar situations such that direct communication can take place. This has proved to be very helpful particularly during difficult recovery periods following an operation.
TERESA: What surprised you the most about Mayo Clinic Connect?
@martin77: The ease with which one can take part.
TERESA: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?
@martin77: Luckily I’ve had successful operations for bowel and liver cancer and, all being well, two recent ablation procedures for lung cancer will also have been successful. Throughout this time I have been energized by the thought of doing more of the things I’ve always enjoyed doing – cycling, sailing, and, with my wife, walking, golf and skiing. The calendar ahead is always being filled with engagements of this kind plus many meetings with family and friends throughout the year. I’m coming up 81 now and look forward to skiing in January in the French Alps!
TERESA: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.
@martin77: My favourite activity is definitely cycling, albeit on an e-bike these days, not only for the physical exercise entailed but the wonderful social life we have in our bike club. We raise money for various charities each year which is very rewarding. I’m looking forward to taking part in another 300 mile bike ride in France during a week in the summer of 2026.
TERESA: Do you have a favorite quote, life motto or personal mantra?
@martin77: “Action this day”– a quotation / rubber stamp / sticker used by Winston Churchill.
TERESA: What do you appreciate the most in your friends?
@martin77: They are my family.
TERESA: What do you love about where you live or vacation?
@martin77: The mountains of the French Alps where we have a holiday home.
TERESA: Puppies or kittens?
@martin77: Puppies!
Member Spotlights feature interviews with fellow Mayo Clinic Connect members. Learn more about members you’ve connected with and some you haven’t met yet. Nominate a member you think should share the spotlight.
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@martin77 What a great story about you!! I love cycling, too, but had to give it up when I got an autoimmune
Disease. My balance isn’t good and i don’t want to fall on the road! And skiing! Such great sports for you! I mentor the autoimmune diseases group and the Caregiving groups so I probably won’t bump into you anywhere , but I did love reading about you! Becky
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4 Reactions@martin77 Such an inspirational & hopeful story! I also found that the Connect community provided help and support from other regular folks going through some of the same health challenges I faced. My wife and I also love to ski and that’s how we marked my 1 year post liver transplant anniversary. She too is a much better skier than me, so I also just tag along. Definitely need to ski the Alps. Wishing you continued good health and a successful 300 mile bike ride this summer.
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5 ReactionsThank you for being part of this great group of people. Your resilience is beautiful. Please post pictures of the French Alps. I went skiing several times in my youth in North Carolina and West Virginia, but I can not imagine what the Alps would be like. So nice to read about you!
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5 Reactions@martin77 You and your wife are both AWESOME ♥️🙌 How wonderful to have the 2 of you embracing life so fully and having such a wonderful time through (no doubt) difficult days of diagnosis each time, treatment and on going surveillance. I can’t express the gratitude I felt for your post and comments.
I have stage 4 appendix cancer, currently in remission and closely surveilled. I’ll remember you each scan and bloods time how you’ve both rolled with the set backs and tackled and overcome them while living your lives to the fullest. Your combined commitment to life and joy is wonderful.
If you don’t mind I’d like to put this picture on my fridge as a great reminder of “Action this day”!
Sending you and your wife the biggest hugs ❤️🩹
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5 ReactionsHello @gerryp . Great to hear you are also a ski bum, and what a way to celebrate your liver transplant anniversary!
I skied once in Oregon (in August!) and once in Vermont (in minus 20F). Where do you ski?
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3 ReactionsI. Got hurt 1996. Head. Hurt. Bad very. Bad pain in. Face Behide. My. Left eye
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2 ReactionsHello @isadora2021 . Thanks so much for your message. Yes, the scans and blood tests etc. feel tiresome at the time but this seems a small price to pay for a longer life and the opportunity to enjoy family, friends and favourite pursuits.
Good to hear that you are in remission at present and long may that continue.
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5 ReactionsHello @diverdown1 . Here's a photo of a mountain in the French Alps which my wife and I skied today. It's a pyramid with 3 sides of great skiing. It looks like a bump compared to the high peaks nearby!
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2 Reactions@menton, I'm sorry to hear that you are still dealing with bad pain after being injured decades ago. You may wish to join the discussions in the
- Chronic Pain support group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/pain/
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4 Reactions@martin77 Can I just say, "WOW!" ?! 😮 What an inspiration you are to so many! Keep up the skiing and enjoying your life the way you are. Clearly, you have an attitude of gratitude which is such a driver for staying positive. I'm really in awe of your journey and how far you've come ... just wow. Really glad you're here - what a pleasure and privilege it is to meet you, friend! Enjoy the Alps!! ❄
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3 Reactions