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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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Thanks @rivermaya34 for your very kind comments. You've gone through such a lot for someone of your age and I wish you all the best in the future. Stay positive!
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4 Reactions@martin77 Yes, we love to ski but now live in Florida - so don’t get to do it as much. But I am from New England - and spent many days on the slopes of VT, NH & ME - in very cold and icy conditions. We celebrated my “liverversary” by skiing at Breckinridge with a large group of friends and family. My doctors weren’t thrilled with the idea - but I was determined to reclaim my life. I even met a ski patrol guy who also had a liver transplant - and was living his dream - post transplant. We also have skied in Utah - some of the best skiing in the world. You certainly have demonstrated a “life well-lived” and I intend to follow your lead. Just need to get to the Alps!
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3 Reactions@martin77 Thank you for posting! So beautiful. I am jealous! Be safe out there.
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3 Reactions@martin77 What?!?!? You are simply AMAZING. Keep on keeping on...
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3 Reactions@gerryp . Let me know when you plan to visit the Alps. Our place is in Les Gets in France which offers a big range of runs. Tend to miss out the blacks and moguls these days.
Maybe we can meet up?
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3 Reactions@martin77 - yes I don’t ski the black diamonds or moguls either. We just love being out in the fresh air and viewing the gorgeous winterscapes that you can often only see when skiing. Unfortunately, we don’t have plans to visit the alps anytime soon. Perhaps 2027 once I fully retire. I’ll definitely make note of Les Gets.
Do you worry about medical care while you are out of the country? That’s what worries me. Our plan was always to try to spend several months out of the country each year, but now as an organ transplant recipient, we worry about the possible need for medical care in a foreign land. Thankfully my medical condition is stable, and as time goes by I get more comfortable with the idea of traveling outside of the country. In fact, we just returned from 10 days in Paris & London. Had a wonderful time. This was our first international trip since before Covid and before my organ failure - so we are so pleased that everything went well.
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