I went to see my ENT for my monthly "Watchful Vigilance" checkup and was surprised to be greeted, for the second appointment in a row, by his colleague. I was informed that my ENT was diagnosed with melanoma with some lymph node involvement and was participating in a clinical study for his treatment. My own checkup went well. No sign of my own cancer recurring; radiation side effects, including oral ulcers and pain, are slowly starting to resolve; weight is stable and my nutrition is good.

When I left and sat in my car I was engulfed with sadness. Sadness for my doctor; sadness for his young children; sadness for life itself that can be so cruel and heartless and unfair. I wept. I wept for that young man who has done so much for me. I wept for his family that will have to provide him with the support he needs for his own struggle. I wept for the maddening, frustrating, tides in the sea of life.

Then, my despair was replaced by hope. Hope for that nice, brilliant young man, and his family. Hope for all melanoma patients who might benefit from his participation in the study. Hope for life itself and its unending drive for survival and renewal. Where there is hope, despair must, and will, fade - and there is hope. There can always be hope.

I think it's inspiring that those of us with this awful disease are imbued with so much compassion for others. I'm glad to hear that you are doing well, Liam and hope your ENT has successful treatment.

Liam the sadness is normal, but don't get too hung up on it. You're not responsibile for all the problems in the world. Your ENT would be inspired by countless stories like yours, and be more aware than most how to mentally organise his thoughts to face the challenge.