The idea for ‘Project Weasel’ took hold when I found out that I had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Not that I knew what it was, or what it meant and to be honest I still don’t. I made the decision that I would document the entire process from start to finish, early signs to treatment and beyond. So how best to do this and what purpose would it serve for the reader?

To begin, I thought why not approach this as a project, after all that is what I spend my time teaching, so let me see if I can apply a simple project management framework to the treatment. I then realised that this is just one facet, there are all the other things I am involved with – teacher, parent, friend etc and all of those ‘threads’ continue and I can relate this to a ‘programme’ that needs to be managed.

And what is it not going to be? Well, I do not want to be defined by this condition and I think it is all to easy to do that. There is much more to who I am than the fact that I have a medical condition. I also don’t want to elevate its importance – it is an intruder that has entered my body – an uninvited, unwelcome presence – to name it by its ‘official title’ lends status to it. That is why I have named it weasel, because it has exhibited the character of a weasel – sly, devious and aggressive. Quite apt for something that is lurking in my abdomen, evades easy detection and has helped to consume one-third of my body weight.

In addition to the formal steps of project weasel, and in parallel, I am going to include a day by day account of my observations – if you like, the subjective account to compliment the objective project account. I’ve also realised that there is a lot of ‘stuff’ inside’ my head that I want to share – stories, anecdotes, views and perspectives and so I want to include these and who knows maybe they will develop into something more substantial.

I think I am better equipped to deal with the logical progression of the treatment than the emotional roller-coaster. Sometimes I feel vulnerable or scared for no apparent reason. Sights and sounds may trigger thoughts or feelings, and every day bring a new set of challenges. My body aches, I don’t always have the energy to do the things I want or need to do; my movement is restricted and my attention span is greatly diminished.

Despite these challenges, I need to press on, otherwise it is all for nothing. In the main I am optimistic, I see a lot of positives ahead

So, welcome…