2020 - The Year I Didn't Die

"It's pancreatic cancer, we *might* be able to operate" Dr Griffiths, Southmead Hospital, 19th December 2019

What a year it has been!

This time last year, I was sitting in Southmead Hospital. I was going increasingly yellow and I had no idea what was wrong with me. I was just a day away from the life changing news that I had Pancreatic Cancer.

The tumour was large, aggressive, and wrapping my portal vein and they were unsure whether surgery was going to be possible. I went home for Christmas, reconciling myself to the likely reality that I wouldn't make it through. Half of those with my diagnosis die within 12 weeks. So, my real achievement of 2020 really is simply to be alive.

So, other than seeing my husband and daughter again on waking up from surgery, here are my highlights from this year...

This is me on 4th January this year, in HDU, after a 14-hour operation to save my life. Only 1 in 10 of those with pancreatic cancer are diagnosed in time for this one shot at a cure. The surgery, a Whipple Procedure, is considered one of the most complex in medicine. I then went onto six months of chemotherapy. My last scan in November showed no sign of cancer.

I now write on Medium about my cancer experience

When I got my diagnosis, the second edition of Watertight Marketing was 90% complete. I was absolutely determined to get it published, whatever my outcome. On my 42nd birthday this year, the book was released. 20% of royalties now go to Pancreatic Cancer UK, and it's with huge thanks to Cheryl Crichton that we got it over the line.

Find out more about the book here

To adapt the business to my new levels of energy and capacity, and provide solo marketers the expert support they need at an affordable price, we've launched the Make Marketing Happen Club, The doors for this close at 5pm today (18th Dec). We'll open them again in March 2021.

More about the Club

In August this year, I started doing campaigning work with Pancreatic Cancer UK. The #notimetowait campaign, featuring my story, has reached over 60,000 signatures of support and raised over ￡110,000. I am also working with their marketing team in 2021 as a pro bono client.

More about the campaign

On 6th January, we're launching a brand new online assessment for you to understand if your marketing is on firm foundations. It takes about 10 minutes and gives you a percentage score across four key questions that you need to answer to put an effective marketing operation in place. Join me live on the 6th for your personal report.

Details on the January Masterclass

Today, I am sitting surrounded by boxes and mayhem. The moving guys are here right now packing away the last 25 years of our life in Bristol. We're heading to the Cotswolds and a bit more country air. So, tomorrow, like last year the 19th December, will be the beginning of a new phase. It feels like the start of 'life after cancer' following a year in limbo.

Follow the move on Instagram

And so, this is the year in which I didn't die! I shall sit down tomorrow and pen a post on Medium about the emotional journey. For now, I am ridiculously grateful to be here, and excited about the plans I have for the year ahead.

Let me take this opportunity to wish you fabulous festivities, and hope that Watertight might form part of your success in 2021, and beyond.

Much love,

Bryony

Author & Founder - Watertight Marketing