November 2025 Update
November was a mix of travel, concerts, and memories, anchored by a massive 12-month cancer milestone that has me ready to slow down and focus on family this Christmas.
My Health
If I had to describe November from a health perspective, the word would be: quiet.
For the first time in I don’t know how long, I had zero hospital visits. No major check-ups, no waiting rooms. It was a "nothing" month in the medical sense, which meant I had the space to simply live my life. And looking back, I probably grabbed that opportunity with both hands and maybe did a bit too much.
But the quiet ended on December 4th. I met with my surgeon and oncologist for my immunotherapy session, and it turned out to be a very good day.
I have been given the all-clear.
That marks 12 months with no positive cancer results. It’s a massive milestone. In this predicament, surviving the last year means beating the odds that 80% of people in my predicament don't get to. I don't take that statistic lightly.
My next target is to reach 12 months with no operations, which is another six months away. To help get there, I’m working on some new ideas and disciplines to give myself the best fighting chance to keep this at bay.
Personal Update
Because the calendar was free of medical appointments, I filled it with just about everything else. I admit, I might have tried to do too much.
I took a trip to Auckland to catch up with friends and help my Dad buy a new car. I managed to squeeze in a detour to Christchurch for the day to see one of my favourite people in the world.
Music was big theme this month. It started with some reggae at The Original Wailers, followed by a three-day trip to Byron Bay to see Crowded House and catch up with friends. I made it back to Sydney just in time for Rüfüs Du Sol at Qudos Bank Arena.
It wasn't all travel, though. I had some great solo dad time with Zoe while Kirsten and Lexi were away at the National Cheerleading concert. We went to see Wicked 2—let’s just say it’s not a movie I’d rush to see a second time, but the company was perfect.
The absolute highlight, however, was scoring great tickets for AC/DC. Watching that Angus Young do his thing is a reminder that anything is possible.
We rounded out the month watching both girls perform at the NSW Schools Spectacular, which is always a proud moment.
Remembering Tim
Seeing The Wailers and AC/DC this month hit a different chord for me. It got me thinking about one of the best and most loyal friends I ever had, Tim Ritchie, who died 28 years ago in 1997.
Tim and I used to spend many nights in our teens playing pool at the local pool hall where Bob Marly's reggae would play back-to-back. Every time I hear that sound, I think of him.
In the few years leading up to his death, Tim became a massive AC/DC fan. Weirdly, he said a few weeks before he died that they would play "Hells Bells" at his funeral. They did. I haven't listened to the full song since that moment—until the concert this month.
He was a great friend. If he had lived, knowing what I know now, he would have been a huge success in so many ways. The world sucks without him. It’s so sad that all that potential can be destroyed so young.
Miss you, Tim.
Slowing Down for December
After the pace of November, I have zero ambition to be that active in December.
This month is going to be about "maximising Christmas." I want to focus on the family, get the house ready, and start implementing those new health disciplines I mentioned earlier. I need to get focused to fight this threat, and that starts with a calm home environment.
Wishing everyone a great Christmas.