David Smith: latest from the neuro ward
Aviemore cancer hero David Smith has posted a graphic image of his latest scar following this week's surgery.
"I'm happy that my pain has calmed down," he informs his Facebook friends.
"The neck is healing well and I did some more standing today."
The sports star has been battling spinal cancer for over a decade now and never ceases to astonish friends and followers with his courage and his indomitable will to recover after each bout of surgery.
"Last night was tough," he admitted, from his bed at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Central London.
The UK's largest dedicated neurological and neurosurgical hospital, it provides comprehensive services for the diagnosis, treatment and care of all conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nervous system and muscles.
And it's where the 45-year-old phenomenon will once again learn to walk.
"I was woken at 2:30am and didn’t get back to sleep.
"So was very happy with today's efforts and to have the energy for a few visitors to drop in."
But it doesn't get any easier, he said.
"Life on a neuro ward is always a very humbling experience and it’s hard to hear others in pain and feel helpless."
The message, though, remains the same from the man who has tasted the highs of and lows of top flight competition, both as a multi-talented sportsman and cancer opponent: "Give thanks to your health. It is truly the most important thing you have."
