I have a new tummy. 50% of it was thrown out with the hospital waste one day last November.

I had an oesophagectomy. A surgeon removed an advanced tumour and another one reshaped my oesophagus with my stomach. I was told my relationship with food would change forever. I don't feel hunger. I was advised to eat small portions - about 6 to 8 meals per day. I'm managing something like 3 to 4. One of those is usually ice cream or a glass of wine spaced far enough away from my pain meds.

It's been the most demanding thing I've been through physically. But I'm filled with immense gratitude I could have this life saving surgery. I used to describe myself as a bit of a foodie. The ritual of it, the making of it, the socialising around it. I had food on my mind. These days, nowhere near as much. Eating is a chore. Swallowing is an obstacle still. I'm currently living on soup and soft foods.

The last supper was an all out celebration parting ways with my old tummy. I went to The French in Manchester and had their tasting menu. It was nine courses of pure edible magic. Here's the story, before and after my life changing operation.

Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE

I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love.
The stories we tell ourselves are powerful.

I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going.

I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind.

Go to: calloncourage.substack.com
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