PROJECT HOPE: More Loupie times may be ahead for Len

Saturday dawned bright and sunny - and so did Len Gilbert. When I rolled up to the Marine Drives and Diesels workshop, the 44-year-old cancer patient was full of the joy of spring.
While his wife Vonnie and daughter Lennie were off enjoying themselves, Len was in his element, slaving over his pride and joy, a near-complete boat transporter.
Ever since he was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer, Len has remained active, living life at a cracking pace.
As he lovingly described the workings of the engineering masterpiece before him, I couldn't help but admire his sheer tenacity.
"What I said the other week, about feeling a fraud, it's true," he said. "I don't have as much stamina as I used to have but mentally I've got more zing in me than I've had in years."
Even incurable cancer has its bonuses. Once, Len would have bent over backwards to appease even the most difficult people.
But he doesn't suffer fools any more. The prospect of a shortened lifespan means there's no time to waste: "I feel I'm living life to the full now."
Once, too, he admits, he'd get "real shitty" if things didn't go his way, especially at work. Now, he simply laughs off life's wee trials.
"Even with chemotherapy, if that's as bad as it gets, I'm laughing," he says, settling down to chat over a cup of tea. Despite having gained 15kg due to the steroids he takes to keep chemo's effects at bay, Len looks well.
While he's still fond of the odd hamburger and fish and chips, he and his family eat a lot less processed food these days.
Len's recipe for a longer life includes waving goodbye to things like ham and bacon, some of which contain nitrites, and white flour.
There are more vegetables and fruit on the menu these days. Still, he can't help wondering whether New Zealand fruit and vegetables, which are often grown in soils deficient of minerals like selenium and cobalt, are as nutritious as they could be.
"I've just got a feeling that it's not what you eat, it's what you don't eat," he postulates. "I've got a gut feeling that what sets cancer off is something simple; we just haven't found it yet."
Every morning, he downs 13 or 14 health supplements, to the amusement of his mates, who reckon that's a breakfast in itself.
And Len's convinced it's made a difference.
"I found a guy called Day on the internet. Everything he writes is factual. He's an independent writer who has pulled a lot of academic research together.
"There's another site too - a research outfit in the United States. They've listed the things people with cancer should take, although it was hard to sort out what I was comfortable with."
Waipuna Hospice staff had phoned asking whether Len was still able to go to work.
"I'm managing better than I have in years and they expect me to be curling my toes up," he laughs.
"Like I said to Vonnie the other day, I don't feel like there's a door over there waiting to slam shut. I feel like I've been given a second chance."
Three months ago, it was a tearful Len who put the family launch, Loupie, up for sale in the belief that he wouldn't enjoy another summer.
She hasn't sold.
Perhaps it's karma.
"I really don't think I've ever been happier than I am now," he says. "I'm lucky - absolutely lucky."
Len's Diary
Saturday
Woke early feeling not too good. Such a contrast from yesterday. If I'd been any better, I would've been dangerous. The rain was nice though. Up, pants on and off to work. Started assembling the trailer. It's back from the hot dippers. Went downhill sharply till I had to sit down about 1pm. Shouted the boys lunch thinking my blood sugars might be down but that wasn't it.
Went home and took some steroids. I only get so many allocated and have to use them sparingly. Despite my best intentions and efforts, I never improved much. Small tea and early to bed. Really stink day.
Sunday
Slept like a log and woke feeling much better. Went down to the boat and kicked the tyres. Sure miss it. What a beautiful morning. People up and down the pier talking and chatting.
It's a real little community on a nice day. Glued on a new bag and out to the World of Horses for a trek with Lennie. She loves her horses. It was a real good ride. Came back feeling quite exhilarated.
An unexpected pleasure. I thought our last ride was just that. Game of pool and back to Alvin's for a barbecue. Excellent feed. Absolutely great day.
Monday
Had a little sleep-in. Yesterday really tuckered me out. Up and into work. All going good. Got stuck into assembling the trailer.
It was home time before I knew it. Half-pie ripped my bag off overdoing it again. Picked up a paper on the way home. It's a pity about the t-shirt. A small correction. Lennie's horse didn't run on to the road. We were in an orchard. It was nothing really.
She's a good rider and takes everything in her stride. I'm so happy I have introduced her to riding and the memories that will stay with her for the rest of her life. It's our thing. Nice shiny new bag, lovely big dinner and up for Toss the Boss at, you guessed it, McSwiggens. Home and into bed.
I'm certainly bouncing back sooner after chemo now we have altered my meds. Those steroids certainly make a difference. Still concerned about my blood count though.
Tuesday
Awake about 4am till day break. The mind's doing a million miles an hour. Decided to sneak into work early and do some paperwork.
Spent the rest of the day on the trailer. It was tea-time before I knew it. Home about 6.30pm to a nice dinner. Coro Street, glass of red, bag etc and into bed. One of these days I'll share the psychological side of having the bag.
Wednesday
Woke early. Couldn't sleep. Got kicked out of bed to make a cuppa. All the usual stuff and off to work. Excellent day.
Major milestones on the trailer. Spring is here. What a beautiful evening. Almost went for a walk. Almost. Shower, bag etc and into bed absolutely stuffed. Just aren't enough hours in the day.
Thursday
Woke late to a cold day. What a contrast. I was so stuffed last night I couldn't get to sleep. So much to do the mind won't rest. Late to work and did paperwork all day.
They've started a trailer admiration group therapy corner. (I think the boys are taking the mickey) Home about 6.30pm, tea, Coro Street, (poor old Rita) shower, shiny new bag etc and off to bed.
Friday
Up and off to work. School starts on Monday. Looking forward to it so we can get back into our breakfast routine. Spent most of the day doing paperwork again and a couple of hours in the workshop.
Home for a quick shower and dropped Lennie off at mum's for the night. She likes her Nana. Trust for tea and then drinks with Amy, partner Chris and friends. Good relaxed night until my bag burped itself. Talk about clear the room. Plenty of laughs. Excellent week all round.