Real stories.
Real survival.
No sugar-coating.
David Jones-Stanley shares his journey through stage
3 oesophageal cancer, and what it taught him about
resilience, control, and life after survival.
Why I wrote Gulp
I was 46 when I was diagnosed with stage 3 oesophageal cancer.
Until then, I was a husband, a father of three, and someone who liked structure, plans, and knowing what was coming next. Cancer doesn’t respect plans.
What followed was chemotherapy, major open surgery, 14 tubes, a feeding line, and learning how to live and eat again.
But what struck me most wasn’t just the treatment. It was the silence around what it actually feels like.
When I was diagnosed, I didn’t want brochures.
I wanted honesty.
So I wrote the book I needed back then.
Not a medical textbook.
Not a polished inspiration piece.
Just the truth — sometimes heavy, sometimes darkly funny, always real.
If you’re facing cancer, supporting someone who is, or trying to understand life after survival, this story is for you.
Speaking & Advocacy
Cancer didn’t just change my life. It changed my voice.
Since treatment, I’ve spoken at:
- International genomics conferences
- National UK healthcare conferences
- Education and wellbeing events
- Medical student programmes
- Professional development events
- Patient advocacy forums
I speak not as a clinician, but as someone who has lived the system from the inside.
From navigating complex NHS pathways, to experiencing genomic profiling first-hand, to understanding survivorship beyond discharge, my talks bridge the gap between data and lived reality.
Because behind every statistic is a person.
What People Are Saying
David’s story has resonated with patients, families, healthcare professionals, and event audiences alike.
Amazon review
Reader
"An authentic and honest account of what it ‘feels like’ to encounter a cancer diagnosis and how to advocate for yourself on your cancer journey. It’s not the usual chronological list of events but offers some clear insight into the ‘human side’ of the authors own cancer journey. Reading the book left me laughing and crying and with many feelings in between. It’s a book to fall back on if your ever in the position of receiving a cancer diagnosis or to read if you are supporting someone with cancer to better understand what they are really going through…"
Professor Karol Sikora
Oncologist
"Gulp is the best patient's account of having cancer I have read so far. Cancer is described accurately as an uninvited guest throwing a wild party in your body. It's informative, full of useful tips and yet amusing. It stresses the power of information in helping to make the system work for you. Definitely should be read by anyone starting a cancer journey"
Dave Chuter,
International Independent Patient Advocate, and DiCE Chair
"As someone who has walked the road of a cancer diagnosis myself, I recognise the raw honesty and courage in Gulp. David doesn’t just tell his story—he gives a voice to the fears, frustrations, and small victories that so many of us will know but struggle to put into words. For anyone newly diagnosed and feeling lost, this book is a lifeline. It shows you the messy truth, but also the strength and humour that can carry you through. If I had read Gulp at the start of my journey, I would have felt far less alone."
Say hi!
Get in touch
E-mail: GulpSeries@gmail.com