Showband legend Paddy Cole says he still doesn't know how he developed incurable cancer but is trying to stay positive.
Paddy's terminal condition was found in his lungs 18 months ago, following a visit to the doctors to uncover why he was feeling short of breath.
The musician and radio presenter was initially shocked by the diagnosis and to this day doesn't know what caused his body to develop cancer.
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"Several of [his doctor] Professor Crown's team asked me if I had ever been in contact with asbestos or was I on building sites where it was used," Paddy said.
"I don't have any recollection of it, but maybe it was all those years in the ballrooms that could be behind it."
Aside from learning he had incurable cancer, Paddy explained that the sudden lifestyle change was what shocked him the most.
"There was no more music, no more golf, no more trips to the sun, which I always enjoyed; and no more trips to Castleblayney where I grew up and which I always enjoy visiting regularly," he told the Sunday Independent.
Paddy explained how treatment and chemotherapy left him feeling weak as he stayed in hospital, but his fighting spirit saw him through.
He said: "I told myself I'm going to be positive about this, I'm going to fight it.
"It wasn't easy, but eventually I was able to get out of bed and take short walks and see if I can get my life together."
Paddy has accepted life won't be the same again and although he misses his music career, he is grateful to be supported by his loving family.
He also feels lucky to be able to continue hosting a Sunday morning show on Sunshine Radio.
"I'm trying my best to stay positive and I have a great family around me - [his wife] Helen, of course, and my son Pat and his wife Ger.
"The reason I'm doing this is to try tell people that there's light at the end of the tunnel and encourage them to keep going."
Paddy hopes speaking publicly about his cancer diagnosis will help others going through a similar situation, as well as raise awareness.
"I'm under no illusion about the cancer," he said.
"It's incurable, but for the moment it's contained. That's the important thing.
"I don't have to go back to see John Crown and his team - who have been absolutely brilliant - until mid-January of next year."
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