Now, I don’t often do more than one post in one day but today I’ve made an exception..’
I heard I was in the hard copy of the Liverpool Echo. We eagerly went to the shop to purchase a copy and was shocked – I’m on the front page! Not only that, my full story is on page three.
I’m a page three girl – now that’s a line I never thought I’d write!
A journalist from the Liverpool Echo contacted me last week. She’d stumbled across my blog on Twitter and wanted to know more about my journey since diagnosis.
Helen Whitehouse published the story today and my social/virtual world has gone bonkers. I’ve had messages from well wishers to others who’ve been touched by this disease.
Thanks to Helen for writing a great story. If you want to read it please click here. Also a huge hanks to everyone who has shared/liked/commented – if one person gets a lump checked out because of my story, then it’s been worth it.
Today is World Cancer Day and we participated by supporting the wonderful Clatterbridge Cancer Charity. We have been at the home of Everton Football Club raising awareness and money for the new cancer hospital. We had a fab day and thanks to my wonderful family and friends who volunteered.
Throwback
Here’s a picture showing me three years ago (mid chemo) and today. Lucky enough to be here on world cancer day 2017 😍
January 28th. A day to remember.
Four years ago today I had my first 12 week check up post my surgery to remove my primary sarcoma. The X-rays were clear and I had the added bonus of being allowed to drive again. 28th January 2014 was a good day.
One year ago today I visited Mr T in hospital. He was grumpy, he was thirsty, he was hungry and he was sick of Mum and Sues company….. 😂 Mike and I rocked up to Warrington Hospital and made the day more bearable – especially for Mum and Sue who needed a break from dads grumpiness 😂. We waved dad off for surgery to reduce the swelling on his throat and that was the last time we saw him conscious. The days ahead were torture. 28th January 2016 was a bad day.
Fast forward to 2017 and my lovely husband and I are snuggled in our hotel room in a very cold Chicago. We are having a fab time on our holiday. 28th January 2017 will be an excellent day. Especially as we are on the hunt for quirky bars!
This day will always be remembered for lots of reasons, but we need more good and happy memories to be made.
Love from the US of A xxx
Our corner suite has a view of the 360 observatory (formerly John Hancock) – the black building.
Charity involvement generally starts when you’re impacted by something. Since my diagnosis I’ve been involved with many charities including Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, Macmillan, Look Good Feel Better and Sarcoma UK.
As you will see from my social presence most of my time is spent doing activities for Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. So why is this? Well, they keep me engaged. All activities are completely charitable – I donate my time and do not get anything in return.
So how do they keep me engaged?
Is simple really, they are personal. They simply keep in touch. As soon as I see an email or a call from the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity I eagerly open it to see what I can do or how I can help, as do my friends and family. This small charity makes each and every single volunteer feel important and valued. This is what makes the charity a success.
Last month my mum and I was helping in the office at the charity and the phone calls the workers handled were incredible. People wanted to donate in their will, donate goods, donate money and even donate their time. People are literally banging on their doors to help. This is fantastic.
It’s not all like this.
Unfortunately not all charities get this and do not engage their supporters which is a massive shame as they are missing a trick. Not all supporters can climb mountains and run marathons. We all have different skills which can be extremely useful and these should be explored.
Onwards and upwards.
I look forward to helping out in 2017 and giving back to the very people who have saved my life.
In many ways 2016 has been the worst year. There’s been countless headlines filled with news of passing celebs, status updates from friends mourning their loved ones and, of course, I also lost the main man – my wonderful dad. I’ve genuinely been shocked by the amount of sad news in this year, in particular amongst my friends. I’ve been to more funerals in this year than I have in my whole life. There are far too many of us who have lost a parent this year.
However, 2016 hasn’t been all bad. This is the first year since 2011 where I’ve been cancer free for the whole year. I’m now 18 months clear and hoping 2017 continues to be the same.
Hope you’ve all enjoyed Christmas and have a wonderful new year.
Now then, we’ve all had days where we’ve been under the weather, a tad hungover or just downright tired and we’ve ‘pulled a sickie’. I get it.
But then there’s those who take this one, or a thousand, steps further than acceptable. I read stories of people who fake cancer diagnoses for financial gain. Yep, people really do this. And they knock me sick – taking money from kind and generous people, upsetting relatives etc.
Then there are those who feign a cancer diagnosis for sympathy. I’m saddened to say that one of my relatives fall into the latter category. He even went as far as asking me about chemotherapy and the side effects.
How can anyone sink so low to think it’s acceptable? Cancer is not a joke. Cancer is not something to be mocked. It’s serious and it’s a killer.
I’d rather pull a sickie for a ‘cold’ and have a duvet day….
On a positive note, here’s some pics of our sarcoma support group Christmas meal. Thanks to Rob for organising 🙂
I am writing to you from a Virgin train after a little jaunt to the Capital. I’ve been working in our head office near Gatwick Airport, blah blah blah, that doesn’t interest you at all. In between my hectic work schedule I managed to squeeze in a visit to Number 10.
About 4 weeks ago I received an invitation for an evening with the Prime Minister, Theresa May. I eagerly accepted and waited in anticipation for the night.
Here’s how the story goes
I set off from my hotel in the freezing cold, dress on, hair done, invitation in hand, wait, wait, wait, wait – I forgot my photo id! I traipsed back to the hotel scolding myself for being unprepared. After a short train ride I finally made it to Westminster and was awed by the sight of Big Ben lit up. I was so excited. I called my friend Lesley to meet her but no answer (I could guarantee she was in the pub!) so I headed to Downing Street and joined the queue with other sarcoma patients, medical experts and Sarcoma UK staff. After a thorough security process, I was at No 10!
No photos so we had to store our phones at the entrance. We were all escorted to a drinks and canapés reception on the first floor which spanned two very impressive and plush rooms. Paintings of previous Prime Ministers and Monarchs covered the walls. After mingling, meeting new people and being asked “hey, are you dizzytix? I follow you on Instagram” three times, Theresa May entered the room. After a few pleasantries she headed to the microphone and spoke about sarcoma and why No 10 had chosen Sarcoma UK as their official charity.
In 2015, Chris Martin who was the Personal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister sadly passed away after being diagnosed with sarcoma. Obviously his friends and colleagues wanted to raise awareness and much needed funds for vital research. This has catapulted Sarcoma UK from a small charity into the spotlight as a major player in driving change for sarcoma patients. WOW.
In the words of our Prime Minister:
We’ve been honoured to support Sarcoma UK as the 10 Downing Street charity of the year. Chris is a much missed figure who was hugely popular amongst his colleagues here and the whole team has been very proud to continue his legacy, helping raise funds and awareness for Sarcoma UK, the only charity of its kind in the UK.”|
It was lovely to hear Theresa May talking about the things that they have all been doing to raise funds for Sarcoma UK, from Tough Mudder (she made it clear she wouldn’t participate in that one!) to fancy dresses and bake offs. It made me realise, these are good hardworking people who are trying to do something amazing in memory of their colleague and friend and its completely irrelevant what your political stance is.
I am truly honoured to have been invited last night and to be in a room full of such wonderful and amazing people made it extra special. I’d like to thank Sarcoma UK, not only for the invitation, but for the support and work that they do for people like me.
Richard Whitehead
The Paralympian Gold Medallist Richard Whitehead is the patron of Sarcoma UK. He volunteers tirelessly for the charity and even completed 40 marathons in 40 days…(yep!) and last night, he was awarded the Point of Light volunteering award for his services to the charity. This award recognises exceptional volunteers who make a difference in the lives of others. He truly is an amazing and humble man who wants to help and improve things for us sarcoma patients. Well done and well deserved Richard.
To read Sarcoma UK’s write up please click here.
Scanxiety was high today, well it was an X-ray but it x-ray and anxiety don’t work.
I had a mid term x-ray which was clear. My next scan is in February so another three months to enjoy life.
Hopefully, we can squeeze another few trips away in that time…. #YOLO
16th October is a date which will be forever etched in my memory.
Today marks the fourth anniversary of having my sarcoma removed. I went to theatre at 8am and came out six hours later and seven and a half pounds lighter. Oh and cancer free.
The last four years and been one hell of a journey but as I’ve said countless times before, at least I’m here to tell the tale. I’m thinking of all the people who aren’t here to do so and of those who are going through treatment.
Love to you all x
Chapter 2 