tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21258249435658084372024-03-06T01:14:38.716+00:00ovarian cancer + a brain injury - pass the wine...now!This is a diary by an ordinary woman who suddenly had ovarian cancer. Extraordinary! And rather startling to say the least.
Since then I have had an aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage… plus an interesting type of stroke. And I have aphasia. The never ending, invisible disablement 🦹🏼
So - such fun right?l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.comBlogger574125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-63569421113541823992018-03-18T10:53:00.002+00:002020-11-09T16:22:01.396+00:00I have aphasia<p align="justify"><strong>I have just put in all the things I put onto JustGiving for the last week. Obviously I am asking for a bit of<em> ‘charrity’</em> heh heh</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Two many things all at once, so hopefully you can see what I am on about!</strong> Tell people what actually happened to me … almost...<br /><br /></p> <p align="justify"><strong></strong><strong><font color="#0cbfc9">I have aphasia.</font></strong><strong></strong> Interesting. A few <i>shrieks</i> after having ovarian cancer - but amazingly that was easier to deal with. This has taken me nearly 4 years just to deal with the fact that I can’t read, can’t remember things - sometimes I can’t focus at all…but I can’t read <b>YET </b>[if I poke my eyes almost into a book it helps a bit] etc.</p> <p align="justify">So it has taken a long time to get here – but<b> I AM here. </b>And I now want something please - I want to raise some funds for all the people from all walks of life who have developed aphasia. I am amazed about how many people there are that have aphasia. About 367,000 people in the UK. A <i>LOT!</i></p> <p align="justify"><b>Aphasia</b> is a communication 'disability' caused by damage to the language centres of the brain. It can affect understanding of language, speech, reading and writing. I had experienced a massive <b>‘subarachnoid brain haemorrhage’.</b> Then a stroke 4 days later. That’s where I said ‘interesting’.</p> <p align="justify">To be fair, it isn’t very interesting – but it stops me having a<b> ‘normal’ </b>conversation, sometimes a lot, sometimes a little. Some days I can’t read<b> at all</b> – other days I read a few pages. Yelling with delight! Some people have a harder time than I do – and we REALLY want to help one another. Mainly to have a bit of a chuckle!</p> <p align="justify"><b>Aphasia</b> does not affect one's intelligence – it just stops you from communicating ‘normally’.</p> <p align="justify">To me, this little challenge <i>[my first one - so far!] </i>is raising funds to help in the fight against not being able to speak - or have someone to sit near you just to make you feel better. This challenge is an opportunity for me to raise awareness and significant funds to help the fight against <b>being alone</b> or <b>being afraid.</b></p> <p align="justify">Aphasia <b>can affect anyone</b> at all ... so your money will be well spent.</p> <p align="justify"><b>Thanks for taking the time</b> to visit my <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sandhy-robinson-jones" target="_blank">JustGiving</a> page and to read all this. <br />Onward and upward!</p>l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-11572187777477837202018-03-18T10:17:00.001+00:002018-03-18T10:18:12.152+00:00News!<p align="justify">Bit of news. Feb 14th <em>[Valentine’s day]</em> I had an<strong> MRA</strong> – I got the results! The jolly old aneurysm that nearly killed me<em> [it was clipped 8 hours after FH found me]</em> and also the other ‘incidental’ [eh?] aneurysms – well, the letter says ‘have excellent appearances of your previous treatment’. Rah. </p> <p align="justify">Arranged for next year’s scan and that is that. Great!</p> <p align="justify">I was rather stressed. Not a lot of <strong>'proper' speaking.</strong> Now I want a tattoo like Angelina. </p> <p align="justify">BUT I feel much better! And I would love to get a bit more pennies here </p> <p align="justify">Thanks! </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sandhy-robinson-jones">#sandhy-robinson-jones JustGiving</a></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jcZYDhd6pxo/Wq48sxKbN1I/AAAAAAAAFdQ/ZqqXeadhMQ8ztAWhEF5FVIcRH4GncBcbQCHMYCw/s1600-h/04%255B4%255D" target="_blank"><img title="04" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="04" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MEw8lxAAZ-s/Wq48uBUtmBI/AAAAAAAAFdU/UKMzLcFW0GYWr_wlJpgfBWGEPuVhM4Y5ACHMYCw/04_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="405" height="405" /></a></p>l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-12021477722624088242018-03-18T10:12:00.001+00:002018-03-18T10:12:34.082+00:00Busy busy…<p align="justify">Off to the <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-screening/" target="_blank">breast check</a><strong> </strong>this morning - and that is something I <strong>ALWAYS </strong>know I'm going. Very difficult to park - much better in the summer. </p> <p align="justify">Today it's freezing. But a good thing to do once a year, that says: <strong>'great, everything is fine'</strong>. </p> <p align="justify">Plus I am dropping off my beautiful wigs down to <a href="http://www.forcecancercharity.co.uk/" target="_blank">Force</a>. </p> <p align="justify">Plus it’s International Women's Day! Bwaa! Let’s shout a bit here girls!</p> <p align="justify">As usual <em>[I know - I'm a nagger],</em> I would be chuffed if you donated a little money (or a LOT) – a lot of women AND men have aphasia – thanks for helping me! <br />x <br /></p> <p align="justify">Here is my <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sandhy-robinson-jones" target="_blank">#sandhy-robinson-jones JustGiving</a> </p> <p align="justify"> <br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-29ceKUMKFFE/Wq47ixznZJI/AAAAAAAAFdA/uKFjzCnf5F4gYVTrDwiZWARIhFEQzRxhwCHMYCw/s1600-h/02%255B5%255D" target="_blank"><img title="02" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="02" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SxCmjWsqeWc/Wq47kPusKzI/AAAAAAAAFdE/zNTK7INITOI6F9veKVEd5WqokENNAfkSQCHMYCw/02_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" width="394" height="394" /></a></p>l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-49139281076783096832018-03-18T09:43:00.001+00:002018-03-18T09:43:55.262+00:00Interesting – as usual<p align="justify">Today was <strong>VERY</strong> interesting; I have started<strong> remembering</strong> things.</p> <p align="justify">Places I've been to - I remember what we did there; going in the antique shops, having coffee and this time I am so much calmer <strong>[that’ll be the old brain].</strong> </p> <p align="justify">We had very English coffee with <strong>HUGE sandwiches</strong> in Ashburton. </p> <p align="justify">It is becoming more <em>‘real’</em>, even when I can’t speak entire sentences, I can give it a good old go. After 4 years I am getting more tolerant. I’ve stopped feeling like screaming. </p> <p align="justify">Life, as I know very well, goes on. And my brain MUST be getting better? I hope so.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4k6fI029ByM/Wq401DAEsFI/AAAAAAAAFck/Sxgsb6169HYgKTutykbbCHz3ry67yCFJwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2749%255B4%255D" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_2749" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_2749" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z6HD9HQ2R1Q/Wq402auqkbI/AAAAAAAAFcs/8QLACnj95Rod5GlHGZO3f5sfomG18Aa2ACHMYCw/IMG_2749_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="399" height="399" /></a></p>l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-80023341678406884342018-03-18T09:38:00.001+00:002018-03-18T09:38:20.795+00:00The 5th day…<p align="justify">The 5th day started brilliantly! Did a <em><strong>design thing!</strong></em> Had help from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Brightsea-Print-Group-367826756623469/" target="_blank">Mike</a> with the ‘Big Lottery Fund’ stuff – new .esp had to be changed back into an old version. Thanks for that dude! </p> <p align="justify"><img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oXUtKeudSf0/Wq4zgako60I/AAAAAAAAFcM/FJzASjtRfLcJrRUr52S3AreXER7BGzL2wCHMYCw/wlEmoticon-smile%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" /></p> <p align="justify">And some <strong><em>painting</em></strong> in the shed on our new chairs. Good things. Except Bear ran across the entire lot. Hmm </p> <p align="justify"><strong>And</strong> I have had lots of people sending donations since last night. I am so CHUFFED! </p> <p align="justify">Also, people are taking the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LivingWithAphasiaGroup/" target="_blank">Living with Aphasia</a> info and passing it around. Just as good as money sometimes</p> <p align="justify">Good day ❤️ </p> <p align="justify">P.S.: The Quay? Mostly raining…</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TDd65JVbf1c/Wq4zhr8om0I/AAAAAAAAFcQ/hjZuaTyjGBQn-vm6JzvIaeZSG0R6DdXEACHMYCw/s1600-h/03%255B6%255D" target="_blank"><img title="03" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="03" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rlOO4oflOCM/Wq4zilCx6fI/AAAAAAAAFcU/7EEpWfH_nlABNNKU3-H7KUd1nFAMGC3YgCHMYCw/03_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" width="397" height="397" /></a></p>l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-88920156844584959572018-03-18T09:29:00.001+00:002018-03-18T09:29:25.702+00:004th day peeps!<p align="justify">I am having one of those days I’m afraid - swearing in my head, as everything is going wrong. So this is very quick. </p> <p align="justify">Remember, the 1st of May is our FIRST anniversary! A rather fun walk for everyone to go on and bringing friends for a party type of thing afterward. </p> <p align="justify">We are having Sing Aphasia<em> [that’s us, singing!],</em> Exeter Foundation visiting with a big cheque, lots of super cake & pasties! Yum. </p> <p align="justify">In the meantime, I am asking for donations all the way round the Quay! </p> <p align="justify">And today, here on my jolly JustGiving page  :)</p> <p><a title="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sandhy-robinson-jones" href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sandhy-robinson-jones">https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sandhy-robinson-jones</a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-73X4rHwUA00/Wq4xb4pUuQI/AAAAAAAAFb8/-BhRtgPC_9o19x0e_iBrRwTG4IpnSRotwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2610-01%255B4%255D" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_2610-01" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_2610-01" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z-xnP8PlXCc/Wq4xc01yrnI/AAAAAAAAFcA/u_9Pt9DORoMCbAIU_4_95mvhLUWLMI2zACHMYCw/IMG_2610-01_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="386" height="386" /></a></p>l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-66970460323217032972018-03-18T09:24:00.001+00:002018-03-18T09:24:36.691+00:00Sunday!<p align="justify">The snow is disappearing. We are off into the countryside. It's perfect, as one doesn't need to talk much. </p> <p align="justify">The best is that I can now ask & everyone knows exactly what I'm on about. 4 years seems quick - but it's not. </p> <p align="justify">Look up <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/subarachnoid-haemorrhage/" target="_blank">'subarachnoid haemorrhage'</a> today. Scary. VERY scary…</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ieKVGaC7_8E/Wq4wThmRtNI/AAAAAAAAFbw/11fl0DaAPSco7b_uzaYYlrz1LT8pQFsTwCHMYCw/s1600-h/S-01%255B4%255D" target="_blank"><img title="S-01" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="S-01" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_D23B8-tv4k/Wq4wUvb6wBI/AAAAAAAAFb0/PeNgtoLnfwQ4aasCXM7qFm0GG7UoT0LPQCHMYCw/S-01_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="397" height="397" /></a></p>l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-20892290685637659902018-03-18T09:15:00.001+00:002018-03-18T09:15:40.853+00:00Rainy!<p align="justify">3rd day - aphasia is waiting to be conquered! </p> <p align="justify">Todays 'speaking' bit; can you imagine every day NOT talking properly? Not explaining things? Or speaking but no one ‘gets’ it? </p> <p align="justify">They sort of change your mind for you as they don’t understand, so they make a plan. It is so kind – sometimes. Today I discovered that the bedroom window is cracked – I couldn’t explain it properly [note: I get cross], so the FH had to come upstairs & look at it. So a small thing becomes a BIG thing. Grr. </p> <p align="justify">If you can, a couple of pennies would help! </p> <p align="justify">Ta!</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d9zCn-W8qjc/Wq4uNot6mZI/AAAAAAAAFbc/IAxZ4rEClKUJZ9RML15X8MD9FcRZB_2_wCHMYCw/s1600-h/one%255B4%255D" target="_blank"><img title="one" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="one" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rIYPV9utqJs/Wq4uOjm3j9I/AAAAAAAAFbg/S9qn79MLdN41A0Jx2kKxTz9oXWh04vJVgCHMYCw/one_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="406" height="406" /></a></p>l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-81587327370406599272018-03-18T09:11:00.001+00:002018-03-18T09:11:16.119+00:00Morning peeps!<p><font style="font-weight: normal;">The snow is still here - freezing! So we're all at home right? Nice! </font></p> <p><font style="font-weight: normal;">If you have time, have a look at my story. If you can, please help me to raise my aphasia page? It's making me so excited to actually even do this update - yay! Let's see how it goes today! </font></p> <p><font style="font-weight: normal;">xx</font></p> <p><a title="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sandhy-robinson-jones" href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sandhy-robinson-jones">https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sandhy-robinson-jones</a></p>l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-18320573288138663172018-02-09T22:15:00.001+00:002018-02-09T22:17:18.011+00:00Friday – hmm<p align="justify">I was listening to an interesting conversation today. It was about having irritating people not noticing what the people around <em>them</em> are struggling with. And they aren’t ‘helping’. You know – like people with cancer, or brain s<b>ubarachnoid haemorrhage … you know – these sort of frightful afternoon drama attacks. Imagine.</b></p> <p align="justify">And by the way – apparently <em>[according to our random internet types]</em> one-third of patients with brain s<b>ubarachnoid haemorrhage </b>will survive with <em>good <b>recovery</b></em>; one-third will survive with <em>a disability</em>; and one-third will die. Bugger – must be a nightmare when you’re trundling along and you suddenly die of ‘the one-third’.</p> <p align="justify">Anyway – where was I? Oh yes - I used lots of people with all that kind of stuff and had no problem at all with having the cancer part. Although I didn’t have a tattoo [might go and have that now!] – if I wanted a masseuse I’d get my friend Julie to do it! Or Force.</p> <p align="justify">I have many more problems now, as people don't get the fact that my 'problem' - i.e.: I can sometime speak, and sometimes I can’t explain – and all the problems that I have cannot be explained in a chat. Try that at the doctor…</p> <p align="justify">And these people will simply ‘fill in’ for us. No one ever tried to remove my cancer and sort <em>THAT</em> out for me. But they can say what I am <em>trying</em> to say as I am an aphasia. Tut tut! Not a very good idea. Usually it’s a totally disaster, as I will be trying to find a different work / thing / plot etc. And usually I was getting very angry – now I can get my head round it. Which means I wont have a heart attach. Yay.</p> <p align="justify">Having had cancer and now I have the brain haemorrhage and the stroke, the people I have struggled with have been the doctors amazingly enough. It’s almost ‘<em>off you go – you’ll be fine’</em>. Well, I wasn’t fine at all. But eventually I trundled off to the hospital and spoke to my cancer peeps. They helped me get it straight with my daktari. Very good plan.</p> <p align="justify">It is worse when you are a brain haemorrhage / aphasia / was a cancer type person - life is so full of people who can't <em>'cope'</em> with dealing with that. </p> <p align="justify">Personally I wouldn't discrimination with people who can't help others – I’d simply walk away. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tMPpSEEKlXc/Wn4d5-LpkXI/AAAAAAAAFDc/NdVHSd3zWP8woPcjbDBDmZu3NVpxX7oKwCHMYCw/s1600-h/not-forgive%255B7%255D" target="_blank"><img title="not-forgive" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="not-forgive" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QfXO4H03KJI/Wn4d7Pz-fUI/AAAAAAAAFDg/DBI6Pz1objAWdWDhNkp8rDkK93wmXvrAgCHMYCw/not-forgive_thumb%255B5%255D?imgmax=800" width="399" height="399" /></a></p>l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-26700435100819104242018-02-08T20:56:00.001+00:002018-02-08T23:38:25.519+00:00It was a speedy Wednesday [not!]<p align="justify">Well, it’s actually Thursday. How is it that everything has to be done at a fast, rushing rate? I never seem to get a ‘chilled out brain’. Ever. Nope. And I think I had the same thing before my brain got rather slow with the old <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/subarachnoid-haemorrhage/" target="_blank">brain haemorrhage!</a> People on the earth need to slow down … but we can’t can we? </p> <p align="justify">On Wednesday I was doing things for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LivingWithAphasiaGroup/" target="_blank">Living with Aphasia</a> with Barbara. She organises what we should do, then we just go off and do whatever random stuff that needs doing. </p> <p align="justify">We now have a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LivingWithAphasiaGroup/" target="_blank">Living with Aphasia</a> sponsorship afternoon thing come up. We will be trundling round the Quay and then we will be celebrating our One Year Anniversary of our charity. Cool! A few scrummy rugby chaps to help us open the day. All on the 1st of May.</p> <p align="justify">In the meantime I need a new JustGiving so I can actually get a bit of fundraising without having a nervous breakdown…it’s coming, but it’s taking a wee while. </p> <p align="justify">In the meantime I need to get lots of house stuff into the attics. We have some chaps who are coming to paint all the upstairs rooms – the ceiling, the walls, the wood work … aargh! <br /> <br />Stress…check out the wall paint. Lovely and blue! It should look great. Fingers crossed! At the moment it’s all stripped and seriously looks horrid.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7JmwzmdW4CQ/Wny5ZTayDRI/AAAAAAAAFCg/t8ROQAYqSysJGg-dythjas_wR_NCg6oZACHMYCw/s1600-h/calam%255B8%255D" target="_blank"><img title="calam" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; border-image: none; display: inline;" alt="calam" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ydmj3NDXZZg/Wny5aWvoikI/AAAAAAAAFCk/p0mN9xPcPI8BijXfZYnScbFi0Nb2JiX8QCHMYCw/calam_thumb%255B8%255D?imgmax=800" width="395" height="395" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><b>Off to add a few more bits into the attic now! But, that's the third day that I’ve been writing. Amazing …</b></p>l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-86759600853120451912018-02-06T10:41:00.001+00:002018-02-07T07:35:08.017+00:00Already on the second page!<p align="justify">A second page in two days? A miracle. Really! To actually put anything sensible on paper [or stuff that looks like paper] is quite hard when you have a few interesting things going on in your ‘head’.</p> <p align="justify">I am going to try to create a sort of ‘this is what happened’. That is going to be for <em>me</em> mostly – you can read along if you want. Hopefully my head will feel SO much better after I try to understand everything. One of the things is the Facebook pages – so many remarks spoken by the people who I knew whilst I was in hospital [<em>or madly trying to escape</em>…] and the FH told everyone what was going on then. He is so supportive of me. I am still not <em>quite </em>ME. But I will get there. The FH has an interesting life with a nutty wife! :)</p> <p align="justify">Half the time I can’t work out what happened [<em>I’ve been told MANY times</em>] – that whole thing about ‘you were in a coma’ – shriek! What ever was I thinking of that day?  I had my <a href="https://www.dream-challenges.com/challenges/women-v-cancer/ride-the-night/" target="_blank">Women V Cancer – Ride the Night</a> thing coming up … it was our first one. I sort of missed it! Bugger. </p> <p align="justify">And this year I should really try to do the <a href="https://www.dream-challenges.com/challenges/women-v-cancer/women-v-cancer-london-to-paris-2019/#funding-options" target="_blank">London to Paris women v cancer</a> – I got my £3,394.79 money sorted out to go to Vietnam but unfortunately I could not do it. But I could do it this year? Hmm. Maybe. Lot of pain jibber around at the moment. Onward and upward as usual.</p> <p align="justify">Maybe as my brain trundles along, things will carry on getting better … in the meantime, I have a MRI scan next week. Such fun! They check that my head is ok. Good show! And today I am off to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LivingWithAphasiaGroup/" target="_blank">Living with Aphasia</a> this afternoon. Nice and chilled and the cake will be scrummy!</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yYL-peO7DEM/WnmGYVrD8oI/AAAAAAAAE-8/fgShNFml8jA_Wzb-MrsiBT_hblZPbXkQQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Brandon-Kidwell-27" target="_blank"><img title="Brandon-Kidwell-2" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Brandon-Kidwell-2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HrURfsdw23A/WnmGZVivARI/AAAAAAAAE_A/HW-LihQBrxIuit8Sj_koa_HbfsUsVkwuwCHMYCw/Brandon-Kidwell-2_thumb5?imgmax=800" width="410" height="410" /></a><a href="http://www.brandonkidwell.com/" target="_blank"><em><font size="2">Brandon Kidwell</font></em></a></p>l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-68870384283493714902018-02-05T15:45:00.001+00:002018-02-05T15:45:25.996+00:00Getting to the end of 4 years…<p align="justify">This is a sort of new blog – now I can write a lot more, and I actually read more too. Amazing. But it can be very irritating as some of my spelling and words get rather confusing. But hey – you don’t have to read this you know …</p> <p align="justify">Incredible to think that the brain aneurysm and stroke [grr] happened almost 4 years ago. Bah. But to be fair, I am starting to feel a bit less stressed and more ‘human’. Fingers crossed.</p> <p align="justify">I shall be having a teeny party in May this year…19th of May in 2014 was when I ‘fell over and didn’t get up for a few days’ heh heh <br /> <br />What I am going to do is do this – maybe a daily blog? I need to try to remember things. Hard! </p> <p align="justify">So – we’ll see! Hope you don't die of boredom!  <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O8_MUKlxZ4g/Wnh8ChwU1kI/AAAAAAAAE-I/HepMlFLfnRAATJIKgAieUxMzO6EhygHMwCHMYCw/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" /> <br /></p> <p align="justify">In the meantime I am doing a lot of stuff in the house! <br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X5swAyS_m-U/Wnh8D8QFyUI/AAAAAAAAE-M/KchFG23xAPoyi5j5tm8Wgyp93xzFs3nHgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2392%255B4%255D" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_2392" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_2392" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rd8CGDpzKpo/Wnh8E7ik9oI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/tBwGqR6cezUNhhuaee5pdUj6e7r0iXhrwCHMYCw/IMG_2392_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="400" height="400" /></a></p>l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-69784970294085698222015-06-23T12:29:00.000+01:002015-06-23T12:48:28.439+01:00Well – a blog post!<p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ArK-cYPUY3o/VYlHhyFNR5I/AAAAAAAADzU/e7v-Wq1-NC0/s1600-h/Lady%252520Gaga%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="Lady Gaga" style="float: left; margin: 0px 0px 5px; display: inline" alt="Lady Gaga" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vnlamqGVMvs/VYlHiVPzWOI/AAAAAAAADzc/v_bcsDF-oro/Lady%252520Gaga_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" align="left" height="353" /></a></p> <p align="justify">I have not done this for over a year – my writings is dreadful, my speech is also rubbish. BUT both are better than they were. </p> <p align="justify">Even my hair is getting longer. So, this is a start – onward and upwards! What this space…</p> l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-84363008687768661522014-10-01T13:12:00.001+01:002014-10-01T13:12:05.142+01:00tickled pink!<p align="justify">Below the picture is a guest post by Joanne [pictured below], a breast cancer survivor who has something she'd like you to understand. <br />…just so you know…no-one is particularly <em>'tickled pink'</em> if they've actually had breast cancer. I don't think I'd be very impressed with a 'Tickled Teal' campaign for ovarian cancer awareness either! Good grief - so, read on!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kIEatjv70mM/UkG-OHJZ6lI/AAAAAAAAC24/F0_pmsLYVFg/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="image" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CBlE3RdPl-o/UkG-Oqw31_I/AAAAAAAAC3A/xA7MYbubZ0s/image_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="600" /></a>October, traditionally known for Halloween, Autumn and harvest festivals, is now known as <strong>Breast Cancer Awareness</strong> month or<em>'Tickled Pink'.</em></p> <p>I have no idea who came up with Tickled Pink but I seriously would like to bash their faces in. It's quite obvious, as with most things to raise awareness of breast cancer, e.g.: Facebook status to do with bra colour, handbags, gestation periods - that these people have never had to go through breast or any other cancers.</p> <p>I don't get offended by many things but this <u>offends</u> me.</p> <p>The strange thing is, because you have gone through it, your friends think you will automatically sign up to this shit and then they get all defensive when you set the record straight.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UrETqSqtWos/UkG-mwm113I/AAAAAAAAC3Y/RnQauDkRYUM/s1600-h/tickled_pink_NO%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="tickled_pink_NO" alt="tickled_pink_NO" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qOz5g8qk1ac/UkG-nQUzBgI/AAAAAAAAC3g/fUcor5JK4r8/tickled_pink_NO_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="400" /></a></p> <p>There was a time when I would go around buying Tickled Pink stuff thinking I was doing my bit for breast cancer awareness (and let's be honest it's everywhere in Asda throughout October) and not really give it much thought. Then BANG! 2 years ago I heard the words "it's breast cancer" well feck me, doesn't your perspective change then.</p> <p>One mastectomy later, a 6 inch scar where there used to be a breast, surgeries, more scars and I can tell you it certainly isn't <strong>pink</strong>, it isn't fluffy and it damn well isn't funny.</p> <p>Then I got to thinking about Tickled Pink, just how much of the profit of all the products sold actually goes to breast cancer awareness or cancer research? Not the whole lot I would hazard a guess, the supermarket will take a cut, will it be gift aided? Now the sheer volume of products sold means the donation will look huge, but not as huge as if everyone donated what they would pay for these products directly to <a href="http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/">BCC</a> or <a href="http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/home/">cancer research</a> - the amount would be phenomenal.</p> <p>Please don't buy into the crap, it's a supermarkets way of getting you to buy products you normally wouldn't so they make more money out of the misery that breast cancer causes and all they do is wrap it up with a pink and fluffy name.</p> <p>I'm a survivor. Don't turn October pink in my name, donate straight to <a href="http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/">breast cancer care</a> or <a href="http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/home/">cancer research</a> or sponsor an <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Joanne-jackson5">event</a>. That's how to make the biggest difference. There are plenty cancer charities out there. Put your money where it will be most effective, and instead of changing your Facebook status to a bra colour<em> (really offensive if someone has no breasts),</em> change it to one that says<strong> "For breast cancer awareness month I have donated £XXX to <a href="http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/">BCC</a> or cancer research".</strong></p> <p>Thank you, <br />~ Joanne</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Hvp_ZsqSd-o/UkG-PUPTuyI/AAAAAAAAC3I/F62N3KSpbNg/s1600-h/image%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="image 2" alt="image 2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nWD_Yz_g6js/UkG-QFdZlPI/AAAAAAAAC3M/8eBw6DAm5gc/image%2525202_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533" /></a></p> <p>LABELS: <a href="http://sandhysown.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/advocating%20our%20own%20health">ADVOCATING OUR OWN HEALTH</a>, <a href="http://sandhysown.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/bitching%20about%20cancer">BITCHING ABOUT CANCER</a>,<a href="http://sandhysown.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/cancer">CANCER</a>, <a href="http://sandhysown.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/cancer%20awareness">CANCER AWARENESS</a>, <a href="http://sandhysown.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/charity%20for%20research">CHARITY FOR RESEARCH</a>, <a href="http://sandhysown.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/donating%20for%20research">DONATING FOR RESEARCH</a>, <a href="http://sandhysown.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/WOMEN%20V%20CANCER">WOMEN V CANCER</a></p> <p><a name="comments"></a></p> l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-6199297273972741622014-05-02T00:34:00.001+01:002014-05-02T00:38:20.575+01:00check up or death sentence<p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xvOJX8NWuyo/U2LaEzgAheI/AAAAAAAADSM/kdfDIBZS_2E/s1600-h/keep-calm-and-fingers-crossed-11%25255B4%25255D.png" target="_blank"><img title="keep-calm-and-fingers-crossed-11" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="keep-calm-and-fingers-crossed-11" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-llaLscN7tmA/U2LaFvAkLCI/AAAAAAAADSU/e0bLmMPGcfA/keep-calm-and-fingers-crossed-11_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="404" height="484" /></a> Astoundingly, my last blog post was over 4 months ago - slack! How time flies when you're self employed.</p> <p align="justify">In February 2008, I was diagnosed with <a href="http://sandhysown.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">ovarian cancer</a>. SIX years  and three months ago. Then, I thought that I had 0 to 5 years to live at the outside. But here I am - over SIX years out of dx…and really starting to believe it. 'It' being - I 'might' survive. <em>Tentatively</em>.</p> <p align="justify">I have been in stasis; 'suspension of the passage of time'…and it's odd. It's almost as if everything floats away - the only thing one can think of is one's Death Sentence and getting though the day…why bother to do any of those long term things? The little rat in the brain tells one 'ah you'll just die anyway, so why bother?' So you don't. </p> <p align="justify">Well, the result is that now, due to my five years of inertia, we have a LOT of stuff to do - paint the house, inside and out; redo my office, as the cats have destroyed everything in there [little beasts]; we've recently dug up the entire garden and replanted totally everything. And so on. Lots of <em>'normal'</em> things…the things that everyone complains about - but that [suddenly] I can't wait to get to grips with!</p> <p align="justify">Sadly, I lost a lot of friends while I was wallowing in my own '<em>I'm going to die' </em>sitcom. And each one of them, whilst being heart breaking, was also terrifying … me, but not me. Each time. I loved those gutsy girls so much, and now they're gone. But each of them lives on in my heart driving me to continuously raise funds, raise awareness - just the very little I can do to try to assuage my Survivors Guilt, and to hopefully save just one woman's life by getting the symptoms out there.</p> <p align="justify">This week has been a tad fraught - the FH suddenly had a brainwave that SURELY it was time for my check-up? Hmm - I'd shelved it and was a bit startled to note that it was due in June. With the new appointment system at the RD&E, you no longer get your appointment as you leave your check-up - you wait for it to arrive in the post. Which means you could get notice 2 days in advance - which means you wouldn't have time to get bloods drawn etc. Which is STRESSFUL!</p> <p align="justify">Recently, I have been having <a href="http://ovarian.org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer/what-are-the-symptoms-of-ovarian-cancer" target="_blank">'symptoms'</a> [read: 'hysteria']. When I was diagnosed, one of the most <em>extreme</em> symptoms I had was exhaustion. Not tiredness; <em><strong>exhaustion.</strong></em> I'd be working, and suddenly HAVE to put my head on the desk, as I simply couldn't hold it up any more. And I have this now. And for the last two weeks. </p> <p align="justify">Renninson [my surgeon and life saver] told me that IF I were to have a recurrence, the symptoms would be the same as they were initially. [couldn't work that one out at all - how is that possible, with no ovaries?]. And the last few weeks this remark has been bouncing around my skull like a death knell. In addition, I have had shocking pain in my gut - enough to double me over and stop me in my tracks. Always in the place where I had the laparoscopy, or where the initial tumour was. So more than likely adhesions right? And pain in my bones - my back, my wrists, my knees [they make a very alarming crunching sound on the way downstairs] - even my feet. </p> <p align="justify">So I called my cancer nurse, the lovely Gail, and asked about my next appointment. We had a chat about what I've just mentioned and she said she'd try to find out when my appointment was. Viola! She rang back and said I could go THIS Friday! Shriek! Panic stations regarding the bloods and no time. But, all sorted by Gail - I was booked into the phlebotomists at the <a href="http://www.rdehospital.nhs.uk/" target="_blank">RD&E</a>, and just had to turn up for the Vampire Attack. Which I did yesterday.</p> <p align="justify">So tomorrow, I have The Check Up. I truly believe that only people who have had cancer or some other hideous disease that can recur can understand how scary this is. It's insane, as nothing has changed since I didn't know I had a check up, but actually everything has now that I DO know I have one! Handily, I only have tonight to be petrified! I suppose it's down to the fact that there is a 50/50 chance of a recurrence. Not bad odds, but I'd prefer better. One amazing thing is that Gail the Wonder Nurse called me today to say my CA 125 is still at 7!! That is fantastic. Really. It was 1149 when I was dx. So I do feel more confident now - but it's the <a href="http://ovarian.org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer/what-are-the-symptoms-of-ovarian-cancer" target="_blank">symptoms</a> that the surgeons read, not the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CA-125" target="_blank">CA 125</a> results.</p> <p align="justify">Fingers crossed for tomorrow please! And DO know the symptoms …</p> l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-47991734669893222062013-12-20T02:26:00.001+00:002013-12-20T02:27:46.490+00:00Happy Christmas? Oh yes…<p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mnrHsg_SKBg/UrOqri-jMDI/AAAAAAAADCc/aXB0HvCqCvM/s1600-h/christmas-menu%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="christmas-menu" style="display: inline" alt="christmas-menu" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0nZtjPIgWWI/UrOqsdO0i8I/AAAAAAAADCg/shzmv8jX6i4/christmas-menu_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="135" /></a> I really don't like Christmas. It sort of sucks. Everyone being all 'happy' for no good reason. I lost both my lovely Dad and my sweet father-in-law round Christmas. I was diagnosed with cancer just after Christmas. I had a massive scan-scare last Christmas. So - actually Christmas for me? It's crap. I get sideswiped by sadness. </p> <p align="justify">I will be sitting around doing something, then BOOM I am almost in tears. Or totally in tears. Just memories; thoughts of things shared in the past…just missing people. Missing the missing people. </p> <p align="justify">Mostly my Dad - he liked a Real Ale at Christmas. He liked Stilton like I do, and the dark meat on the turkey like I do - and dark rum & raisin chocolate. And so on…tut, I am so like my father, so I am constantly reminded of him. Which is mostly a happy thing, but some days - a very sad thing. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-a7G5qVNw9zs/UrOqszJ_nvI/AAAAAAAADCs/MGhOoKupr1s/s1600-h/dad5.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="dad" style="display: inline" alt="dad" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vOTlU-pVWIc/UrOqtVb4BcI/AAAAAAAADC0/mexlD5df8kI/dad_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="542" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">But this year has been interesting and amazing. I did the 400km cycle across Cuba [brilliant - but torturous!] - I have now raised over K12.5 for research - I am very proud of this! Plus I have a cupboard full of cycle medals - of which I am also proud.  I never EVER thought I would get a medal for anything! </p> <p align="justify">And - we have a new little grand son…I honestly didn't think I'd live to see this Christmas. To actually be here to meet Joseph? It's incredible. Here he is with the very first Christmas gift of his life…and it made me cry to actually buy it - because I was so happy to still be here to do this.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t9CnQzzcUos/UrOquP4vGgI/AAAAAAAADC8/WPLw8v2yNwA/s1600-h/DSC_00315.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="DSC_0031" style="display: inline" alt="DSC_0031" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Rl3AAgF_FFM/UrOqu-ehwcI/AAAAAAAADDE/rLLkBUm5xmo/DSC_0031_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="427" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">This year has been a catharsis for me. And this post is to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get to this point. A point where I can actually now start to plan for the future [fingers crossed]. I know - it sounds insane. But until now I have been thinking 'wtf - I'll probably die before I finish [insert anything here]' - but it seems my mind has caught up with my healing body. Now I have plans!! </p> <p align="justify">The garden needs an overhaul. The house does too - everything became frozen in time when I was diagnosed with cancer. Not so any more. It has taken over 5 years, but I am finally getting with the program. But even so, I still touch wood for every little thing. Expecting something to go wrong.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0gEG7ba1ZBc/UrOqvcHGOmI/AAAAAAAADDs/U2qGa5ZOC-k/s1600-h/CUBA-GROUP-1-END-%252528Large%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="CUBA-GROUP-1-END-(Large)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="CUBA-GROUP-1-END-(Large)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_Qbme9rRnZY/UrOqwIEbn0I/AAAAAAAADD0/zIFc-ik4TVM/CUBA-GROUP-1-END-%252528Large%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="163" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">So ~ thank you to everyone who has helped me. Thank you for the little things; my Mum donating to Kate instead of me, when we didn't think Kate would make the minimum amount for Cuba. <a href="http://www.barvenezia.co.uk/" target="_blank">Medhat</a>, for donating his restaurant for an event that raised over £1000 even though it was FREEZING cold. <a href="https://myspace.com/peachyfarmermusic" target="_blank">Peachy Farmer</a> for playing at that same event - they were absolutely amazing! <a href="http://www.claremontmarquees.co.uk/" target="_blank">Claremont Marquees</a> for <u><strong>giving</strong></u> me a marquee…Liz for hosting a brunch that raised a fortune; Lindsey for raffling one of her paintings...on and on...I could fill the entire internet with a list of people who have been so kind. But I won't. You all know who you are. And you all know how grateful I am. And you all know you have my heart in your hands.</p> <p align="justify">KBO then. As they say! Until the Ride the Night eh? ;)</p> <p align="justify"> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4DA0y6EEgJw/UrOqxN-M70I/AAAAAAAADDc/LRP521oRdWQ/s1600-h/Anns-Armyt-RTN-2014%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Anns Armyt RTN 2014" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Anns Armyt RTN 2014" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8oKp_yprXtw/UrOqxhT8tBI/AAAAAAAADDg/vDulTrYLF1M/Anns-Armyt-RTN-2014_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="405" /></a></p> l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-20404309018016954462013-12-19T23:45:00.001+00:002013-12-19T23:45:33.372+00:00Cuba. And things<p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lUBMAPD1O7w/UrOFE9nRojI/AAAAAAAADB0/yxZao4KOu2E/s1600-h/DSC_01555.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="DSC_0155" style="display: inline" alt="DSC_0155" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UU3YCyIkNBE/UrOFF36cJ7I/AAAAAAAADB8/TtxK3fURYMI/DSC_0155_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="268" /></a> This is a long overdue post! The Cuba cycle was amazing - hard, but still, it should be hard. People sponsor us in the expectation that we will do something in return. That is what we promise. To cycle 400km in a foreign country so that they will sponsor us. And really - we did! We cycled each day in 40 degree heat and 90% humidity. Everyone was completely out of their comfort zone. You could NOT train for this in the UK.</p> <p align="justify">But I am proud to say that I cycled every single sweaty kilometre! Much to my amazement. I really didn't think I'd trained enough. But patently I had, as I didn't end up in the bus, apart from at the stops, where I was leaping in with gay abandon to get my hot and sweaty self under the air conditioning vent!</p> <p align="justify">We had to drink non stop and we had our heads soaked every afternoon to counteract the effect of the terribly draining humidity. For some reason I was lucky and it didn't affect me all that much - and I had crisps! SALT!! Very important. They do not have crisps in Cuba for some reason.</p> <p align="justify">Cuba itself is stunning. Greener than the UK, and the people much more friendly.  The landscape is beautiful - Cuba is the island of landscapes; rolling hills, mountains, valleys and beautiful bays. And we cycled through them. Cursing the flats, not the hills. We were so glad of hills, as they gave us down hills - and a bit of a breeze.</p> <p align="justify">The same day that I finished the cycle, I called the FH. He was so pleased for me - but at the same time he had to tell me that he was flying home from Grenada, where he was supposed to be having a relaxing break, to be with his father. Harold was in hospital and very, very ill. That day, I was out in a purple car with Helen. And I was so grateful that I was with her. We simply carried on. Helen understands loss. Even then, I knew we would lose him. It was heartbreaking.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nxQH0kGmCt4/UrOFGXotYVI/AAAAAAAADCE/JGB2rW5eNlY/s1600-h/IMG_36705.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_3670" style="display: inline" alt="IMG_3670" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ba9bziSfrUQ/UrOFG6_rj3I/AAAAAAAADCI/Wq_9ayySS3o/IMG_3670_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="225" /></a></p> l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-31334337123492035162013-11-11T23:59:00.001+00:002023-05-08T08:07:42.763+01:00Jeremy 'H'unt<p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SP2d1HHIZPM/UoFvSW9TyBI/AAAAAAAAC8w/ebo2EX3N-Hs/s1600-h/einstein5.png" target="_blank"><img alt="einstein" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Fq9rARuPAO0/UoFvTK1Wx9I/AAAAAAAAC84/9q5hA1Hb5Go/einstein_thumb3.png?imgmax=800" style="display: inline;" title="einstein" width="400" /></a> So. I am never up to date with the news, as I never watch TV. I hate TV. Every time I DO watch it's either something that makes me feel like slightly killing myself or killing at least 12 other people. So I don't watch it. And the radio is just as bad - so my 'News' is garnered either by posts on Facebook or [if I feel really interested] by a Google search [of posts on Facebook] of what's happening today.</p> <p align="justify">Subsequently, I was not 100% aware of the Saatchi Bill Fiasco. Until I had an email from <a href="http://www.ovarian.org.uk/" target="_blank">Ovarian Cancer Action</a>. I am one of their Voices, so possibly I SHOULD be aware of this kind of thing. Well. I am now! And now I am Fuming!!</p> <p align="justify">Why? Because some foolish man - <a href="https://twitter.com/Jeremy_Hunt" target="_blank">Jeremy Hunt</a> to be precise [Hunt?? Really? ok…], has stated that 'cancer already has a cure'. So we don't need the <a href="http://saatchibill.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Saatchi Bill</a>. Well, well! I totally missed the news headlines about that little miracle! Stupid man!! IF cancer has been cured, then how is it that there are still so many of my friends that are dying?? DO let me know Jeremy won't you?</p> <p align="justify">It's astounding that a modern man can be so completely and moronically out of touch. The treatment for ovarian cancer has not changed in the last 45 years. Oh, and DO correct me if I'm wrong! Thank God that we didn't have a 'Hunt' when <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidney_Farber" target="_blank">Faber</a> was trying to create a cure for cancer - imagine that! Hunt would have crushed chemotherapy and - oh joy! I and thousands of other cancer patients would now be dead thanks to his lack of foresight. Innovation is the only way forward you foolish man.</p> <p align="justify">Do you think, Jeremy, that the women that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidney_Farber" target="_blank">Farber</a> tested chemotherapy on in the 40's were like you? No. Of course they weren't. They were women who knew that if they didn't try something new - they would simply die. And dying is not an option for cancer patients - in OUR minds, survival is the only option. You make us sick [well - sicker]. And patently, you wish to REALLY make us sick, as in making us die - due to lack of CHOICE. We have to have a choice here - the facts being that IF there is a doctor who has a reasonable treatment, tested and tried in the lab - it should be OUR choice, as cancer patients, to allow that doctor to test his new and innovative treatment on us. NOT YOURS. IF we are at a point in our treatment that none of the traditional [as in chemo] tried and tested treatments will help, WHY is it that we should not be allowed to give permission to a doctor to trial his innovative treatment on us? WHY is it it YOUR decision?</p> <p align="justify">Who do you think you ARE to decide for women whether or not we can live? Who do you think you are to decide that someone who has studied our disease should not be allowed to try to help us?</p> <p align="justify">Why is it that you think you know what is best for women with Ovarian cancer? You have never had it. And never will. Do you think that if perhaps your wife or daughter had <a href="http://sandhysown.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">ovarian cancer</a> [God forbid such a thing], and were at their very last choice, that you would not wish to have the help of an INNOVATIVE doctor - whom could perhaps save her life?</p> <p align="justify">I truly believe that in that situation, you would definitely change your [at the moment] ridiculous and thoughtless point of view. IF there is already a 'cure for cancer' then DO share. I would love to tell the friends I have that are fighting this disease. I am sure it would make their bloody day to know.</p> <p align="justify"><font color="#008080"><em><strong>"It has been reported that Jeremy Hunt at the Department of Health announced last week that it would object to the bill as there was "already a cure for cancer</strong></em>".</font></p> <p align="justify">Lord Saatchi’s Medical Innovation Bill is simply helping doctors innovate new treatments and cures for cancer and other diseases. Why has it been refused? HOW can you object? How could anyone object?</p> <p align="justify">Please. Share this information. Get people to see this. We deserve better than Hunt and his inane refusal. IF I were to have a recurrence, I would desperately want the choice of innovative treatment - the existing treatments we have are limited, and one's body can become immune to them. And the cancer cells can too.</p> <p align="justify">Do NOT let Jeremy Hunt limit your choices. And by doing so, limit your life. Share.</p> <p align="justify"><br /></p> l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-37692636515827019742013-09-24T17:30:00.001+01:002014-10-01T13:03:33.923+01:00tickled pink? not really…<p align="justify"><font color="#27b6b6">Below the picture is a guest post by Joanne [pictured below], a breast cancer survivor who has something she'd like you to understand. <br />…just so you know…no-one is particularly <em>'tickled pink'</em> if they've actually had breast cancer. I don't think I'd be very impressed with a 'Tickled Teal' campaign for ovarian cancer awareness either! Good grief - so, read on!</font></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kIEatjv70mM/UkG-OHJZ6lI/AAAAAAAAC24/F0_pmsLYVFg/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="image" style="display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CBlE3RdPl-o/UkG-Oqw31_I/AAAAAAAAC3A/xA7MYbubZ0s/image_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="600" /></a> October, traditionally known for Halloween, Autumn and harvest festivals, is now known as <strong>Breast Cancer Awareness</strong> month or <em>'Tickled Pink'.</em> </p> <p align="justify">I have no idea who came up with Tickled Pink but I seriously would like to bash their faces in. It's quite obvious, as with most things to raise awareness of breast cancer, e.g.: Facebook status to do with bra colour, handbags, gestation periods - that these people have never had to go through breast or any other cancers. </p> <p align="justify">I don't get offended by many things but this <u>offends</u> me.</p> <p align="justify">The strange thing is, because you have gone through it, your friends think you will automatically sign up to this shit and then they get all defensive when you set the record straight. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UrETqSqtWos/UkG-mwm113I/AAAAAAAAC3Y/RnQauDkRYUM/s1600-h/tickled_pink_NO%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="tickled_pink_NO" style="display: inline" alt="tickled_pink_NO" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qOz5g8qk1ac/UkG-nQUzBgI/AAAAAAAAC3g/fUcor5JK4r8/tickled_pink_NO_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="400" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">There was a time when I would go around buying Tickled Pink stuff thinking I was doing my bit for breast cancer awareness (and let's be honest it's everywhere in Asda throughout October) and not really give it much thought. Then BANG! 2 years ago I heard the words "it's breast cancer" well feck me, doesn't your perspective change then. </p> <p align="justify">One mastectomy later, a 6 inch scar where there used to be a breast, surgeries, more scars and I can tell you it certainly isn't <strong><font color="#ff80ff" size="4">pink</font></strong>, it isn't fluffy and it damn well isn't funny. </p> <p align="justify">Then I got to thinking about Tickled Pink, just how much of the profit of all the products sold actually goes to breast cancer awareness or cancer research? Not the whole lot I would hazard a guess, the supermarket will take a cut, will it be gift aided? Now the sheer volume of products sold means the donation will look huge, but not as huge as if everyone donated what they would pay for these products directly to <a href="http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/" target="_blank">BCC</a> or <a href="http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/home/" target="_blank">cancer research</a> - the amount would be phenomenal.</p> <p align="justify">Please don't buy into the crap, it's a supermarkets way of getting you to buy products you normally wouldn't so they make more money out of the misery that breast cancer causes and all they do is wrap it up with a pink and fluffy name.</p> <p align="justify">I'm a survivor. Don't turn October pink in my name, donate straight to <a href="http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/" target="_blank">breast cancer care</a> or <a href="http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/home/" target="_blank">cancer research</a> or sponsor an <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Joanne-jackson5" target="_blank">event</a>. That's how to make the biggest difference. There are plenty cancer charities out there. Put your money where it will be most effective, and instead of changing your Facebook status to a bra colour<em> (really offensive if someone has no breasts),</em> change it to one that says<strong><font color="#12c7c2"> "For breast cancer awareness month I have donated £XXX to <a href="http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/" target="_blank">BCC</a> or cancer research".</font></strong></p> <p align="justify">Thank you, <br />~ Joanne</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Hvp_ZsqSd-o/UkG-PUPTuyI/AAAAAAAAC3I/F62N3KSpbNg/s1600-h/image%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="image 2" style="display: inline" alt="image 2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nWD_Yz_g6js/UkG-QFdZlPI/AAAAAAAAC3M/8eBw6DAm5gc/image%2525202_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533" /></a></p> l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-3805595464776838542013-08-28T23:41:00.001+01:002014-05-05T21:50:57.056+01:00Dear Boris?<div align="justify">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4euJG3wKuw8/Uh58bztnAKI/AAAAAAAACyU/OZRDObtvH5U/s1600-h/BorisJohnson5.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Boris-Johnson" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0puoU9qJI5A/Uh58ctgvGRI/AAAAAAAACyc/rr4LwfkqnSo/BorisJohnson_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" height="302" style="display: inline;" title="Boris-Johnson" width="400" /></a> Possibly not the best start to a letter – not sure whether to address it to Dear Boris, Dear Mr Johnson or Dear Mr Boris Johnson. Mr Mayor? Hmm. So, Dear Boris seems simplest! ‘Yo Boris’ just seemed rude. Bo-Jo just seems…well…let’s not go there eh?</div>
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Anyway – Mr BJ Mayor Type Person! We need and would really appreciate your help. In 2008, I was diagnosed with <a href="http://sandhysown.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">ovarian cancer</a> – the really crappy kind that sort of tries it’s best to kill you as soon as possible. BUT, I did the chemo thing [nuked the little suckers], I did the ‘omg I have no hair’ thing. And I did the ‘wth? I am very scared’ thing after treatment. Cancer does the most peculiar and irritating things to one’s head. But I am now doing the Survivor thing. Bring THAT on! Oh – and the cyclist thing. Lycra? Moi? Good Lord…</div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gywOLWKPptM/Uh58dKLJNUI/AAAAAAAACyk/3-JiDKHb3js/s1600-h/DSC_0039%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0039" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7SMRBSlluIc/Uh58dmOG4KI/AAAAAAAACys/RFZzrxsc57k/DSC_0039_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="362" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0039" width="400" /></a> </div>
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Anyway – onward and upward to the Now. </div>
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My husband decided [in his wisdom] to get me to sign up for a 400km cycle across Kenya once I had recovered. I signed up in a moment of madness in 2010 [after a couple of glasses of fortifying Oyster Bay]. Since then, I have never looked back. Having cycled 400km across Kenya in 2011, including the Rift Valley, I am now cycling 400km across Cuba in October this year. </div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6VW2qknIroo/Uh58eb9bhRI/AAAAAAAACy0/PVJlwblWymc/s1600-h/cuba%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="cuba" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yaqgHFa1rbQ/Uh58e53nEQI/AAAAAAAACy8/RQl9jgIsM6c/cuba_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="475" style="display: inline;" title="cuba" width="400" /></a> </div>
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These cycles are organised by a woman called Ann Frampton. Ann is a teeny weeny anti cancer bomb – the word ‘inspirational’ is overused and worn. But in this instance, it’s the only word to use. Ann is truly our inspiration – she climbs up and down Ben Nevis – she’s cycled across India, China, Kenya – she’s stormed through the desert burning her feet. She has encouraged literally thousands of women to join her cycles and treks to raise money and awareness for these three charities. Ann is a cervical cancer survivor herself. But that does not define her – she is an incredible person, doing incredible things.</div>
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But ‘Ah yes’, you cry – ‘lot’s of people are doing this kind of thing’. And you would be right! [of course – you’re Boris]. But our next challenge is interesting. For you.</div>
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I know you support cycling. So – read on young man!</div>
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We are doing the very FIRST women only cycle through London at night. It’s called the <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Women-V-Cancer-Ride-the-Night" target="_blank">Women v Cancer Ride the Night</a>. We will cycle 100km through London to raise funds and awareness for <a href="http://www.ovarian.org.uk/" target="_blank">Ovarian Cancer Action</a>, <a href="http://www.jostrust.org.uk/" target="_blank">Jo’s Cervical Trust</a> and <a href="http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/" target="_blank">Breast Cancer Care</a>. We will stay awake all day, cycle all night and curse the very idea of it on the afternoon after we finish. BUT – we will have done something incredible. We’ll have raised lots of money. And we’ll have raised awareness of the symptoms of all three cancers. Which means we’ll have saved at the very least – ONE woman’s life. And we will totter about on stiff legs for a week afterward. Chuckling all the while. Because it will be hilarious!</div>
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There will be 2000 women on this cycle. And we would like your good self to lead us out. Boris and 2000 women. How can you resist?</div>
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Oh, and if you could bring Arnie, that would be such fun ;) </div>
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Please get in touch – either through this blog by making a comment, or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sandhy.robinsonjones" target="_blank">facebook</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/l_optimiste" target="_blank">twitter</a>. Or, answer Ann’s letter, which is winging it’s way toward you as you read this. Or call Ann on <strong>0845 408 2698</strong>! Your People could talk to her People!</div>
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Thanks for reading – we’re looking forward to hearing from you!</div>
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<img alt="l_optimiste" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mL25MWOQjQI/Uh58fNtxtWI/AAAAAAAACzE/54_Bh3w45V4/l_optimiste%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="42" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="l_optimiste" width="139" /> </div>
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LvhCkoC9VeQ/Uh58gLAbA0I/AAAAAAAACzM/ksrd92fvw1U/s1600-h/WVC%252520Ride%252520the%252520Night%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="WVC Ride the Night" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9ZLvpGYM4o0/Uh58gt8iqpI/AAAAAAAACzQ/HXy7L8iyNU0/WVC%252520Ride%252520the%252520Night_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" style="display: inline;" title="WVC Ride the Night" width="400" /></a>l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-55431302002152052352013-08-12T22:30:00.001+01:002013-08-12T22:30:30.020+01:007 weeks, 2 days, 1 hour and counting!<p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v_zULoqZ5yM/UglT031pScI/AAAAAAAACuk/ZF_lwFZTVOs/s1600-h/thegreatshakespeare20136.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline" title="the great shakespeare 2013" alt="the great shakespeare 2013" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_jQuL5f5XNw/UglT1ibYi6I/AAAAAAAACus/EYGTCS-mYok/thegreatshakespeare2013_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="225" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">The Kenya crew, plus Kate and Rachel.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4rSIo4IS8uo/UglT2pa3jcI/AAAAAAAACu0/Ye-eGMS_ie8/s1600-h/thegreatshakespeare20130211.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline" title="the great shakespeare 2013 02" alt="the great shakespeare 2013 02" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8quQJeLZ-4A/UglT3sEoR4I/AAAAAAAACu8/i1JOBJlHhRw/thegreatshakespeare201302_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="267" /></a> Yesterday we did the <a href="http://www.thegreatshakespeareride.org.uk/" target="_blank">Great Shakespeare</a> 100km challenge ride, as a sort of training exercise for <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/sandhy-cycles-Cuba" target="_blank">Cuba</a>. The FH decided to give it a miss this year, so it was just Kate and me driving up to Stratford on Saturday afternoon for an early Sunday start. Missed him being there, but he must have had prescience! What chaos…</p> <p align="justify">We hung the bikes on the back of the car, Kate left her dogs with various sitters, we stuffed all our belongings in and trundled off for what should have been a simple 3 hour drive up. We were so well prepared!! Ha. </p> <p align="justify">On BOTH sides of the motorway there were burning vehicles [incredible], so the resultant traffic jam added 45 minutes to the trip. It was like being in a Mad Max film…at 2 miles per hour. Thank goodness we packed snacks! The bike rack became a bit rackety, so we pulled off, sorted it and and set off again. Two minutes after getting back onto the motorway I felt like someone was stubbing our their cigarette on the back of my thigh! More pulling off [rather FRANTICALLY] only to discover that a rather large red ant [<em>apparently this was the Police speed enforcement ant</em>] had crawled onto my dress at the sort-out-the-bike-rack stop, and was merrily biting the hell out of me! Suffice to say he died and we sallied forth once more into the breach! </p> <p align="justify">Stopped for a coffee at Strensham Services – OMG!! All the Walmart people were there! 8 coach loads of them! Suffice to say we made a very swift rush to the Costa coffee, where we were served something rather resembling mud in a giant cardboard soup bowl. Rushed out into the car park, and in the frenzy to unlock the car before we were beamed up, I and managed to pop the boot, to which the cycle rack is attached. To open and slam it we’d have had to remove bikes and rack…never going to happen at this point. So we drove the rest of the way with the ‘<em>your boot is open, fool!</em>’ light on. By this point we actually didn’t care. We finally arrived at my friend Loraine’s lovely house in the Cotswolds at about 8.30. In one piece, astoundingly enough…</p> <p align="justify">We had a fab dinner provided by Loraine and a catch up and all got to bed at quite a reasonable hour. Up at 6.00 to leave for the start, toast, coffee and bananas for brekkie then Loraine backed into me in the drive! Luckily just a scuff [bring out the T-Cut] and after a bit of manoeuvring we were off.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGFvxvlLHFoa4-6EDOrbdGNEX46ewH-apjm-7e2zs-v7zfUYtJVH-WKgwtS34n2IrmFRJLvlHI8OrW29tN9uPdEDQH1GHgFlWfmoVUS036QxQyTLVWr_JS83gaDX6dd4fKKuZ0PWvN6qr/s1600-h/149013_10151755491563901_1520031389_.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline" title="149013_10151755491563901_1520031389_n" alt="149013_10151755491563901_1520031389_n" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kRDj2GyL4Ig/UglT4-pLVmI/AAAAAAAACvM/qiGtxYpYuJw/149013_10151755491563901_1520031389_%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="395" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">Met up with the Crew at the hotel where the cycle starts, everyone was rather jolly, and we were all looking forward to the days ride.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Oo4wV171tZM/UglT57eG3gI/AAAAAAAACvU/rvDW3c_ZMGo/s1600-h/the%252520great%252520shakespeare%2525202013%25252004%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline" title="the great shakespeare 2013 04" alt="the great shakespeare 2013 04" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b7xzboypbo4/UglT6iSqe-I/AAAAAAAACvY/5gxLsbiaBcU/the%252520great%252520shakespeare%2525202013%25252004_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="267" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">LITTLE DID WE KNOW! For some reason the day was torturous. Cycling into a head wind most of the time, which sort of takes the fun out of it. Instead of whizzing down hills, one cycles down them...at 9 miles per hour. Frustrating. And tiring.</p> <p align="justify">Plus 5 million miles of wheat fields and cute cottages make one a tad disoriented…being in the Cotswolds for too long makes one feel like one has taken a hallucinogenic drug…</p> <p align="justify">Kate and I decided to do The Hill – Larkspur...it’s horrible. No idea what we were thinking. It’s a 21% grade as far as I can remember. I was going so slowly that when a car came down I fell off into a hedge and have some lovely scratches to show for it. Thanks very much to the woman who raced by me shouting ‘get out of the way’ – which I tried to do and fell backwards. But she didn’t stop to see if I had died or not. Probably just as well, as I was a tad peeved at that point! Could have been messy…</p> <p align="justify">Note to Cotswolds people – it’s FAR too cute there, and your roads are terrible! Full of holes and strewn with gravel. And cyclists heh heh</p> <p align="justify">Kate keeled over at the second feed stop, a victim of stuffing far too much cake and bread at the first one. So we lounged about there for a while while she recovered, smoking and drinking coffee, supplied by the amazing ladies who, every year, are there smiling and supplying fab grub to over 600 cyclists.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-nsHrIaNk1nmnzdpwTizzyi9Um3BTuORg1Q3VIta52-Oet9uDpXKLths0iaGRrSw1Q7ZDfIlxxGFL3sR5WpPBoTFi-V66sIhTfnQh8pdZRMxfh1E-_SrZmETN66tXOlqzYXZToqAP1T-/s1600-h/cotswolds025.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline" title="cotswolds 02" alt="cotswolds 02" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Tvl9_c9AR-g/UglT7vO_vXI/AAAAAAAACvs/w1tMATKpchU/cotswolds02_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kxdI7D6jevg/UglT8uCYhSI/AAAAAAAACv0/0Ivipzy0pG4/s1600-h/cotswolds015.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline" title="cotswolds 01" alt="cotswolds 01" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NzMABvUzxbY/UglT9FVMiVI/AAAAAAAACv4/KcJLOUT_xOw/cotswolds01_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">We finally lost the will to cycle after some fellow told us there were only 4 km to go, when actually there were still 12 to go! Met up with one of the other Cuba girls and we had a Team Spazz Out, then a mad jelly baby scoffing attack, girded our loins and got going – to find we only had another corner then it was 400 yards to the finish! Total disorientation. </p> <p align="justify">But even with all the delays and chaos, I still beat my time from last year by half an hour, so it’s not all bad! Plus we DID drive for 8 hours, sleep for 5 and then cycle for 6. I’d say that’s a good training day, as we were still functioning this morning!</p> <p align="justify">The <a href="http://www.thegreatshakespeareride.org.uk/" target="_blank">Great Shakespeare Cycle</a> is the best organised cycle we’ve done. This is the third year I’ve done it. I forget how hard it is each time. It’s so well organised, you get your time chip, excellent food, go out like the Tour and the marshalling and signage are brilliant. I’d recommend anyone to do it, plus it raises funds for an excellent charity.</p> <p align="justify">If we do it again though, it’ll be a full weekend job, so we can rest before and afterward! Only 7 weeks to go until Cuba! So next weekend we will be mainly cycling up and down hills! In DEVON!</p> l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-70244265750885337492013-07-09T10:46:00.001+01:002013-07-09T10:46:10.040+01:00statistics<p align="justify">Yesterday, I looked at some STATISTICS – and lost the plot a bit. Statistics always do that to me, and usually I avoid ‘seeing’ them if at all possible. Plus I usually don’t take any notice of them, because ‘statistically’ I should probably be dead. And as I’m not, I feel justified in ignoring them. A bit like weather reports. But the big bill board was a bit hard to NOT see, which led to the ‘omg! omg!’ attack. Fear creates anger in my head. Then I need to DO something, which is not always possible.</p> <p align="justify">But, saying that, something useful DID come of my Statistic Shriek. I was reading an article [copied in below, as they sometimes disappear – actual article <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/women_shealth/10163520/Catch-ovarian-cancer-before-the-disease-catches-you.html" target="_blank">here</a>] about the sad death of Pierce Brosnan's daughter, Charlotte, and I discovered that in the UK, <strong><em>women at high risk</em></strong> are eligible for annual screening once they reach the age of 35, <strong><em>or are five years away from when their youngest relative was diagnosed</em></strong> with the disease.</p> <p align="justify">This is great! And why didn’t I know? Please share this information. It could save someone's life. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BJG0KLEklJU/Udvb3sqyXPI/AAAAAAAACrE/YhWd5O2Ij2Y/s1600-h/brosnan-health%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline" title="brosnan-health" alt="brosnan-health" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pnv8NK4S6O8/Udvb4AfBNnI/AAAAAAAACrM/dQi4odZCwos/brosnan-health_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="250" /></a> </p> <p><font size="1">Pierce Brosnan with his daughter Charlotte, who has died of ovarian cancer, aged 42</font></p> <blockquote> <p align="justify"><strong>“Catch ovarian cancer before the disease catches you <br /></strong></p> <font color="#00ffff">By Max Pemberton <br /></font> <p align="justify"><strong>The death of Pierce Brosnan's daughter, Charlotte, from ovarian cancer must increase awareness of this often ignored disease. </strong></p> <p align="justify">The sad news last week that Pierce Brosnan’s daughter, Charlotte Emily, has died of ovarian cancer at the age of 42 has put this oft-ignored disease on the news agenda. It is the fifth most common cancer in women, with 7,000 cases diagnosed annually in the UK, yet it is rarely in the headlines compared with, say, breast or cervical cancer. <br />Ovarian cancer has been linked to certain genetic mutations that are also implicated in breast cancer; and the tragedy of Charlotte’s death was compounded by the fact that her mother Cassandra, Brosnan’s first wife, died of the same disease in 1991. <br />Whenever someone in the public eye is diagnosed with or dies from a disease, the number of anxious people visiting their GP with apparent symptoms rises. Often, these are the ''worried well’’, but in the case of ovarian cancer, not all women who may be at increased risk realise they are entitled to regular monitoring on the NHS. <br />If any good can come from this death, it is an increased awareness of the support and screening services available for women with a higher-than-average chance of developing the disease. They include those who have a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer (two or more close relatives from the same side of the family, such as a mother, sister or daughter, who are diagnosed under the age of 50). Such women may have inherited a mutation on the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene and can be referred for genetic testing. <br />The chance of developing ovarian cancer for most women is one in 50, but for those with this mutation, the risk rises to between 15 and 45 per cent. </p> <p align="justify"><strong><em>Women at high risk are eligible for annual screening once they reach the age of 35, or are five years away from when their youngest relative was diagnosed with the disease. Screening includes a blood test for a chemical that is sometimes produced by ovarian cancer cells and an ultrasound scan.</em></strong><strong><em> <br /></em></strong>Anyone concerned about the risk of ovarian cancer should use the online information tool called <a href="http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Aboutus/Healthprofessionals/Cancer_genetics/OPERA.aspx" target="_blank">Opera</a> <a href="http://www.macmillan.org.uk" target="_blank">(http://www.macmillan.org.uk</a>), which will help them decide whether they should seek medical advice.”</p></blockquote> l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-10549575693254403192013-07-09T01:23:00.001+01:002013-07-09T01:23:35.192+01:00funDraising – it’s not ‘fun’ – the ‘d’ stands for desperate<p align="justify">I am starting to think that people assume that we are raising money for the fun of it.  Not me; my friends and family have been wonderfully supportive of my efforts – but recently I have been trying to help my friend and fellow Cuba cyclist, Kate, to reach her target. I have sent out emails to various business groups we have both been/are involved in – and the result has been <strong><em><font color="#00ffff">A Resounding Silence</font></em></strong> from the majority of the recipients. Not all – but most.</p> <p align="justify">And it’s  <strong><em><font color="#00ffff">A Resounding Silence </font></em></strong>that makes me cross. And VERY disappointed. And very upset. It’s enough to make you cry. We are not fund raising for ourselves! This is not about personal gain. We are not fund raising because it’s ‘fun’. We are fund raising because the situation is desperate. </p> <p align="justify">So it’s upsetting when people who you KNOW could afford a fiver, well – they just don’t. And yes, I know everyone has their own charity – but it doesn’t help me feeling that a tiny donation – a pound even? – would be kind. We are supposed to be a team – business networking is supposed to create that. Well. Pfft! To say I am disappointed with the Business Network ‘support’ is a huge understatement.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_dHqBjMSDl8/UdtYA445aXI/AAAAAAAACqo/tHk0kc_Gyxc/s1600-h/944231_10153017218685331_382162238_n%25255B11%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline" title="944231_10153017218685331_382162238_n" alt="944231_10153017218685331_382162238_n" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RefGeVhTW0A/UdtYBTfGctI/AAAAAAAACqw/dvflOIj2oFs/944231_10153017218685331_382162238_n_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">Check this out – a woman dies EVERY TEN HOURS of ovarian cancer…every ten hours! FFS!! IT’S ENOUGH TO MAKE YOU SCREAM WITH TERROR!</p> <p align="justify">The treatment of ovarian cancer has not changed much in the last 10 years. This is not a good thing. EVERYTHING else has changed in that time. We have mobile phones that we can see each other when we call – we have electric cars; we have microwave ovens; using a machine-brain interface, researchers are making it possible for otherwise paralyzed humans to control neuroprostheses – essentially mechanical limbs that respond to human thought – allowing them to walk; t<strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QoG9yB2C94&feature=player_embedded" target="_blank">he Eye of Gaia, a billion-pixel telescope</a></strong> will be sent into space this year to begin photographing and mapping the universe on a scale that was recently impossible; <strong><a href="http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/index.html" target="_blank">The Mars Science Laboratory</a></strong> – by August 2012, the next mission to Mars will reach the Martian surface with a new rover named <em>Curiosity</em> focusing on whether Mars could ever have supported life, and whether it might be able to in the future.</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">I ask this – is it more important to see if Mars ever supported life or is it more important to make life that we have already, less agonising when we pass or less agonising to survive??</p> <p align="justify">Women who die of ovarian cancer do NOT go “gentle into that good night". They go kicking and screaming – they don’t want to die. Usually they are far too young – in my experience anyway. They leave behind children, husbands – life. But it takes them. It takes them and it does it in a hideous and painful way. Death by ovarian cancer us NOT a gentle passing.</p> <p align="justify">So please. PLEASE help us? No donation is too small – yes – you have heard it all before, but every time you hear it, it’s meant. Every single charity DOES need and deserve our help. But in this instance, we are asking for just a little donation. EVERYONE will either suffer cancer themselves in their lives or have a dear relative or friend suffer it.</p> <p align="justify">Kate’s <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/sandhy-cycles-Cuba" target="_blank">justgiving</a> address is <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Kate-cycles-Cuba" target="_blank">HERE</a> – please – if you can – as I said; no donation is too small.</p> <p align="justify">Thank you. And thank you for reading too – and my apologies for the rage, but I feel so strongly about this…</p> l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125824943565808437.post-76882202587524517252013-06-23T01:18:00.001+01:002013-06-23T01:18:28.632+01:00women rule!<p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MjPTwID0LiU/UcY-wdc6pTI/AAAAAAAACno/pQJgNp3Tj9A/s1600-h/chameleondesignadvert20.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline" title="chameleondesignadvert" alt="chameleondesignadvert" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nV_lTygCh68/UcY-xQTvShI/AAAAAAAACnw/tMmoz0ZmbKk/chameleondesignadvert_thumb12.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="558" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">Between freelance work, which is buzzing merrily along at last [fingers firmly crossed about THAT - look! I even placed an advert! - my self confidence is at LAST reappearing.] And fund raising for <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/sandhy-cycles-Cuba" target="_blank">Cuba</a> and waiting for my check-up and trying [with limited success I might add] to TRAIN for Cuba, I haven’t much thought about an update on here. But due to some gentle nagging from various parties, here I am again.</p> <p align="justify">I think the most important thing to the majority of followers of this rather lazily updated blog is that I am still NED! I had my check-up on the 11 June – it was the last 6 monthly check up I ever hope to have. In August, I reach my ‘5 year all clear’ [scary!] so my next one is in a year. Changing over to an annual check up is strangely disturbing. Like letting go of the hand that is supporting you. One wobbles a bit at first. I am still wavering between relief and panic. Mostly panic. Which I will get over. I still have a large risk of recurrence – but I also still have my amazing cancer team at the RD&E. So. Not thinking too much about that.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNunJFATtu4MWm60p5m7Sg2zMZ29_DmaU8TzgO4nOzwuNDoaQHWP6CahO-L3HtCWDCS4iFDKhzVoRaQ0-0ek42MccuzslEAavKjDvaAoCYYz-94ORTrud7Zn-ZjyD0GjIDw-f0RHjhdzRd/s1600-h/inspirational_woman_semifinal%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline" title="inspirational_woman_semifinal" alt="inspirational_woman_semifinal" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4hEHNA-cMws/UcY-yxkEmbI/AAAAAAAACoA/cbvVqqbYalg/inspirational_woman_semifinal_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="243" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">In other news, I have made it to the semi-finals of the <a href="http://devon.venusawards.co.uk/" target="_blank">Venus Awards</a>! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Venus-Awards-Devon/526902063992095?fref=ts" target="_blank">Devon page here.</a> My category is sponsored by <a href="http://www.theoldbagcompany.co.uk/"><strong>The Old Bag Company</strong></a>. For the Inspirational Woman category, there were 307 nominations. I am so touched to have made it through to the semi finals! Amazing. I am not quite sure how many semi-finalists there are, but at the end of the day, just making it through AND being nominated at all is such an honour. Thank you Rita and sundry other friends for nominating me!</p> <p align="justify">And I am cycling! Training for the 400km across Cuba – I even have a new bike, kindly sold to me at a stupid price by my fellow cyclist, Kate. This weekend coming, we will be sallying forth to do the 60 mile <a href="http://forcecancercharity.co.uk/" target="_blank">Force Cancer Charity</a> ride. I am convinced I haven’t trained enough, but hey ho – we will do it! Check out the shirt design by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheChameleonDesign" target="_blank">Chameleon Design</a>! This is Kate and me at the training weekend in the Cotswolds. Good fun!</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-giLlIcRXZiY/UcY-z0yN4dI/AAAAAAAACoI/XbNUpp2XJsY/s1600-h/kate-and-I%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline" title="kate-and-I" alt="kate-and-I" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AHXd_rae2HU/UcY-0iKX9MI/AAAAAAAACoQ/sUq6ZSMkiAE/kate-and-I_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="434" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Other good news is that I have beaten my fundraising <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/sandhy-cycles-Cuba" target="_blank">target</a>! Thank you SO much all of you who went to brunches, bought raffle tickets, appeared at events and donated raffle prizes. It does mean a lot to me, and I note every single donation, no matter how small – every little helps! Thank you all!</p> l'optimistehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822694635023060681noreply@blogger.com0