Hypochondria?

As the check up looms I become more emotional. And a bit scared. Quite scared actually. Completely insomniac. It's normal – but it doesn't make it easier. All us cancery types are the same – check up time is murderous. We turn into monsters and we can't help it. But happily the people who love us understand. It's simply nerves. But nerves can cause untold dramas.

I am worried because I have a 'symptom'. Grr. Symptoms suck. I have a bloated tummy and it's doing my head in. To say the least. But I wonder if it's hypochondria? Or just plain terror of a bad result – I had my bloods done this week. That was fun. Not. I kept thinking I should have done this, or I should have done that…when, in reality, nothing I do will make any difference. Either the cancer will take hold again or it won't.

I damn well hope it can't! I need to cycle 400 km across Kenya on October! I keep thinking something is going to happen to stop me doing that – and I would be FURIOUS if it did.

So. Cross your fingers or say your prayers for me. I need every  help I can get…

check up. and more cycling!

Getting off the Exe ferry with the bike – a bit heavy for stairs!
Pfft! Would so love to NOT have to have check ups – but I am sure I'd have a mental breakdown without them. Even the change from 3 monthly to 6 monthly almost gave me a heart attack…but I've got used to it now.

This next check up will be serious, as I feel like I need full MOT before I go to Kenya. For my mental health more than anything. Plus I am hoping everything is still ok and the CA 125 is LOW. Lots of problems with my tummy recently haven't helped my mind set, but I will see what they say. Hopefully it will be on the lines of: 'don't be stupid'.

Obviously I had to get a waiver for the travel insurance – another one of those hideous phone calls where I was talking to a person who is not trained deal with cancery types – plus they quite patently find the entire discussion repugnant. Well – ME TOO!! I so hate insurance companies. But I am stronger now, and can cope with it without bursting into tears afterward.
But you would think that an insurance company specifically chosen for this kind of event would have people who were a little more simpatico – trained or informed even?? Pfft! Well, that would be a NO. grr. Anyway.

I have been madly stuffing my brain with work and cycling in order to avoid having a brain full of cancery stuff. The cycle training is fabulous for this – you really cannot think about anything else but getting your butt UP THAT HILL when you're cycling. Last weekend we did a 50 mile [turned out to be 57 miles!] for Force. The FH and I were on our  mountain bikes – the road bike peeps kept asking us if we were mad [as they passed us at speed]…because our bikes weigh a ton compared to theirs, making it that much more difficult. But we did it in 5 and a half hours! brilliant – and the inclines were a pig, so we're well chuffed.

This weekend we did the Exe loop – turned out to be about 20 miles, and the track is amazing! Apart from one small glitch at Starcross, where the cycle path ends in a curb, as averse to a ramp…er – hello CRASH! My front wheel hugged the curb, I braked and flew over the handlebars. Even my best attempt at a commando roll didn't help – THREE grazes on my knee [how does that happen? surely one would have been sufficient?] a smashed back of the hand, plus an interesting shoulder wound. Thank goodness for gloves, or my palms would have resembled mince meat. I now need new gloves. Oh and a new knee might be nice ;)

So, here we have: insane blonde hair [what is that all about??], a grazed shoulder, knee and hand and a pained face!

The route is great – it hugs the estuary all the way to Exmouth.

We did home to Exmouth; in Exmouth we went to our favourite pub, the Grove [this is where we went after I was diagnosed – I always remember ringing my Mum and brother from there – it's my good luck pub! Views over the estuary are wonderful] then took the ferry across to Starcross because I love going on ferries ;) It costs £5.00 each plus £1.00 for each bike. But it was fun. And today was so hot! Amazing weather. I really need to get my lazy butt to the hairdressers too – my hair has gone blonde? Madness. Then Starcross to home.

From Starcross we made our [wounded and stinging!] way to the Turf Locks, where all they are allowed to give bleeding people is a 'non alcoholic wet wipe'. For which I was extremely grateful…but really! What happened to germolene or spray iodine? Health & safety patently put paid to sense. I put loads of ice on the bleeding bits and then had a lovely glass of medicinal [heh heh]  wine in the sun.

We then trundled the last 5 miles home against the wind [as usual!]from there and had a fab bbq in the garden, which was like Morocco – HOT!! What a lovely day! Look – lots of Hollyhocks on the path.

KENYA BIKE RIDE: the REVISED itinerary!

The first WOMEN V CANCER cycle [which I am doing-yay!] is 29 October – 7 November.
There are 4 further cycles on these dates: 6 – 15 Nov & 18 – 27 Nov 2011 / 11 – 20 Feb & 19 – 28 Feb 2012

I absolutely can't wait now! Only 59 days to go! I will find out this week if I am actually going – come on postman!! Hurry up! I hope I'm going - I've raised over and above the minimum target of £2800 too, thanks to all my wonderful friends and family. £4,528.00 so far and still counting :)

"But you can still donate here if you would like to help make a difference to research into ovarian, breast and cervical cancer."

Below is our itinerary as it stands at the moment. It could change but I am not as worried as I was, having completed a road cycle [on my mountain bike…groan] for Force. The FH and I did 57 miles, all uphill [impossible, but it seemed like it!] in 5 hours! A radically different cycle than the training weekend in the Cotswolds…these people were really competitive and don't trundle along at all. Then we did the Great Shakespeare – another 67 miles!

But check out the trip! I am hoping to post the map of the ride next week once I have the correct route. The hotels look great too.

Day 1: 29 October.
Overnight from London to Nairobi. 8 hours. Imagine 80 women all in the same plane for 8 hours…it's going to be hilarious.

Day 2: 30 October.
Nairobi – Nyeri - 5km cycling approx.

Morning arrival in Nairobi. Coach transfer to Green Hills Hotel in Nyeri (3–4 hours approx). Nyeri is one of the largest towns in the Central Highlands and the gateway to Aberdare National Park. Bike fitting on arrival [we are all taking our own seats – see example of bike supplied in Kenya above] followed by a short warm up ride to Baden Powell’s grave. The founder of the Scout Association movement spent his final days here. If it’s a clear day we’ll enjoy views up to Mount Kenya. Tonight after dinner we hear more about the challenge ahead.

Day 3: 31 October.
Nyeri – Nyahururu - 99km cycling approx.
[*62 miles]

Today is a tough introduction to the challenge. Once into the lush countryside that surrounds Nyeri, we pass fields of crops including fruit, vegetables, sugar cane, tea and coffee. It’s a long steady climb with several downhill stretches over small river valleys with some fantastic views. We’ll be able to see majestic Mount Kenya in the distance and Aberdare National Park at closer range. After 83km we reach the equator for the first time. Overnight at the Thomson’s Fall Lodge. As the name suggests there is a great view of the waterfalls from the hotel grounds.

Day 4: 1 November. 
Nyahururu – Nakuru then transfer to Baringo -  57km cycling approx.
[*35 miles]

Shorter easier day, with some uphill cycling, through lush countryside. We leave Nyahururu and head into the Subukia Valley. After around 14km we stop at a viewpoint over the valley (2550m). From there we continue to Subukia town. As the day progresses we pass vast tea plantations with their light green hues. After lunch transfer 120km to Baringo a small village next to one of Kenya’s fresh water lakes. Over night at Soi Safari Lodge. Which looks fabulous! 'Giraffe skin' sofas!

Day 5: 2 November.
Kabarnet – Eldoret - 85km cycling approx.
[*53 miles]

The most challenging day of the ride crossing the Kerio Valley and climbing the Elgeyo escarpment. We start with a transfer from Baringo to Kabarnet (approx 1 hr). The ride begins with 18km of downhill, parts of which are quite steep. After around 28km we encounter a very serious climb on windy roads through a pretty forest with lots of butterflies. You will be given the opportunity to take up either the bronze (6km), silver (15km) or gold (23km) Hill Challenge! [er – no brainer, I believe we'll be doing the bronze??]

There will be a huge sense of achievement when we reach the top of the hill (2293m) and we’ll be rewarded with fantastic views across the Rift Valley. After lunch the rest of the ride is generally much flatter through a beautiful area with little traffic. Overnight at the Wagon Hotel.

Day 6: 3 November.
Eldoret – Kakamega - 92km (61km on tarmac & 31km on dirt road) if there has been no rain.
[*57 miles]

There are two options for cycling from Eldoret to Kakamega. The one we take will depend on the weather in the days before we arrive here.

If there is no rain we will do the following. This day is made up of two halves. Up to lunch time we cycle on very hilly tarmac roads which undulate through plantations and farms. There are some steeper longer hills when we reach Kapsabet. After lunch we cycle on a dirt track past small farms and villages and into rainforest towards Kakamega. Overnight at the Golf Hotel in Kakamega.

However, if there has been rain (which is not unlikely), we will continue cycling on the tarmac road for another 31km to assure that we have covered the same distance. From here we will be transferred the rest of the way to the Golf Hotel in Kakamega.

Day 7: 4 November.
Kakamega – Kisumu - 53km cycling approx.
[*33 miles]

Today’s ride is mainly downhill with some steep climbs. After 39km we get our first view of our final destination - Lake Victoria which covers 70,000 square kilometres and is the major geographical feature in this part of the continent.

Traffic starts to build up as we near Kisumu, which surprisingly is Kenya’s third largest town. We finish cycling around lunch time. Overnight at the Sunset Hotel and a well deserved celebratory meal. [which, according to travel reviews, has a lot of mosquitoes…]

Day 8: 5 November.
Transfer Kisumu – Nakuru approx 4 hours

We transfer by road to Nakuru. This afternoon is free to relax or take part in an optional game drive. Overnight in Nakuru at the Waterbuck Hotel.

Day 9: 6 November.
Transfer Nakuru – Nairobi approx 3-4 hours

This morning we have an early transfer to Nairobi. We have an optional visit [£20 per person] to an elephant orphanage the where orphaned babies are looked after & raised until they are ready to return to the wild in the Nairobi National Park. This 120 square mile national park is home to giraffes, monkeys, rhinos, antelopes and more.

We will  visit Faraja Cancer Support to see the work of the cancer support project which we are supporting. For those of you on Facebook, their page is here.

We will be having lunch at the Faraja Cancer Support Centre, and can buy snacks or a meal at the hotel if we wish. In the evening there is no 'inclusive' meal provided at the hotel.

We overnight at the Ole-Sereni hotel which does look rather fab! The change in the itinerary is due to the blown up nightclub and bus stop in Nairobi. Action for Charity have decided that the Ole-Sereni is safer for us. Suits me! Check out the bar area, overlooking the Nairobi National Park…bring it on!

Day 10: 7 November.
Nairobi – UK

Transfer to the airport for our flight to London, arriving the same day. Drive home to Devon!

 

The Rift Valley shears through Kenya from Lake Turkana in the north to Lake Magadi in the south, crossing from inhospitable desert through fertile farming country and back to desert. It is a fascinating volcanic landscape and although most activity ceased some 2 million years ago, forces are still at work. Revered by anthropologists as the 'cradle of humanity', Kenya is the heart of African safari country, boasting the most diverse collection of wild animals on the continent.

It lies on Africa's east coast, and shares a border with Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania. Its coast is lapped by the Indian Ocean and it shares the vast waters of Lake Victoria with its western neighbours. Kenya's flora is bright, wonderful and often weird but extraordinarily diverse with some 10,0000 species from tiny wayside flowers to giant hardwood trees. It has no fewer than 1,033 known species of bird and range in size from the tiny sunbird to the huge ostrich and cover every colour of the rainbow. Kenya boasts some 160 species of mammals. "The Big Five" lions, buffaloes, elephants, leopards and rhinos all cavort openly in Kenya's main parks but rhinos are very rare and leopards are very shy.

All elephant Photographs above are Copyright by The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

This itinerary is complex and subject to change and © Copyright of Classic Tours

more cycling!

I must say, I can't BELIEVE I am doing this. When I first signed up for the cycle it was as if I was destined to do it – Action for Charity 'persuaded' me, so did the FH. And I was ok with it, as it seemed light years away. Now, it's 123 days, 21 hours, 42 minutes and 3 seconds away! [yep – we all have the iPhone app!]. NOW it's becoming real. The fund raising has been exhausting but fun. The cycle training is exhausting but not that much fun! Well, it's fun, but AFTER the event.

This weekend the FH and I did a 57 mile cycle for the Force Cancer Charity. They are close to our hearts, as they were there for both of us during my treatment. We took advantage of their various programs, the best one for me being the Look Good Feel better day – loved it [even though I really had to force myself to go].

The day started out with drizzle – and we all looked completely…well...not normal! Lycra cycle shorts and hat [!] are not the most flattering attire ;)

We waited for the 100 milers to set off at 8.00, so we had brekkie in the meantime – Force supplied a fabulous kedgeree and porridge. All for free.  I had kedgeree – the FH had porridge? Ugh. Then at 8.30 we got going. First thing that happened was a fellow fell off his bike at the start line! Poor chap – cringe!

Then we were off – there's something quite amazing about cycling with lots of other people. It gives you confidence and there's an amazing camaraderie. We were four deep on the dual carriageway – makes car drivers think twice about driving into one.
We of course were on our mountain bikes [Kenya I am using a mountain bike, so we're using them for training] – oh woe! The road bike peeps were going past us and commenting about how insane we were. We just didn't realise – the course is for road bikes. It's very hilly – road bikes are so light and have such thin tyres. Whereas our mountain bikes have knobbly tyres and weigh a ton! Well, we made it – we did the 57 miles in about 5 hours. Pretty good time, but ohmygod it was torture!! It seemed like the entire course was a big hill! My chain fell off twice as I tried to change gear too fast in the face of sharp inclines.

I was bitching so much on the very longest hill [Long Drag Hill to Nomansland] that the FH actually reminded me of when I was struggling to walk up the hills of Porto. Unlike him to drag up past memories of chemo – but it did make me think. I could never have achieved this then. I really would have fallen over into a shrub! Probably vomiting…and I did make it up all the beastly hills! Here I am, second in the pic. gritting my teeth and gears 1:1.

We eventually got back to Topsham, [with a lot of swearing and groaning on my part!] to receive a medal and re-register to let everyone know we'd arrived. Shot off to the bar and got a glass of wine each to celebrate – we couldn't believe we'd done it! 57 miles!! On mountain bikes! Bloody amazing – well impressed with ourselves!

Lay on the grass in the sun – listened to lovely live music and drank our plastic glass of wine. Too brilliant!

We eventually went home, after listening for a while to the live band and watching people [good fun]. The sun was out, so we collapsed on the patio on a big throw. What an exhausting day – we were in bed by 9.30 – but so worthwhile. This year I couldn't ask for sponsorship for the ride – I've already asked all my friends and family for money for the Women v Cancer cycle. But next year we will be asking sponsorship for this ride – and we will have road bikes! This year we simply paid the £25 registration.
Here I am getting cake! The Force ladies made a ton of it, plus sarnies…made me remember when I was in chemo. The Force ladies would come round with sandwiches for us.  They are such sweeties.

Here's the ride map.

So – at least I now know I will be able to do the hills in Kenya. There we will be using mountain bikes – no frills, and normal gears. That's how I will train.

In the meantime, finding the expenses is a slight nightmare – airport taxes: £280 – visa: £30 – inoculations: £?? – malaria tablets etc etc…uff! But I WILL do this.

And of course, just to add to the drama, my check up is coming soon.

ugh.

women v cancer – training weekend

Vicky and I before the ride

What an amazing weekend! 37 of the 80 women doing the first cycle [I think 37?] all got together this weekend for a training weekend. We arrived Friday night for what was to be a 2 day training session of 40 miles per day in the Cotswolds. Ho ho. Stupid English weather fixed that plan!

Check out my lovely hat…

Friday night we stayed at the Volunteer Inn in Chipping Campden. Great place – absolutely spotless! Loved it.
I drove up after a manic days work, through such heavy rain that I had the fog lights on all the way – visibility was about 10 yards! I was nervous about meeting lots of women all at once, and terrified about having to cycle 40 miles per day…my training has been non existent. So we all met up for drinkies [and CAKE!!] and some dinner [do not have an omelette in a curry house – yuck. Curry looked fabulous though!] Then rather decorously went to bed at 11.30 with plans to meet for brekkie at 7.30. We had to be at Vicarage Farm by 9.00 for a 9.30 set off.

Saturday we all sprang up, had a full English, nicked a few bananas and tootled off behind the extremely organised Anita, bikes sticking out of every vehicle. We had an introduction to the day, met the man on the ground, Ed [he was support – and so chirpy as we slogged up the hills that we wanted to kill him heh heh], Calum – our first port of call for all queries, his mum, and Reg the support vehicle driver. We had Nicky Jones, our very own tri-athlete too. She raced up and down like a maniac giving advice and directing us. Then we had the awesome Trisha, who is coming on the cycle – she did the route and made sure none of us got run over by a bus, tractor or car. She also adjusted our bike seats etc so we were more comfortable. A very useful person.

Organised, and off we went. We stopped at the Fleece Inn for a rather interesting lunch of tomato soup, chips and bread rolls. All morning we had sun and it was great, but as we left the Fleece the weather closed in. The upshot of which was that we did 48 miles!! In ONE day…as we left, the rain arrived. But we were lucky and it didn't drown us.
Here is Vicky and me leaving the Fleece. Why we look so cheerful I can't begin to imagine!

I really struggled with the hills. One of them I am sure was actually vertical, and I had to get off the bike half way and walk – I was crying with rage! But, with a bit of advice from the girls, I made it up a really long hill with a 12% gradient – I am so pleased!

Saturday night we had dinner and mistook one of the girls for Aggie! I still have no idea who I was talking to, but it was not Aggie. Here I am in full training mode on the way to the Red Lion for my dinner.
All told, a fabulous day because I am now confident I can do the Kenya cycle. I am amazed that I managed to cycle a whole 48 miles – I really didn't think I'd do it.

Plus we met up with loads of amazing women who, until now, I've only been in touch with on Facebook. The camaraderie and support were amazing. It was great fun – unfortunately, Sunday's weather was a nightmare. I didn't see any point in putting myself through torture, plus risking a cold, so I bottled it and came home on a high.

The drive was awful again – and some of the girls stayed and cycled in the horrible gales and rain! All credit girls, I had enough trouble keeping the car on the road!

So I have just booked up for a 50 mile cycle for Force – good practice and I need the saddle time. I do rather wonder if I've lost the plot ;)