Anniversary

Posted on 07/08/2011 by AnnaGoAnna

I don’t often talk about Mum anymore… or at least not out loud. I do however go to dial her phone number and remember that she’s no longer here…. or I find myself talking to her or asking her opinion and then worrying that I’m not doing things as she’d want them to be done, or more often get frustrated and pissed off that she’s not here anymore. I also get upset that she’s not here to celebrate my achievements.

I was recently nominated by two separate people for the Divine Woman Award 2011. The two people who nominated me don’t even know each other but know me – one from the US and one from the UK. Astonishingly they also nominated me for slightly different reasons… one for my work within the cancer arena focusing on survivorship, patient involvement and support. The other for my work within the cancer arena but more particularly for my phyllodes work – finding out more, probing and asking questions, sourcing new information and more importantly my helping others newly diagnosed and through our Facebook group ‘Phyllodes Support Group’. Divine Chocolate realised that I had been nominated twice and I was shortlisted and invited, with a plus1, to the Finalists Reception with 5 other entrants. I didn’t win, but the lady who did was very deserving and amazing… as were the other finalists too. I went to the Finalist Reception alone because the only person I really wanted to accompany me was my Mum and she’s no longer here. But I hope she looked down and was proud of me and why I had been nominated and why I was selected from all the entrants to be in the final 6.

Mum fought for more information on Multiple Sclerosis, more research, more progress, more support and more awareness… she used to drive us all nuts in her quest to help and find out more. I knew why but I used to say to her to concentrate on herself rather than ‘the cause’ and get frustrated that right up until she was no longer able to use her fingers to write and use the computer, she would be writing to medics, politicians and health authorities with information, research or questions. I now so understand why she did it and why it meant so much to her to know that she had tried to do something so that others behind her may not have to struggle with MS the way that she had. She was determined to help find an answer as to why this dreadful disease existed and to find a way to relieve the symptoms for others. I know that she will have made a difference with everything she did… I just hope that I can do so with Phyllodes too.

So Mum, 2 years ago today I watched you close your eyes and soon take your last breath. I watched you peacefully slip away leaving behind your damaged body on this earth. You’d had enough of the fight. I know it was your choice to leave. But I miss you so much. Love you Mum.

Divine Woman Awards 2011

Posted on 28/06/2011 by AnnaGoAnna

I didn’t win, but the lady, Carline Ikoroha, who did was very deserving and amazing… as were the other finalists. Here’s the press release that Divine Chocolate.

(http://www.divinechocolate.com/uk/press/press-releases/2011/6/divine-woman-awards-2011-winner-announced)

Here are the other fabulous finalists together with Livia Firth and Sophi Tranchell…

and of course my finalist certificate.

I guess the oddest thing about the award though is that I don’t feel deserving of it nor do I feel that I’ve done anything extraordinary or outstanding.

The one element of all that I’m doing and have done is that I really don’t want to be ‘centre-stage’ – it’s really not about me!

Other press:
http://www.retail-jeweller.com/winner-of-ingle-and-rhode-founded-award-announced/5027045.articlehttp://www.ingleandrhode.co.uk/blog/winner-of-the-divine-women-awards-announced/

London Marathon 2011

Posted on 17/04/2011 by AnnaGoAnna

Not sure I’ll ever be fit enough to run the London Marathon but that doesn’t stop me from heading up there to support ~~idiots~~ heros that do!

Today my new friend, Phil Wilson, is running to raise money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. He’s been training hard and given up the rock and roll lifestyle to put his heart and soul into running the race.
Various ‘team Phil’ were at different spots along the route to cheer him on. I was at mile 25… not far from the end and we were cheering pretty loudly. When Phil made it this far he looked to be in pain but rallied by the support.

He then grabbed a flag from Sarah and ran on, leaving many of us (including me), in tears. Phil was running it for all diagnosed by cancer… a few of us had the honour of being named on the flag. I didn’t know about it beforehand so ‘thank you’ Phil. An honour to share it with so many other amazing people… some of whom I have the pleasure to call my friends.

Phil did amazingly well. He finished the race. He raised a lot of money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. He also did a great deal of media talking about why he was racing and, of course, his blog and social media. Worth a read… and watch out for his next adventure once his Tiger Feet have recovered…

Isolation

Posted on 05/03/2011 by AnnaGoAnna

Through my own experiences and sharing with others, I realised that ‘surviving’ after a cancer diagnosis is far more than regular checks and/or medication. There is a huge emotional and psychological impact, there’s a new need to cope with hearing those words ‘you have cancer’, a re-evaluation, a recognition that procrastination no longer has a place in our lives and an eagerness to live, to thrive and to survive. I say that not to be glib or assume that it is easy either. For many the ‘reality’ hits us like a ten-tonne truck often at the strangest of times and may even be quite some time after diagnosis or triggered by something random.

For me, I realised the impact for the first time had been when leaving the hospital after the ‘follow-up’ appointment after my second surgery. I heard the swoosh of the first set of glass doors close behind me as I exited the hospital with my friend and then the swoosh of the second set of glass doors opening ahead. We both stopped mid-door and my friend turned to me and said ‘Do you feel like you’ve been dumped?’. She had managed to verbalise exactly how I felt. I felt as if a partner had just walked out of my life and with whom I’d relied for an intense but short period of my life (surgeries and treatment). I felt alone. I nodded and we walked through the second set of glass doors to the car and drove home in silence.

I should have felt elated, shouldn’t I? I mean they were ‘dumping me’ because I was done for now. OK so I had regular checks in the diary for follow up scans and there was still the discussion as to whether radiation would be required… but essentially, they were saying I was doing OK. I should have felt good. I should have been smiling and laughing and celebrating. Instead it was an overwhelming fear and grief that consumed me.

When eventually I went to my own house, I remember feeling even more isolated (and yes I really did live on a remote farm cottage overlooking fields!). I also remember spending hours on the internet, mostly in tears, desperately searching for answers. Or staying in bed as long as I possibly could trying to avoid the day… but never straying too far from a box of tissues. I felt as if I was never going to stop crying and I didn’t really understand why. After all I had had two surgeries. My surgeon felt he had got the tumour and sufficient margins. So what was I grieving?

I think with hindsight I also felt guilty. Why had I come through it all? Why was I different?

I’ve got sooo much to tell you…

Posted on 03/03/2011 by AnnaGoAnna

Gosh life has been so busy and full. Not enough minutes in a day to be able to update you and do everything that I’ve been up to. I promise to update you on bits and pieces very soon but first some quick summaries that I’ll come back and fill in later.. I went to Scotland which combined with meetings, I met with both my brothers and their families and we scattered the last of Mum’s ashes. Duncan had found a spot overlooking Loch Lomond… quite an adventure getting there mid-winter and I’ll expand on that when I pop back later.

I was back home for 36 hours before heading off to Orlando, Florida and my second year at the Annual Conference for Young Women affected by breast cancer (now known as C4YW). I learnt so much attending the seminars and workshops but mostly it’s the community and support of being with people who really understand it. Being my second year I was also able to talk to some of the newbies and help them too. My oldest buddy, Jenny was there too and once again we roomed which allowed us time to gossip and talk about the old days and also openly talk about the past few years and its impact on us. AND there were even more of my Phyllodes’ sisters there…. I cannot tell you just how special and meaningful it is to be able to spend time with them, to give and receive a hug and to be able to talk about being diagnosed with this rare cancer.

One of my sisters, Andrea Lambert was there this year. We hadn’t yet met in person but Andrea has been a constant support to me from the first moment Trish introduced me to the Phyllodes Facebook group. I can’t explain how much it meant to me to be able to give her a hug.

During the time together we all spoke about doing more advocacy and awareness of Phyllodes. If having the Facebook group has taught us something it’s simply that there are people out there who are diagnosed and it’s not just us! Andrea talked about doing a TV piece in conjunction with her husband’s role as a hockey coach. The piece was aired last night on Fox6. Do take a look – click here Andi is amazing, beautiful, strong and I’m proud to say, my friend.

YSC Conference in Orlando

Posted on 27/02/2011 by AnnaGoAnna

Very excited to have received a bursary place to attend this year’s Young Survival Coalition conference in Orlando, Florida. I know how much last year’s conference helped me come to terms with my diagnosis. The workshops were well planned. The plenary sessions informative. Most of all was simply the camaraderie between attendees and knowing you’re not alone.

I’m also super excited to be able to meet up with some of my Phyllodes friends. Some were in Atlanta but more that I know online from the support group and particularly, Andi. Andi is someone I’ve mentioned before who was pivotal in my managing my diagnosis. Sadly Jolene is no longer with us ‘physically’ but we have a plan!

I need to remember that attending the conference is for me. Me personally. About me. I know I will be tempted to be looking at it as opportunities for the UK conference for Living Beyond Diagnosis and I’m sure there will be lots of ideas but sometimes I need to put my own health and mental health first.

I’m grateful for the long flight today. I can sleep. I worked through the night before leaving the UK to get everything up to date and ahead of myself so that I could put an ‘out of office’ message on and leave.

Once again Jenny is coming to the conference and will be sharing my room at the Park Plaza. Always great to catch up and particularly at the conference when it’s so easy to share concerns and worries with someone you’ve known for 20 years but who ‘understands’.

Life and this little unknown thing called Phyllodes

Posted on 09/02/2011 by AnnaGoAnna

I am still saddened when new people contact me via this site or we see ‘help me’ requests pop up on forums, twitter or other social mediums from people who have been told they have or may have a phyllodes tumour. Like me they are now on their journey of discovery to find out information and in reading their posts/emails I can hear the anxiety and frustration at not being able to find information. I know its not only a rare cancer but a rarer cancer (ie doesn’t even fall in the rare status) but the fact is we’re finding many more of us via these mediums. Many more people are finding us. We have over 150 people within our facebook groups – might not sound like a lot of people but we have to remember that these are the ones who have sought us out via the internet or social networks and won’t include those people who simply have their local resources of doctors, charities and libraries – of which I’m quite sure there are many many more. It also won’t include those who are younger or older and don’t DO the internet or perhaps aren’t as comfortable with using it for such personal issues.

We are however a fantastic group of individuals. Strong, supportive, empowered and informed. It amazes me at how from all corners of the world we can come together on Facebook and discuss concerns, hold one another’s hand, ‘virtually’ attend appointments or receive results and importantly ‘virtually’ hug one another or provide a ‘virtual’ shoulder to cry upon.

In recent weeks we have gained new members from quite literally opposing sides of the world. But we have also had not such great news of recurrences and metastases believed from the original Phyllodes tumours. Together we rally round.

My wish today is for my friends to keep strong and to believe that they can do this, to know that we’re with them every step of the way BUT also my wish is that there are clinical trials undertaken, that there is research done and more importantly that they work out why there is this rare cancer and a treatment plan to end recurrences or metastases… is that too much to wish for?

(Nearly) all good news

Posted on 14/01/2011 by AnnaGoAnna

Since the New Year I have already achieved a great deal with the organisation of the UK breast cancer event in November 2011. There’s still a long way to go but there have certainly been strides made in the right direction. I also have a diary full of meetings and teleconferences with so many key people, organisations and charities. The biggest aspect for me now is to obtain the charity registration status so that we can claim gift-aid on donations but also so that people (thank you to those who have offered) will be able to host fundraising events and collect the monies via JustGiving and the like. There are also a number of exhibitors and sponsors who will of course need the charity registration number to comply with their internal requirements. I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to be told that we have to raise £5k in order for them to consider the application, thereby proving we can raise funds. It’s also terrifically disheartening to think that it is a small sum but that I can’t afford to donate this myself as it equates to nearly 3 months’ salary from my savings! However I do know the value of what I’m doing and the knowledge that this annual event can go on to help so many people by providing information, support and importantly community is something that I continue to believe in and strive toward. I’ve not spoken to one person who has been touched by cancer that doesn’t commend me in what I’m doing.

So, following a mailshot to family and friends last week, I was really rallied by the response. I have received donations small and large from all around the globe, totalling just over £1,000. Thank you to everyone who has chipped in and also for your encouragement and support – it means a great deal to me to know that you’re backing me and also backing the event. Thank you also to two of you who have set up monthly direct debits to contribute an amount each month – again a really big thank you. If you wish to make a financial donation this can be done online via the PayPal link on www.LivingBeyondDiagnosis.com or send a cheque to me, payable to ‘Living Beyond Diagnosis’.

I also requested in my mailshot some help with some skills and services. I will, for instance, need a printer who is able to produce marketing material for us, and administration help or event management expertise. There are many aspects and I know I can’t do it all, so if there are any willing hands or companies that are able to help with any aspect, I’d truly appreciate it.

Finally, I requested that my mailshot was forwarded to others who may be able to support the event, have access to corporate sponsorship, perhaps speak at the event, take an exhibitor stand etc etc. We are, of course, only 6 steps away from anyone, so perhaps someone you know may know someone else etc. Do talk about the event and direct people to the website for information. Again I know that the event is great.. after all the US conference for young women affected by breast cancer is now in its 11th year and each year they have more people wanting to attend than there are places. I just have to make the first event a success!

OK now for the not so good news. You will remember that I told you about the lovely Trish… she was the first person I found with the same rare cancer and who introduced me to the Facebook group… I remember thinking that I was no longer alone and I think I slept for the first time in ages just knowing that. Trish and I met at the US Conference in February last year and we’re booked up to meet this year in Orlando… I can’t wait. Trish is amazing and encouraging and positive and has always been the first person I’ve told when I have a wobble about finding a new lump or feeling a pain etc. She told me about a lump last week that she had found and today saw the doctor. They’ve found a 2cm tumour. Until it’s removed and tested they won’t know for certain if it’s a recurrence of Phyllodes but given the speed at which it’s grown, it is suspected. I so, hope they’re wrong.

It’s hit me though as we were diagnosed at the same time, both malignant phyllodes and both in the same breast and had the same surgery. Only difference was the malignancy and sadly, I won that prize for highest!

Hey ho, my next scan and check up is in two weeks and then I get to escape on a girls weekend to Venice with the lovely Millie. What a treat.

A New Year…

Posted on 31/12/2010 by AnnaGoAnna

As we make our way into a new year and a new decade, I figured there should first be some reflection on the year just passed… but that would be the sensible thing to do…

Sensible Bit

2010 was a year of enormous change for me. I was recovering from the operations at the end of 2009, adjusting to the new AD (after diagnosis) me and reevaluating my life and its purpose.

I learn’t such a lot of about myself, my resolve, my strengths and also my weaknesses. I finally unwrapped a number of mental boxes and worked through them – some good, some not so good but all needed to be reopened.

I would give back cancer in the blink of a fly’s eyelid (which is pretty fast!) however because of my diagnosis I have viewed things differently, I’ve pursued different dreams and goals; I’ve met some incredible and inspirational people; I’ve cried, a lot; I’ve treasured laughing more often; I’ve seen people thrive and also seen people die from this disease; I’ve realised and acknowledged the fragility of life; I’ve said ‘I love you’ more often (and meant it); I’ve appreciated the little things; I’ve learn’t not the sweat the small stuff; and a whole heap more.

What I haven’t done is learn’t to wake up every day and NOT think about cancer. What I haven’t done is remember that just because I was diagnosed it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to come back.
What I haven’t done is learn to put me first.
What I haven’t done is lose the weight that I gained when I was poorly.
What I haven’t done is get myself fit and healthy.

So, the trouble with a blog is that I stated in ‘ink’ what I was going to do in 2010:

My 2010, in no particular order… I’d like to do more fun stuff. I’d like to travel more. I’d like to catch up with my friends more often and to meet up with those of you I’ve not seen in a while… some of you for a very long time. I’d like to lose weight. I’d like to love. I’d like to have a laugh – a real laugh, a laugh that sneaks up on you and almost makes you pee your pants! I’d like to go to the opera. I’d like to go sit in Berkeley Square. I’d like to learn more and put into practice NLP and coaching techniques. I’d like to see H&B have the best wedding day ever. I’d like to eat some really really good sushi. I’d like to hug and be hugged. I’d like to hang out in some of the old haunts with my friends and dine in style with others. I’d like to prepare some fantabulous meals and share them with my friends. I’d like to always remember that there is no such thing as failure – just that you can learn from all experiences. I’d like to be living in my own house again. I’d like to remember what it’s really all about. I’d like to finally create the art installation I’ve been dreaming of. I’d like to see the NHS system have a code for recording Phyllodes Tumours. I’d like to feel loved. I’d like to take breakfast at The Wolseley, take tea in Sketch, champagne at The Soho House, eat a degustation menu at The Square and closing drinks at Mortons (foodie friends apply here!). I’d like to feel appreciated for the job that I do. I’d like to hear Celeste, Martha, Evie and Naomi call me Auntie Anna (or I’ll accept HAuntie HAnna). I’d like to always remember that life waits for nobody. I’d like to make a difference. I’d like to have less clutter and be more organised. I’d like to put in the application for a bench in Berkeley Square. I’d like to support others the way that they’ve supported me. I’d like to label up all my photos and to file my paperwork. I’d like to put all the vinyl into a digital format and be able to listen to it on my ipod. I’d like to remember those who are no longer with us by recalling funny stories and kind memories. I’d like to jump on a plane and not know where I’m going. I’d like to make someone I don’t know, smile! Most importantly, I’d like to remember how to live again.

So did I do them? Well, probably like most of our New Year resolutions, I did MOST of them (and Phyllodes is in the NHS system!).. there are still a few that I’m going to put back on the list for 2011 though and even a few of them that I’m going to repeat as I loved doing them… so here goes:

I’d always insist on doing more fun stuff, travel, catching up with friends and laughing until I pee myself! Berkeley Square is always on the list… if I could possibly do it, I’d build myself a little glass shelter and live in Berkeley Square listening to the sounds of life around me and watching life go on, whilst reflecting on lives past. My brother is building me a shed and an art shed for the garden – art installation should surely be finished by the end of 2011. I’m off for a drink at the newly refurbished Savoy – I wonder if it still retains it’s old world charm, at all? I must lose weight and get fitter. And the biggest and most challenging of all, I want to stand at the podium and welcome 500 survivors and co-survivors to the first annual event for anyone affected by breast cancer in the UK.

Every day the enormity of the task in hand looms and I wish I wasn’t alone in doing this. I would love help so if you’re able to lend me your expertise for free and because you believe in the event and the value of the event then please do get in touch. I would love anyone who has any experience with hosting events, marketing or PR. We would also appreciate any donations – you can donate onwww.LivingBeyondDiagnosis.com. We would also value some introductions to any corporate or personal sponsors for the event too. The 3-day event for 500 attendees will cost an estimate of £250,000 which is no small feat in the current financial market however this equates to £500 per attendee and I believe will help them face their future, so it’s a small cost in the scheme of things.

Silly Bit – you knew there would be one!

Just before Christmas my boiler decided that luke warm water was the way to go… talk about attention seeking – Ooh I spoke quite firmly to it as facing luke warm bath or intermittent shower wasn’t on the agenda for long! Anway, I eventually called in British Gas – and yes I had cancelled the British Gas heating cover only a few weeks previously in an effort to save money! A delightful young salesman from British Gas eventually turned up (4 days late) to tell me that I needed a new boiler at a mere cost of £2,700… a tad rich when I have no income and hadn’t planned on this outlay! However during this inspection for the quote (I use that term loosely as am sure they just picked a figure out of the air)… I suddenly realised that he’d need to look at each radiator etc so rushed into my bedroom to remove an offending article from my dressing table (now get your minds out of the gutter!!)… I am referring to my silicone half boob that I now wear in place of the tissue removed during the two operations! Those of you who have seen me dressed wouldn’t notice but just call me 1.5 boob Wallace! Or at least I think I moved them (there’s a spare!) but after his visit, I was due to leave the house and therefore out of my surgical bra (much less pain wearing this!) and went in search of a halfboob.. I can’t find either of them anywhere… and believe me I’ve looked. At first, it was distressing and then the more I thought of it, the more it made me giggle.. the thought of Mr British Gas with a fetish for silicon halfboobs.

This led me, as it has for much of my ‘journey’ to Facebook and posting an update on my ‘wall’ which said:

OK everybody.. Try not to laugh… My silicon halfboobs have gone missing! I tidied them away from top of dressing tble when British Gas popped round to give me an outrageous quote for replacing my boiler (still no hot water chez moi) and they needed to measure each room. I wasn’t wearing them as was kitted out in my post-surgery bra… I now can’t find them… anywhere…

Shall I call British Gas & see if the engineer has a halfboob fetish?

I told you not to laugh!!! (hehehehe)

You will be pleased to know that my Facebook friends didn’t let me down… there was quickly a trail of comments including one from my sister-in-law’s account “this is Joe to much inforpanchon” OMG I’d forgotten that my nephew used her Facebook account to play Farmville! When this update came in I was midway through leaving a voicemail message which, as you can imagine, ended up simply being me giggling like a schoolgirl and saying I’d have to call back later. The phone then rang and it was my nephew who said “sorry but I also laughed”!!

Some of the other comments:

I hope British Gas haven’t used them to insulate the boiler
Hehehehehe… sorry!! It will probably turn up in the daftest place
We actually have these things for dinner – here they are called “Kartoffelknödel”. Maybe a hungry German came along..
lol Know the feeling!!Ha ha I only needed one so if i lost it…like i did on the dance floor!! lol I’ve always one back at home as a replacement!!!
Nope, i’ve looked and they’re not here, babe
[Me] Sorry can’t stop laughing now… my nephew was logged in as my niece (Tori) and spotted this update and posted the comment! Just as i was leaving a VM for Sam (sorry Sam your VM is just be giggling like a loony)…
Hmmm AND my meeting’s been cancelled so might just put post-surgery bra on and be done with it!
I would do that semi regularly. I ordered 2 new boobs and a spare! Got three of them in the mail one day (big expense, I know….) and had a laugh with my husband about trying on all of them at the same time…..
that is so funny!!! Xx
[Me] Funny bit is.. I still can’t find them!! I’m really starting to think that either a) Mr British Gas has taken them or b) they’ve left home and eventually I’ll be receiving postcards from my halfboobs on their holibobs!
PS Sorry JoeJoe (nephew) if this is too much information
PPS Sorry Sister-In-Law that you had to explain to JoeJoe what a silicon halfboob was (I’m in big trouble!!)PPS Am still laughing and v pleased it’s caused some level of amusement!
i am having such a bad time thank you so much for making me smile on a day when i can’t stop crying x
….or should that be holiboobs?
Ok, am here and back for a minute before mother in law dinner:- have to say that Jordan is selling her boobs on ebay….just a thought and don’t shoot the messenger but ..

And a few days later, I provided this update:

British Gas man must have ‘borrowed’ them. Still ‘no’ sign of them anywhere! New halfboobs ordered!

Or will they appear wrapped up under the tree?

And a few other comments along the way, checking in to see if my halfboobs had been found (and even my nephew calling to ask… oh and then asking his mother what a halfboob actually was!)… You see the lesson I learn’t from posting this, is that although some may find it a little tragic that I wear a silicon halfboob, all can, (perhaps after a sharp intake of breath), find the funny side. I have and I’m so pleased that this gave some a little giggle. You see if I’ve learn’t one big lesson from being diagnosed with cancer, it’s that laughter is terrifically important and sometimes you have to dig deep but you can always find an edge upon which to laugh at any situation – it’s helped me enormously. I’m sorry if this sounds irreverent or offensive to anyone… perhaps it’s just my coping mechanism but… try it.. smile and don’t stress the small stuff.

FYI – New silicon half boobs arrived in the mail this morning!! Whoohoo 2011, all present and correct!

Welcome 2011

I shall end today’s missive with a message to you all.. embrace the New Year and the New Decade with a smile and a care for others. Enjoy every moment and if it’s not a ‘good’ moment, change it – you can!… Happy New Year xxx

GP Film for Macmillan

Posted on 30/09/2010 by AnnaGoAnna

I have been asked to take part in a film about my experience of primary care with regard to my cancer diagnosis. As you know from this blog, I have an exceptionally wonderful GP. If you read any media referencing primary care you might well think that every cancer patient has a bad rapp with their GPs… but I guess only the bad news stories get reported!

So I was happy to ‘put myself out there’ in the hope that there’s a good story too.

Dr Pawan Randev who is a wonderful GP with a speciality of cancer. He is an inspiration to listen to. His role as a GP having received extra training from Macmillan has meant that attends conferences, speaks to patients, doctors, clinicians and healthcare groups alike. Obviously he’s been aware of the media that puts GPs in a bad light with regard to delays diagnosing cancer. As part of this, he’s obtained funding to put some short videos together. He’s then proposing to use these videos in the training of new GPs and clinicians.

Today they were filmed. The easiest place to see them is within Macmillan Learn Zone “Cancer in Primary Care – a Toolkit – Resources“.

I’m so pleased I added my voice which I hope demonstrates the positive message that good primary care interaction can have on a patient.

I understand that Dr Randev has been working with the medical deanery to include these videos into the new GP training courses.

NB – I’m aware that when cancer symptoms are harder to identify i.e. not ‘lumps’, some patients are sent away from the GP often on more than one occasion. The difficulties in cancer diagnosis is in many cases that the symptoms can be very similar to other illnesses – flu like symptoms, upset tummy, sporadic bleeding, headaches etc etc. For GPs seeing so many patients in a day, these can often mean that the true diagnosis is hidden behind ‘ordinary’ symptoms. GPs do an amazing job but often a truly difficult one too.