The simple things in life

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In the midst of the Olympic London 2012 madness that I love so much, I thought it might be time to add a little post about also doing the simple things.  So often blog entries appear to feel as if they’re about an event or events that make a big splash or something that others may envy.

However there’s lots more in life that makes us smile.  Such as a walk with the little people in the park to feed the ducks!

 Exploring

There’s Mum and Dad

Awwww ducklings, they’ve got 4 spots on their backs

And another set of ducklings (moorhen chicks?)And there they go, their little tummies full of bread.

 

London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony – “The greatest show on earth”

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The national pride was palpable during and after the Olympics Opening Ceremony in London. Before the event however there was the usual ‘niggling Norman’ comments about it costing too much, about it going to fail, etc etc.

I had faith that that really would be awesome and worthy of being called “the greatest show on earth” (although a part of me thinks it terrifically arrogant to give it that title before it has even taken place). I was not only NOT disappointed but even my expectations had been exceeded. It was awesome.

On the way home, the words that stuck out in the crowd were Queen, Bond, Mr Bean, Cauldron, Fireworks! Everyone was talking about it.

Matt and I chose to see the ceremony, at the last minute, in Hyde Park, amongst thousands of other people. We both said that we should have known better and ‘invested’ in tickets to the Olympic stadium but hadn’t. You see both Matt and I were in Sydney for their Olympics so we KNOW how amazing it is to be part of something so momentous.

I arrived suitably early at Hyde Park and after a fairly lengthy queue for security measures, I was in and able to get a place from where we could see the main stage and two screens. Tarpaulin laid out and plot secured – I had a little nap in the sunshine whilst waiting for Matt to arrive after work!

By the time the concert started the park was full, the atmosphere electric with excitement about what was about to unfold at the Stadium and in Hyde Park. We were treated through the evening to live performances from Paulo Nutini, Duran Duran, Stereophonics and Snow Patrol. A wonderful sample set from each artist but cutting to the Stadium for the greatest show on earth.

People were dancing and singing along to a band and then suddenly quiet would fall on the Park whilst people stood on tiptoe or jossled for a little bit more space to see one of the many big screens and listening to the Olympic show. Every now and then there would be a cheer, a round of applause or laughter heard from us and then falling silent to listen again.

I can only imagine that the first part of the show (the industrial revolution) would have been both visually and audibly incredible in the stadium. The sound of the drums being the background to the visual.

The humour that was injected into the spectacle AND that the Queen took part in it too! For all the criticism that is often lauded at the Royal family, I can honestly say that her agreeing to be part of the Opening Ceremony and seeing the Queen and her family in this the Jubilee year, has been eye-opening… and I’ve even heard people who ‘don’t approve of the Royal family’ actually be kind about them and the work that they do!

Did you see it? If not, do google or YouTube search for the London Olympics Opening Ceremony. Truly a spectacle. I love that there’s so much secrecy surrounding the event. I love that everyone who participated (mostly volunteers) gave up hundreds of hours of their time and schlepped back and forth to London to rehearse… because they wanted to be part of a piece of history and to show the World how it should be done.

Enough from me. It was incredible. Danny Boyle played a blinder with the show, the pageantry, the spectacle, the lighting of the cauldron, the inclusion of so much humour but most of all reinforcing the Great in Great Britain!

Below are some pictures taken by friends who did ‘invest’ in tickets to be at the Opening Ceremony, together with some I took and also from some of the volunteers taking part in the Greatest Show on Earth. Enjoy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And the beautiful music used during the lighting of the Olympic Couldron – click here

Oooh now let the Games Begin….

Volunteering

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I attended a meeting at the Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre in London this evening for volunteers. As you know from previous postings I have been a volunteer at a number of events for Maggie’s in this past year. Some of them are collecting donations, such as the Walk the 38 or Golf Live events. Others simply representing the charity and being part of the Olympic Stadium parade.

Charitable organisations always need volunteers. People who understand their organisation, what they do and why. To speak with members of the public, promote their services and advocate their work.

For me, volunteering for Maggie’s is a no-brainer. I can’t endorse more fully what they do, what they stand for, their methodologies, ethos and care for anyone affected by cancer. For their adaptable spirit that enables people at different times with different requirements to be supported by this organisation.

I have known and know people supported through their Glasgow, Edinburgh, London, Oxford, Hong Kong and Cheltenham centres. I’ve yet to hear a bad word said or a comment about their not being there or knowing what is required and when. Truly amazing and I would urge you all to have a look at what they do, tell others about them and if you’re nearby to call in and understand each of the Centres.

Tonight several volunteers and Maggie’s staff got together to brainstorm about ideas for future fundraising events and volunteer roles. We recognised that the volunteer roles take many forms. Some physical attendance such as the events I’ve done previously. Others to review leaflets or newsletters etc. Perhaps to contribute by sharing your experiences. Also volunteering services to talk about the Centres and the services. Promote their organisation. As I’ve said before, I do this all the time and will continue to do so.

If you can, do get involved or take the time to find out more about the centres and why I think they play an important part around the World in supporting people affected by cancer.

But volunteering doesn’t have to be for Maggie’s… I’m sure you’ve got organisations, charities or causes you’re passionate about. Do think about getting involved… they all need volunteers.

Of if you’re not sure who’d you’d like to volunteer for but perhaps have some time on your hands, want to get involved or even need work experience, then one of the volunteers said this site, Do-It Volunteering Made Easy, is a great place to find organisations needing volunteers – at home and abroad.

The buzz I feel when I volunteer for Maggie’s and the other charities and organisations with whom I work/volunteer/speak, is enormous.  I know I give up lots of my time (some people say too much of my time) but what I get back is way way way more!

Olympic Torch Relay

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Today proved to me that I’m not actually the only person in the UK that’s excited about the Olympics. Although if you were to read the newspapers, watch the news or partake in any social network, you might well think that the Olympics is a bad thing.

I’ve heard many reasons why it shouldn’t happen. What it’s costing, whether it should happen in a time of austerity – hate to mention that when the bid was won and the plans started, when we weren’t in this state!

Whether it’s going to benefit anyone? Why wouldn’t it encourage and enthuse a new generation (and older generations) that you can participate in new sports, you don’t just have to play rugby, football or cricket!

Oooh and perhaps it might get a few people off their butts and doing something physical… isn’t that going to save our NHS a fortune over the coming years?

The transport’s not going to work and everything will take ages.  Hey doesn’t it always (no matter which country you’re in) but put on a smile, talk to your fellow queuers and join the party… the time will pass much faster!

Support your olympians and paralympians in their epic adventures over the next few weeks.

I know the security seems to be a little bit awry… but if you see anything suspicious it’s also your responsibility to act!  AND now we’ve got the lovely men and women from the forces who will be looking after us – quite frankly I will relish the opportunity to thank them for everything that they’ve done and continue to do… on our soil and abroad.

BTW, we’re under budget too.

Oh and it gives us a chance to show the world that London, England CAN do something well (apart from having a Royal family and raining a lot).

So stop the niggling Nigels/Nellies out there and turn yourself into positive Peters/Pamelas. Embrace what IS happening. Participate in the Olympics. Get excited. Get your family and friends excited.

I’ve just returned from seeing the Olympic torch travel through Wandsworth. Whilst we stood waiting for it to appear, there was lots of chat amongst the waiting crowd. Children looked expectantly along the roadway, some having dressed for the occasion in costumes, facepaints or waving flags. This is the start people… get behind it and love it – I promise you, you’ll reap the rewards by being a part of it instead of whinging about it!

Much excitement, the sun has appeared!!

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OK so it’s now the end of July and we really shouldn’t be this excited by the appearance of the sun!

On twitter this morning there appears to be more people tweeting about it’s appearance, or perhaps confusion as to what the hot yellow thing in the sky really is! So true to form, England (probably the majority of England) headed outside today. We found parks, we found gardens, we went for walks, we rediscovered picnic blankets and packets of paper plates languishing unloved at the back of kitchen cupboards. I’m suspecting that there was also a lot of people who neglected to remember the suntan lotion in the rush for the door!

A group of us had planned a long pub lunch in Windsor… we needed to do some plotting for an event in August, but first there needed to be some coordination of who’s doing/bringing what, arriving when etc. Where better than to do this over a few beers in the comfort and shelter of an English pub!

But the excitement of the big yellow ball in the sky meant a last minute change of venue.

Don’t panic people. It was still within reach of beer and shelter (if required!). We headed to the Windsor Farm Shop and their beer festival.

We were the people who were scrabbling around in kitchen cupboards and sheds to gather together enough rugs, cutlery, crockery, glasses… oooh and suntan lotion. Jeff was tasked with raiding M&S and did a magnificent job at bringing together enough food for a small army!

What a fabulous day. Seriously, there really is something very relaxing about a picnic in the sunshine with friends.

Oooh and the beer… there was a huge array of different beers and ciders. As a nominated driver, I couldn’t resist a little sample of a lovely local beer from Binghams Brewery. I had the pleasure of meeting Chris Bingham at a charity event that they were kindly sponsoring. Great people and a very nice drop of beer too!!

However note to self: learn to apply suntan cream to all parts of shoulder (even the bits you can’t reach) as the red hand marks on your back, where the suncream ‘missed’ are probably not a fashion statement!

Play Without Words

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In line with the season of goodness showing at Sadlers Wells in London, I ventured across town to meet up with a friend this evening.

Matthew Bourne’s “Play without Words”.   A play that draws you in from the first moment, the 60s music compelling and vibrant and for the most part you feel as if you’ve stepped into the swinging 60s…. just wishing we had figures to wear the amazing outfits too!

My friend and I both said afterward that we weren’t sure how we would describe the storyline to others… but here I go, I’m going to try!  With the help of a review – “Play Without Words is full of tensions — sexual, social, class — but they’re balanced out with comedy, visual flair, a slinky jazz score and a readable narrative that make this one of Bourne’s strongest works.”

The play is running until 5th August.  Definitely worth going along to however not for those a little sensitive in nature.  Book here

The Guardian’s review
The Independent’s review
The Telegraph’s review – “Play Without Words at Sadler’s wells remains a whirl of sex, style and cigarette smoke by which it is impossible not to be seduced.”

Afternoon tea at Claridges

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Don’t you just love little surprises? Particularly when they’re something lovely and it’s a thank you to you for something that you’d have done no matter what.

You’ve probably already worked out that if I believe in someone or something, I’ll tell you about it. I’ll certainly recommend them/it if asked. I am however a bit picky too and my standards are (mostly) pretty high.

So it’ll come as no surprise that when I met Fiona Macrae during my search for services and people to participate in the first Living Beyond Diagnosis event, I had found a something/someone worth recommending. Fiona was diagnosed with breast cancer and despite working in insurance in London, was unable to find travel insurance for a well needed short break between treatment and surgery.

Because of her own experiences and following her own treatment and surgery, she created the business InsuranceWith, providing travel insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a long term condition or know someone who has, you will understand the importance of holidays, visiting friends and family and time away from the inevitable medical appointments, surgery and treatment. Something that you take for granted is to be able to travel somewhere and relax… so imagine what it feels like when your insurance is revoked, new insurers tell you that your premiums are now in the thousands of pounds or that you simply are uninsurable. Companies like InsuranceWith review each case on it’s own merits. They have medical underwriters who understand risk.

And for the most part, they have been able to offer travel insurance at reasonable rates to friends and acquaintances I’ve referred who have been able to enjoy their holidays, trips of a lifetime or family visits without worry.

Today, Fiona very sweetly took myself and another lady, Kelly, to Claridges to say thank you for supporting her.  Really an unnecessary thank you and in fact it should be in reverse but… I do love afternoon tea… I do love bubbles (just in case you hadn’t noticed)… and I do love the grandeur of deliciously fabulous places such as Claridges.

What a treat…. Thank you Fiona.

 

Whoohooo, the results are in and it’s good!

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I can’t tell you how sick I felt today going to the hospital. Why? I should be used to it by now. … shouldn’t I? The anxiety levels were through the roof as I tried to find a parking space in the car park. As I was cutting it fine, arriving only a minute before my appointment time, I decided to only buy 1 hours car parking (at a mere cost of £2.20/hr). Rushing across the lengthy car park and nearly coming a cropper as I missed a pavement, I rather launched myself into the clinic!

After checking in, I settled down and waited. And waited.

I realised though that actually I’d been spending far less time in this particular clinic of late… well there were magazines I’d not read, so that’s got to be a good sign. Right? They even had the latest Vita, which is a magazine produced by Breast Cancer Care and a wonderful source of information and support for anyone with primary or secondary breast cancer (and their carers).


I was also super-chuffed that there was an article about David Jay and The Scar Project. Love that project and am so honoured to have known Jolene and others who have taken part and shared their journey through the images. Incredible.

After an hour, I rushed out to put more money in for another hour parking…. And of course half way across the car park the heavens opened!

Seriously though, the cost of car parking in hospitals is absolutely mental and for those of us who have to visit hospitals regularly, is a real cost burden. As I made my way back to clinic in the rain, I thought I’ve probably had over 50 hospital appointments since 2009 and each of them cost roughly £4, that’s £200 I could have spent on champagne!!! (Oh I mean saved for a rainy day)

Anyway I think the trip to the car and my attempts at mathematics helped me get some perspective about my appointment. It wasn’t long afterward that I was called in to see the consultant and get my results.

I was shown into the ‘good room’ (ie not the room of doom), which helps enormously. A few minutes later, my consultant appeared with a smiley face and welcomed me warmly. Seriously, if there are any medics reading this, you could really learn from this man – how much easier is an appointment and our anxiety levels when someone is genuinely warm and welcoming?

We had our usual little chat, he told me I was looking well (another point for the medics!). Although to be fair, I’ve also learnt that I need to make the effort when I’m anxious.. always matching underwear, shoes, nails, hair done and make up applied.

We then talked some more about Phyllodes, what it is, what I’d learnt, what he’s learnt and what he’s telling his trainees. It’s always so encouraging to think that by my diagnosis and it being weird and rare, he’s taken that (and with my encouragement) and ensuring that there are going to be some medics of the future that know a little bit about it. I always hope that they get eager to learn more.

Next the manual examination. Once again I could commend him on his surgical handywork. The scar tissue is getting less and the excision site becoming more even. We talked about ‘evening up’ by surgery and it’s good to know the offer is there and he’d do a fabulous job… but I’m not ready for surgery again anytime soon.

Then I broached the ‘difficult subject’. As you will all know from reading my blog, I can’t be any happier with the way my consultant has looked after me, managed my case and helped me through this, supporting me every step of the way. However there have been the blips with the radiography department where they don’t necessarily understand about Phyllodes nor feel checks are necessary (or as has been mentioned “it’s not as if you’ve got breast cancer”!).

Anyway, the bottom line is that as someone diagnosed with Phyllodes, a rare soft tissue sarcoma, my case should have been referred to a sarcoma specialist to manage. However I’ve always been more than a little anxious to leave the fabulous care of my consultant. I still am.

But today I asked him if I could be referred to the Royal Marsden in London for my follow up regimen. I explained why I thought it was important to be with a sarcoma team and also a team that I know have other Phyllodes patients and understand them and the best treatment etc. I also told him that I was sorry I couldn’t still be seen by him sometimes! It does seem right though that I move on and my place in the breast cancer unit is indeed filled with a breast cancer patient. He’s a truly wonderful consultant and surgeon and whoever fills my slot in his busy schedule is indeed a very fortunate person.

He agreed that this was probably the best thing. However has said that if ever I’m worried or he can help in anyway, then to give him a call.

As I left, he put his hand out to shake mine and then laughed and said he felt it more appropriate to give me a hug!

On the way home in the car I shed a tear or two. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m scared if I’ve done the right thing. Am I leaving someone who I knows cares about my wellbeing and health and stepping into the unknown or am I leaving him but going to a more specialist unit that will be able to add Phyllodes expertise as well as care?

I hope I’ve done the right thing.

Personal trainer

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I could blame my weight gain on having cancer.  I could blame it on not feeling well or lack of energy or fatigue or lots of other stuff.  BUT if I’m honest I know it’s because I’ve got a lazy streak and don’t fit exercise into my already busy lifestyle.  For example, instead of a 15 minute walk to the shops to get a pint of milk, I make an excuse that I need to jump in the car as I don’t have time to walk there… it probably takes the same amount of time by foot!

I also know that although I know the principles of healthy eating, know how to cook well and prepare nutritious meals, I often don’t.  I regularly dash from meeting to meeting or place to place, snatching a quick snack enroute.  I eat at crazy times of the day and night.  I also enjoy good food.

Working from home (Living Beyond Diagnosis – now social media enterprises (twitter & facebook) and and the various cancer network meetings) means that I’m often at my computer for endless hours with little movement.  I lead a sedentary lifestyle and get caught up in all that I have to do without making the time for a walk, exercise, swim, gym etc.

I also know in my heart of hearts that my weight gain is affecting my personal confidence.  It needs to change.  I need to change it.

Last week I signed up for personal training.  I need motivating.  I’ve now had 3 sessions and already feel better for them.  I’ve also attended Bootcamp Pilates sessions twice – again, although hard work, I do feel better for them too.

I don’t want to be a size zero but I do want to feel good about me again.  I do want to look at a photograph that’s taken of me and not want to destroy it immediately or wear clothes and feel good in them!  I also don’t want anyone to tell me that I may be causing a recurrence of cancer BECAUSE I’m overweight!

Why a I telling you this?  I needed to put it out there and I need you to keep me in check too!  Don’t let that lazy streak reappear!