The long (but short) story is that I was diagnosed with cancer in April 2011 (although an offending lymph node had been visible since November 2010). t was then I joined the Macmillan online community.
I am on "watch and wait" with non-hodgkins follicular lymphoma. They do not want to start treatment too soon as this can trigger secondary cancers and for some, treatment may never be needed. I go for 4 monthly blood tests and scans and the latest was "treatment within 3 years". In the meantime I am happily living my life as normal.
However, whilst friends, family, work were and still are a tremendous support, almost a year on I really felt the need to talk to others going through similar things, emotions, questions etc., and i
A truly amazing place where you can "chat" to amazing people either with cancer, in remission, mid treatment, awaiting diagnosis, a friend, family member or carer of someone with cancer or some who have been bereaved etc., etc.. And everyone seems so brave and strong and most importantly, positive. But it's OK to have a bad day and let everyone know about it and the support you get is just heartbreakingly warming.
The site has made me cry, laugh but more importantly, it's kept me sane. Cancer seems like such a big ominous word but it doesn't always mean doom and gloom - oh and it's OK to talk about it openly, no whispers behind anyone's back please, but also, that doesn't mean cancer needs to be the only topic of conversation - that's the hardest part for many to deal with.
Sorry, you are still none the wiser for my blog title. Macmillan were looking for two community member volunteers to "move more" for 12 weeks and write a blog about it with the hope that it may also motivate others to "move more". I volunteered. I got picked!! My blog gets posted on the Macmillan website as and when I send one to them but so many fellow exercisers I have met along the way have shown an interest in my blog that I needed a place to send everyone to so here I am! Over the next few days (as I learn how this blogspot works!!) I will upload the story so far and then please feel free to continue the journey with me as it unfolds!
And if it encourages anyone (this is not cancer specific!), to get out there and be more active, and just enjoy the fresh air and the feeling that exercise gives us, be it walking or something more vigorous.....great!
ClareC x
No comments:
Post a Comment