A Period Appeal

[Moo]

This Easter I'm celebrating the completion of the year-long restoration of my favourite period property/old wreck - Me.
I'm not listed, but I'm certainly Period (I have a feeling that I may be the oldest member of the forum!!), and the process of diagnosis and treatment has been fascinating - and very like the sort of thing we're all doing on this site.
The good old NHS did five different scans and a couple of complicated biopsies, and came to the conclusion that my 5cm tumour could be surgically removed (my right lung is now minus its top lobe) thus rendering me cancer-free. But just in case there are any microscopic nasties lurking somewhere, they advised me to have four cycles of chemotherapy. Which was not nice; it laid me low for over four months.
However, I'm gradually coming back to normal, thanks to my lovely daughter who moved in with us for the duration, and the Macmillan nurses who have been wonderful.

Which is why I'm posting this message.

Once her self-imposed nursing duties began to come to an end, daughter began a terrifying training programme with the aim of raising money for Macmillan by running the Brighton Marathon on Sunday the 12th May.

If anyone would like to contribute, you can do so by clicking on:


https://www.justgiving.com/KittysMindfulMarathon/

 

[jocelyn plummer]

Moo, you should be listed for your resolve and determination to STAND FIRM and survive.
Brave Lady, and what a lovely Daughter you have.
LOL J & J xx

 

[plasticpigeon]

I am very happy to hear that you have triumphed through this uncertain period.

 

[Penners]

Dear Moo. it's wonderful to hear that you have come through it all successfully. Mrs P and I were actually wondering about you only a couple of days ago. But then, I can't imagine anyone withstanding the whole procedure with more fortitude than you, and you're a credit to the PPUK motto, "Nil carborundum illegitimae terra firma"*.

Of course we'll support Kitty/Macmillan.



* Don't let the b******s grind you into the dirt.

 

[Moo]

Honest, Penners, the only fortitude needed was during the chemo; the side effects really laid me low! The rest of it - tests, investigations, and the op itself - were no problem at all, largely because nothing was painful (I don't like pain!) and there was so much fascinating stuff to learn about the human body. For instance, I bet you didn't know that when a lump of lung is removed, what's left expands a bit like those expanding foams, and fills the relevant bit of chest cavity in less than a week?

 

[Keithj]

It's great to see you back, Mme Moo.

Yes, the human body is an amazing bit of design, and very clever - as I found when the surgeon removed half my neck along with my thyroid and a nasty large lump. He assured me that it would sort itself out and work just as well as before, apart from the effect of losing the accessory nerve. Macmillan were there as needed, arms round me (as it were) during the follow-up treatment.

Well done to your daughter for taking on the challenge! Friends of mine did something similar, to the benefit of Macmillan.

 

[Moo]

What an inspiring story, Keith. And should we assume that (in view of your progress on your house) you are now back in full working order?

Kitty duly did her run, in 4 hours 17 mins, which I gather is quite good for a first marathon. She exceeded her JustGiving target, with promises of more to come*, and has just signed up for a repeat performance next year when she hopes to go much faster!

So - huge thanks for all your good wishes and contributions. He doesn't know it yet, but I'm going to ask Penners to post a picture of girl-with-medal on here, so that you can all see the glorious moment for yourselves.

 

[Penners]

Honest, Penners, the only fortitude needed was during the chemo; the side effects really laid me low!

I understand this to be the case with chemo, Moo. It seems to be a very brutal treatment, so I strongly suspect that your word "only" is a considerable understatement.

I'll be happy to post Kitty's picture: well done her!

 

[Feltwell]

Congratulations Moo, and good luck to your daughter on her run!

Mrs F had chemo and radiotherapy 15 years ago, the chemo was definitely the most gruelling part although neither was pleasant - the chemo used to really take it out of her, and she was a mere youth, in her 20's at the time.

 

[Penners]

With apologies for the delay (due to the board's image allowance being full up!) here are Kitty's pictures (she's in the yellow visor).
Well done her - still smiling after 26.something-or-other miles!

 

[jocelyn plummer]

Well done Kitty!! What a lovely smile! xx

 

[JanieB]

I already support Macmillan. They were so supportive when a friend of mine was dying 2 years ago. Not only did they support him emotionally, but they also knew what fiscal benefits he was entitled to and filled in the forms for him.

He actually got the help by accident. I was on my way to have coffee with him when I met a friend who asked me where I was off to. When I explained I found out she was the new local administrator for them. She came with me and ensured that he received all the help he was entitled to. Very impressed, I now give through her.

 

[Keithj]

McMillan are tops. I had thyroid cancer last year, and they were "there": gentle, caring, knowledgeable folks. It's a pity the NHS can't do it, but thank heavens for McMillan!

 

[Moo]

Mrs F had chemo and radiotherapy 15 years ago,

Tell me more, please, Feltwell.
Our son's mother in law is having chemo- and radio-therapy for small-cell lung cancer and the outlook seems to be very gloomy, so to hear of someone who's still going strong after fifteen years is music to my ears

 

[Feltwell]

I'll send you a PM Moo.

 

[Moo]

Message received. Many thanks. Reply is on its way.
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