The Gathering Part 4

The rest of the weekend went way too fast for us! We enjoyed the Battle of the Bands during the afternoon when the bands played against a panel of judges to decide who would be warming up for the Alarm that evening. The evening gig was amazing but sadly, I fatigued and had to sit out but we could still see the stage and hear the music. We didn't make it to see Children of the Revolution at midnight or the punk rock kareoke but we loved what we did see. I keep forgetting that I am still recovering from chemo.

At 10am on the Sunday we met in the Love Hope Strength Foundation suite and after a speech from Mike and a collective sing song of Love Hope and Strength we took a stroll to the beach. Somebody forgot to check the tidal times because the waves were crashing against the barriers when we got there. Mike stood on the wave barriers and gave us an acoustic performance of Rain in the Summertime as he was splashed by the sea.

Back at the site, after a full english breakfast we met Mike and Jules and he gave me a personal message "Never give up without a fight". Jules thanked me for the care package I sent her and she was so sweet.

Today I had my mammogram. It wasn't pleasant as the scar tissue hurt when under the machine. Now I have to wait until the end of the month before I know the results.

February is an eventful month for me! On Friday we are going to look at a Fell pony in Staffordshire, I am doing the school quiz on Friday night in aid of the PTA, the week after we are going to the Take That Tribute Night (a year to the day of my operation), I have various hospital appointments and on 27th I am doing a sponsored Ghost Hunt at the Tower in Mold in aid of Wrexham Maelor Special Care Baby Unit. Phew! Will I manage it all!!! Yes I will!

The Gathering - Part 3 - The Acoustic Performance

The Gathering 2010 was officially opened by Mike Peters at 7pm. He gave a rousing speech and I was lucky enough to be at the front so I was able to get some good shots.

We got to the acoustic stage in good time and I managed to get a place right at the front. Jason insisted on taking photos of me so I decided to comply!

This is the acoustic set stuck to Mikes guitar. He opened the gig with "Love, Hope and Strength" a beautiful ballard which says it all when you are fighting cancer! Blaze of Glory was the final song and I swear, I am going to have that played at my funeral as the casket goes out to the cremation chamber!

Mikes roadie did a fantastic job of looking after him. He made sure that he had a bottle of water near each side of the small stage, he poured him a glass of juice and made sure he had access to that, he was on hand with spare guitars and plectrums, the harmonicas were laid out nicely. He did a sterling job!

I wanted to get a shot of Mikes jeans because they were frayed at the bottom. I wanted to do this to show the world that Mike is not just a celebrity, he is a normal, down to earth family guy.

I was so lucky to be up front. I was standing next to one of Mikes neighbours who was there with his 7 year old daughter. They thoroughly enjoyed the gig. I liked "people" watching while I was listening to Mike play..... I got almost as much enjoyment from that as I did the concert. I clocked the expressions on the faces of the fans and only one word can describe them all and that is adoration!

This guy is 50 years young, this guy has fought cancer twice and is currently in remission and this guy can sing, play and perform with amazing energy! He is my inspiration.

Young, older we were all united in our love for Mikes music past and present. The one thing I couldn't understand though was the fact that a few of the fans were well under the influence of alcohol and while I enjoy a drink as much as the next person I felt that they were so inebriated that it would have taken the enjoyment away from the concert. I loved every minute of that session for so many reasons; the energy, the music, the close proximity so a guy who has helped get me through 2009, and people......

The Gathering - Part 2 (our accommodation)

Prestatyn is a small coastal town in North Wales (my country) and it is where Mike Peters from The Alarm is from. Over the years, the Gathering has taken place in Llandudno (where my husband is from) and fans book into the local hotels but this year, Mike decided to bring the Gathering 2010 to Prestatyn and where better than at Pontins Holiday Camp!

What a genius idea this was, to hold the Gathering at the holiday camp where all the fans are together!

The chalet was small and compact but clean and had all the facilities we required. We didn't use the twin beds, instead we pulled out the sofa bed and because the mattress on that was pretty bad we utilised the single bed mattresses and got ourselves a nice comfy place to sleep.

We were situated on a top chalet at the edge of the site. I was dubious about the noise, this was a rock festival after all! I needn't have worried though, true to form, the Alarm fans were brilliant and the only noise we heard was that of the wind and the sea and the odd acoustic guitar floating on the wind.

The view from our chalet was lovely. It overlooked a park where people walked their dogs and the Prestatyn Golf course.

We also had a nice view of the mountains. When we woke up on Sunday morning, there was a light dusting of snow over them which was really pretty.

There was a shop on site as well as the pub and the swimming pool was open which I didn't expect so I could have kicked myself for not bringing my swimming cossy!!!!

It was great having the gigs on one site because you could dip in and out as you required. Although I am doing really well 3 months out of treatment, I am still just 3 months out of treatment and I do tend to tire easily, alot more easily than I used to. I don't care though because I am so excited by life and what it has to offer. This time last year, I was being told that it was going to be the worst year in my life (my surgeon was right) but the next 40 were gonna be amazing! This time last year, I booked my Gathering tickets and that was the light that kept me going through the dark days.

The entrance door to the Love Hope Strength suite.

All of my plans have been pushed back a year or so. I am still not fit enough to run a 10K race which is where I was last year and I am 2 stone over weight but I am booked in for the Race for Life 5K in May in aid of Cancer Research and I am going to look for a suitable 10K race in the autumn which I am going to run in aid of the Love Hope Strength Foundation. I have GOT to give something back to Mike Peters because his music and his strength got me through my war with cancer.

All around the camp site, the Poppy flags and Welsh flags were flying. To me, they symbolise Love, Hope, Strength. They symbolise my youth blending into maturity and all the benefits that brings over the years.

Gathering 2010 - part 1

My mum came over to take care of the boys for the weekend while Jason and I went to the Gathering 2010 at Prestatyn. I booked our tickets this time last year when I had just been diagnosed with breast cancer and at the time I really didn't know what the future had in store for me. All I knew was that I was going to go to the Gathering 2010 weekend and I was going to be fit and well to do so.

We arrived at Pontins at about 4pm having only driven for 40 minutes in Cooper! The chalet was basic but comfortable, we had everything that we needed; shower, loo, tv, microwave, cooker and fridge.

There was a pub on site called "The Queen Vic" so we had our tea there. A carvery was on offer and we chose the lamb. The doors were opened at 7pm by Mike Peters and the above video is of Mike officially opening the Gathering. He is an amazing man, he continues to inspire me and keep up with the fight. He has fought cancer himself twice and through his charity "The Love Hope Strength Foundation" he is making a huge difference.

More about the Gathering 2010 to follow..........

Race for Life 2010

I took part in the 2008 Race for Lifeand at the time I had no experience with cancer. I didn't really know anyone who had had the disease and at 41 I didn't think I would get it.

I ran for all those who have fought cancer or who are fighting cancer, in particular Mike Peters of The Alarm. He is a two time cancer survivor having fought two types of leukemia in the last 10 or 15 years. I wanted to raise awareness for his charity the Love Hope Strength Foundation so having gotten in touch with Shannon Foley, I received a badge which I placed on my race card along with Mike Peters name and I managed to raise some money for Cancer Research.

A year ago I found a lump in my breast quite by accident. It wasn't a small lump either so I don't know how I missed that. On 4th February 2009 I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer which was hormone and HER2 receptive, in other words - aggressive!

On 13th February my tumour was removed via a lumpectomy and I had a sentinal node biopsy. After many prayers I discovered that the tumour had been removed with a good clear margin and the cancer had not spread to my lymph nodes so no further surgery was necessary. The operation itself was painful as I suffered a large haematoma which took months and months to clear and has stretched the scar so its not as neat as it should be but who am I to complain, they got the cancer out didn't they?!

On 20th March I started my regime of chemotherapy: 4 lots of Epi-Reubison every 3 weeks then 8 lots of CMF week 1, week 2 with a two week break. My veins managed to supply my body with the poisen right up until the end when they collapsed. Then followed radiotherapy. On 2nd October 2009 the most radical part of my treatment was over.

I have herceptin via IV every 3 weeks and regular heart scans, the herceptin carries a risk of heart damage, oh, yes, and I am on tamoxifen for the next 5 years.

Right now my energy is back, I am able to discipline the kids, walk the dogs and run! Wow! How I missed running so much!

So.... this year I have JUST entered the 2010 Race for Life in May! This time I am not only doing it for Mike Peters, I am doing it for ME among a number of my new bloggin/facebook friends!

My sponsorship link is on my blog please, please, please will you sponsor me!

I have benefited from new break throughs in cancer treatment...... the sentinal node biopsies have only been around in the past few years - this has meant that I have my mobility and I am at a lesser risk of developing a painful condition called lympodemia. HERCEPTIN - the wonder drug which targets the HER2 cancer cells..... the new breed of cancer treatment I hope!

Jules Update and Running with Wilbur

I received an email from Jules Peters today thanking me for the care package I sent out. She has been a very poorly young lady with not only DVT, tropical disease but also had a pulmonary embulism. She is lucky to be alive. She is recovering at home now with her young children and is doing well. These conditions were caused during her climb up Kilimanjaro to raise money for cancer. We are all set for the Gathering at the end of January 2010 in Prestatyn where I can hopefully meet her in person.

Today I went running with my dog Wilbur. I have had to have a few days off exercise as I injured my shoulder on Thursday having tripped up over Mr Wilbur. I landed on my shoulder and it is still incredibly painful, very hard for me to get dressed or put a coat on. However, I had a good run and enjoyed it even more for having his company. He had to wear is flourescent tabard because he is the colour of tarmac and whilst motorists on the lane may see me, they may miss the little guy.

A very productive day.... I am feeling stronger and fitter with each new day and I am so happy to be able to do the things I love once again.

Can't Stop Being Cold

Yesterday we had the first frost of winter. I went to put a cabbage leaf into my recycling bin and it was frozen shut! Mind you, I am still feeling the cold quite severely. It is 6 degrees outside, growing temperature for grass but I am sitting here wearing a cami top, thick polo sweatshirt, a fleece and a woolly hat and I am only just starting to warm up. Could I still be suffereing from chemo chills? I know that the optician said that he could tell that my veins were affected by chemo because they were not working efficiently so could it really take 2 months to still get better?

Ah well...................................

I had more news of my big surprise this morning! Fingers crossed everyone, it will be arriving on Wednesday 18th November........ excited is NOT the word for it!


Had a great walk with the dogs today, I really love to see them pounding through the leaves even though Wilbur and Pickles come home resembling a forest with all mannor of leaves sticking to their hair! I am training Wilbur to come to the whistle because its the only way I can get his attention when he is on the trail of squirrels. It was especially nice today because there were no golfers around so we really did "fill our boots".


Stupid car the Renault Scenic is in the garage for yet more repairs, this time a broken shock exorber - must be all those speed bumps Wrexham council decide to put everywhere! A couple of weeks ago it was the alternator cable. I have never owned a Renault before and believe me, I will never own a Renault, ever, again! We ran an Escort, a Mondeo, a Micra, Fiesta and a Sunny all without half the expense this has cost us.


Moaning over! My new scan disk came this morning so at least I am able to take photographs again. Sad news is that we are still having problems recovering the photos taken on our recent holiday.


Update on Jules Peters. She was hoping to be released from hospital today but sadly she is having to stay in isolation for another week. Desperately hard for her and her family as she is missing her sons aged 5 and 3. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she has done so much to raise money and awareness of cancer.

Get your Rocks On!!!!!

No, I don't like this picture of me! My face is so bloated but this is me and it is right and proper that I should reveal the real me not the one I want everyone to see! On the swelling score, my fingers and toes have reduced and now my 3rd ring (My Nains) fits me perfectly again. I noticed my cheek bones for the first time yesterday as well! I am seeing the consultant tomorrow just to go through this side effect and I am going to contact my friend to get more information from his angle.

I was really tired today on account of a busy day yesterday. Once the children were at school, I got into bed and slept for 2 hours solid. I woke up feeling great so I got on my bike and did some errands. Posted a card to my friend on Manor Lane, took some parcels to the Post Office on Station Road, stopped off at the Chemist on Chester Road before returning home and I felt great for the fresh air and gentle exercise! The dogs had a short walk today but exciting none the less because we came across my friend who had lost her dog Molly in the woods. The tractor had scared her. Needless to say it all ended very nicely with Molly being found and reunited!

I decided to take the car to school to collect the children even though it is only a 10 minute walk. The reason I did this was because I have had a busy afternoon and I had tea to put on, Joe's suitcase to help pack and the Breast Cancer Support Group this evening, there is going to be a talk given by a life coach!

So now to the title of todays post! While we were at the Llyn, we did lots and lots of beach walking and while there I did my favourite thing, I collected rocks. Usually I put them in my garden but this time I looked for palm sized stones. The idea is that I am going to try my hand at rock painting for small Christmas gifts so look out everyone! I will let you know how I get on. My acrylics were delivered today along with the matt spray so I am excited about making a start!

An update on Jules Peters... Mikes tour with The Alarm has been cancelled and rescheduled for the new year. Jules is an integral part of the team organising these events and that as well as the fact that Mike needs to support his wife and his two sons, Dylan age 5 and Evan age 3. Jules is still in isolation and will remain in hospital for at least another week. Her rehabilitation will take months. I sent her a "Caring" package today, I know how much these packages from friends all over the world have meant to me so I wanted to spread the love.

Glad to Have My Blog Back

Before I get started on this blog, I just want all of my blogging friends to look at the picture above of Mike Peters and his wife Jules. They helped found the Love Hope Strength Foundation which aims to put cancer centres in every country and make cancer a curable disease. Mike himself has battled the beast twice in the last 15 years and his type of cancer is incurable but can be managed.

They have done so much, you must visit the LHS website to see what amazing things they have achieved. They have donated thousands to the cancer centre where I received part of my treatment. They have climbed Everest, Snowdon and now more recently Kilimanjaro.

As a result of this quest, Jules is now seriously ill in hospital suffering with not only DVT but a tropical disease. She is in isolation so will not even be able to see her two very young sons. I want you all to say a prayer for this amazing person. Hold her in your thoughts and pray for a fast recovery.

So.... I am back home from the caravan and now I can access my blog and everyone elses. It has been quite frustrating not being able to visit blogs or even pick up the comments left on my blog! I will be busy catching up with you all over the next week.

I am back in the pink! I only let myself have one blue day every once in a while, I think it helps to cleanse the mind and body but thank you for all of your messages of support which helped turn me from blue to pink.

The only other frustration I have at the moment is that my scan disk is not allowing me to upload my pictures so my wonderful husband has allowed me to use his from the holiday and will be working to fix my disk so that I can share the fab photos I took on holiday.

The above picture is of Joe pretending to fly a "Vampire" aeroplane at the museum.

Harry loves aeroplanes and so last Christmas we bought him an authentic pilots flight suit and Jason managed to get badges and a beret which he loves. In this picture we were on Llanbedrog Beach and he was busy enacting war scenes. This took me back years to my own child hood when I used to play the same games with my brothers!

Harry was flying a helicopter in this picture and by the look on his face, I think he must have been about to crash!

This is me and my Joe, Jason was insisting on taking photos of me which I dont like because of my weight gain, hair and general poor self image. We decided to pull extreme faces for this one!

We had a lovely week away, it is so relaxing on the Llyn. The best moments were the air museum because the look on Harrys face when we got there was just why I love being a mum, I also enjoyed the bonfire on the beach. Warm autumn night with leaves falling onto the sand, the magic of the fire, waves crashing on the beach and only us there - what a magical experience.

Radiotherapy, sore boobs, Tamoxofen and Feeling Good

Considering the last year has been so awful, over the last few days I have been feeling more and more like my old self. I dont know whether it is the relief of finishing the radical part of my treatment or that chemo was 4 weeks ago. Yesterday I cleaned my house and carried on all day without hitting that tiredness wall that I was used to with chemo.

Today, my breast is still sore from radiotherapy. I have been advised to cover my breast in E45 cream or diprobase and let it sink in and to do this a few times a day. The worst part is the nipple area which feels like it did during the early days of breast feeding. You know the soreness? When your baby cries and your toes curl at the thought of feeding.

Anyway; I have discovered a way to ease and soothe that area! BREAST PAD.... the ones you have when you are nursing. I cover that in diprobase and not only does it keep the cream in place but it offers padding. So if you are reading this and are facing radiotherapy following a lumpectomy.... GET YOURSELF SOME BREAST PADS!

My next dilema is Tamoxifen.

I picked it up today and I will start taking it tomorrow morning. However, crazy though it seems after 12 rounds of chemo and 15 of radiotherapy, I am scared stiff of the side effects. I suppose it is because I will have to take this tablet for 5 years. I am dreading swelling or weight gain. I already have 2 + stone to lose.

Incidentally; these particular tablets were made by CP Pharmaceuticals in WREXHAM. I went for a job there once as a buyer and was shortlisted to 2 - didn't get it though.

My friend Dennise called on me yesterday and brought with her the most beautiful bouquet of flowers as pictured here on my bed and below in my Portmeirion jug in my bedroom window. They are so gorgeous but the reason I love them so much is because they are not shop bought. Dennise carefully selected each flower and stem and tied them together in such an artistic way. She wanted to give me something to celebrate end of treatment and wanted something to reflect the time of year.

These photographs do not do the arrangement justice. Dennise also has breast cancer and has her last round of chemotherapy in a weeks time.

I also received another gift from a my friend Sherry which is delightful. The picture is handcrafted to reflect both our battles and our connection to each other. This picture is going to be placed into my shelving unit with my two collectors teddy bears.

How kind friends are and it is kindness such as this that brightens a persons life and can even save a life. Thank you all.

Oh.... I forgot...... Mike Peters and his team reached the summitt of Kilimanjaro yesterday! Well done guys!

Livestrong Day and Kilimanjaro Rocks

Sorry - no Friday Shoot Out for me this week! I got all mixed up last week and haven't had time to retake pictures.

The pictures off this page are courtesy of the Love Hope Strength Foundation. These pictures were taken TODAY as the team continue their journey up Kilimanjaro in aid of worldwide cancer funds. What strikes me when I look at the video and pictures is just how up beat they are and smiling - amazing really!

If you want to follow the team on a daily basis then you can go direct to www.lovehopestrengthfoundation.org or follow them on facebook.

Today is worldwide LIVESTRONG DAY and this is the team holding up the yellow prayer flags which bear the names of cancer fighters, survivors and those who haven't. They are showing their support for LIVESTRONG DAY to raise world wide awareness of cancer. My name is on one of those flags. As they filmed this they all sang "Love Hope and Strength". I supported Livestrong day by wearing my band and of course, my horrible yellow hospital robe for my last round of radiotherapy.

My heroes: This man has fought cancer twice, he is in remission and not only has he founded the Love Hope Strength Foundation, he has rocked Snowdon 3 times, Everest, The Empire State Building and now Kilimanjaro. In my opinion, this rock star couple are THE Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi love story of the rock world. Such nice people.

As promised in yesterdays blog, I am featuring items that you can purchase to raise money for Breast Cancer. It is Breast Cancer Awareness month so guys and girls check those bazukas! I quite like these little rubber ducks so I may be buying some myself as Christmas gifts. Available from Breast Cancer Care.

Kilimanjaro Rocks!

For some reason, my link to the Love Hope Strength Foundation isn't working, but if you just search with the name Love Hope Strength, you should be able to locate both the UK and American sites www.lovehopestrength.co.uk

Right you lot! I know I bang on about Mike Peters and the Love Hope Strength Foundation but he and his team are on their way to Kilimanjaro as we speak to raise global awareness of cancer and to raise money so that everyone in the world has access to cancer care and detection.

You can send Mike and his crew messages of support as he and his team climb and the link is http://www.kilamanjarorocks.org/ Remember that Mike himself is a cancer fighter with a form of leukemia for which there is no cure but gladly he is in remission right now.

On 2nd October it will be LIVESTRONG DAY, to show your support visit http://www.livestrong.org/ and consider wearing yellow on that day (I wonder if I can get my hands on some yellow nail polish?)

The Love Hope Strength Foundation will be meeting UICC and working with them to provide support for a unit for a childhood cancer unit in Tanzania.

6th October marks the day they are to have climbed 19,336 feet to the top where they will release thousands of prayer flags (my name is on one) and sing (if they have the energy, pray that they do!). I think it will be the highest and most amazing rock gig of all time.

Please show them your support, they are an amazing team of REAL people and they are doing an awesome job.

http://www.lovehopestrengthfoundation.co.uk/ (also an American section too)

MY LAST ROUND OF CHEMO WAS TODAY - WHOOP! WHOOP!

This is the cake I had made for the staff at Wrexham's Shooting Star Unit where I have received my chemotherapy. I ordered it from a local shop called "Sugar and Spice" on Charles Street www.sugarandspice-wrexham.co.uk and he did me proud! Don't let the white icing deceive you, underneath there lies a CHOCOLATE CAKE!!!!!!!!! I had the words of Mike Peters on the cake www.thealarm.co.uk "Love, Hope, Strength" because that is how I cope with my fight.

Can you hear the happiness in my voice? Can you hear it as my fingers dance lively across my keyboard?

My last round of chemo is over! Done, gone, gone forever! Hurray!

My nurse was Sarah and she is so lovely, well they all are! She tried to get a line in my compromised arm but for some reason, failed. The vein they had used last week was still badly bruised. She checked out my other arm and the veins were pretty useless so rather than traumatise me like last week, she called the doctor and he managed to get a line in. Not as gently as most of the nurses I must say, but at least it was in.

Sarah suggested that given my situation I may like to consider a port for my herceptin. She said that my oncologist doesn't normally do ports but she would talk to the doctor and it could be a possibility. I will not deny it because my veins are small and this has been a nightmare.

Sarah was so kind, she pushed the drugs in very slowly so it didn't hit me like a truck like last week. Consequently, I am not feeling as bad as I did this time last week; then I got home and spent the next 24 hours lieing in bed! At least I have felt well enough to lounge around in my PJ's. My tummy hurts so much and my arms and legs are weak but I think my elation of finishing chemo is helping keep the side effects to a minimum.

We went to Sainsburys for a bite to eat post chemo which was nice. We both had the mega all day breakfast which consisted of; 2 eggs (I gave one to Jason), 2 sausages (I gave one to Jason), bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, beans and chips (fries for you Americans reading this). Yummy!

So my friends....... this chapter is closed and the next one is opening. I just want to thank you all; my friends and family for sticking by me, for all the positive comments which has kept my fire burning. I thank Mike Peters of The Alarm for his inspirational music, which, on my darkest days have helped me to renew the fight.

On a final note..... I thank my brothers Peter and Gareth for being my brothers. Peter and I now share a day in the year......10th September for different reasons. His day took him away from us, my day keeps me with everyone but he is always with me in spirit. I put sunflowers on his grave today post chemo, he was like a sunflower for me... Tall, Strong, Straight and like the sun he shone and will always shine in my heart........

My Fukitol Has Arrived!

Regular readers know that my veins are really suffering because of chemo and canulas, I was advised to do hand exercises so decided to purchase a stress ball. I couldn't resist this stress ball which arrived from Amazon UK today. I can do my "vein" exercises with a smile on my face!!!





Mike Peters The Stand

I had to share this video of Mike Peters performing "The Stand" in New York the other day. Amazing. The Stand is based on the book of the same name by Stephen King. This guy is a Cancer Survivor a Cancer Fighter - he never ceases to amaze me! His strength, courage, determination - my rock!

Last night I watched "Haunting in Connecticut" - mistake in my current situation!

I thought it was a good old horror movie, which I love and it was but I didn't bargain for the main heroes being cancer fighters. It portrayed cancer and its treatment in its worst way. For me, I had mixed emotions as the reverand in the film told the boy "we are walking in the shadow of death" and "we are on the edge of death" - I have never thought of this in my cancer fight, I don't feel as though I am "walking in the valley of death", I don't feel as though my life is under attack! Should I? Am I fooling myself? Or is it a safety mechanisim kicking in and the reality will hit me when my treatment is over? Who knows? Who cares? Fukitol, I am enjoying life!

On a final note; the post man who delivers my post every day is funny. A young, fit and healthy lad, he runs his rounds! I used to run past him, now I just answer the door in my dressing gown and with my bald head. He has his hair graded really short and its the same colour as mine so when I answered to door to get my FUKITOL, I asked him "have I got more than you then?" and we both had a genuine laugh!

Love Hope Strength

This is a 10 min video clip about the Everest Rocks - the record breaking, highest gig in the world! All to raise money to fight cancer on a global basis.

The Love Hope Strength Foundation is close to my heart because I have been an avid fan of Mike Peters and the Alarm for over 25 years. Also, I believe in the healing and empowering effect of music.

The LHSF strive to put cancer fighting resources in each country of the world.

I am lucky to be living in Great Britain where our resources are the best, others are not so lucky and its not fair.

The foundation has increased the bone marrow donor list, provided the first ever mammogram in Nepal.

If you want to consider a charity, consider LHSF.

Inspirational for Cancer Fighters

Session 4/12 I am thinking of this ...

I am seriously thinking of doing this. I love Snowdon. I climbed 3 peaks about 20 years ago (before kids) and I adore The Alarm and Mike Peters, have followed him for almost 25 years!

He is a cancer fighter too and has helped found the Love, Hope, Strength Foundation which aims to put a cancer centre in each country across the world.

I am not able to post youtube videos onto my blog but if you go to his website called the Alarm and go into the Snowdon rocks, it will take you to some inspirational interviews with this amazing guy which will inspire any of us cancer fighters to carry on...... check it out!

Cymru am Byth

Session 3/12: Blast Cancer!!!!!

Just a short blog today.

Hopefully, I have uploaded a link to Mike Peters singing on Everest 2007 on his trek to raise money for the Love, Hope, Strength Foundation, a global cancer fighting charity. He is singing my anthem "Without a Fight" - listen to the lyrics, they are my mantra.

Sadly, I have just found out that a friend of mine has been diagnosed with breast cancer, she has had surgery and now is waiting for her treatment regime. Why? Why nice people?

and sorry... no link... will try to work on this one!

Session 2 of 12: BALD PATCH!

Bald Patch - yes, thats what my 7 year old calls me now! He calls it me in such a matter of fact way as though it were mum or mummy. He is autistic so he tells you what he sees.... fact! Now my mum thinks it is upsetting for him to call me that but I don't think it is. He is giving me an affectionate name, one which represents what I am at the moment and he is right..... I am a bald patch.

I am not looking forward to chemo on Thursday because my veins are so sore. I thought they would have got better by now but they haven't. I go for my blood tests tomorrow.... I can't imagine what it will be like.

I was asked what my favourite songs were yesterday and why. There are two which you may want to look up if you are a cancer fighter like me. The first is "Without a Fight" by The Alarm and the second is "Love, Hope and Strength" by The Alarm. I have been big fans of theirs for 24 years, look at my earlier blog for what Mike Peters is doing and information on the Love, Hope Strength Foundation. The words sum up how I feel on this journey, and they should too because he has fought cancer twice so he knows the score!

I am looking forward to posting my first SPIRIT JUMP off tomorrow, the package is ready, I just need to get down to the post office then I will imagine in my head, the pleasure it will bring and when I imagine that... I will feel a warm glow in my heart which will get me through my chemo on Thursday.