September 2024 Updates

On the 7th September, I saw the lymphedema nurse, Christine. She was brilliant. I had my scars massaged and yes, there was some adhesion. She also checked me over to see whether I had any signs of lymphedema. Thankfully I don't. Christine gave me lots of things to look out for and how to continue not bringing it on.

I received an email from the Cancer Alliance Involvement Manager - shared with all the Patient Partners - about an opportunity to join the Cancer Alliance Delivery Board. I replied that I'd like to do this so got a little more information. I checked with work that I could do this as although it is after school hours, I may need to join the meetings sharply or they may clash with our team meetings. I have been invited to the first meeting on the 25th September. 

The 16th September was another Patient Partner meeting for the Cancer Alliance where we began to draft a "top tips for chemo patients from chemo patients" resource. This will be a great piece of work.

On Tuesday 17th September I talked about my cancer experience with a group of fourth year medical students at the Kent and Medway Medical School. This was an opportunity that was sent out and I offered to do it. It was about sharing things that went well and things that didn't. It was key to share how these things affected me. Tracey, the Involvement Manager, and I arrived and met a number of people. We then went into the area to give my presentation - it was a lecture theatre with about 80 students. I said "Oh my god!" to Tracey but it was absolutely fine. My notes were written and I had been practicing it. I talked through my experience and everyone seemed to be listening intently. I was asked questions at the end and had a young lady come to me about a research project she is undertaking. She explained that she would like to contact me at some point and of course, I agreed.

I'm also waiting for some cards to arrive from Macmillan. This is a micro-volunteering opportunity where I write 10 or 20 cards to thank people who are fundraising. I've done it twice before and really enjoy it. It takes a couple of hours but I know they are greatly appreciated by those who are taking part in events.

Towards the end of the month, I'm going to see the nurse practitioner at the GP surgery as I still have a little groin pain. When I was seeing the physio, she suggested that I may have an impingment in my hip. I looked it up and I seem to have many of the symptoms. They haven't got the CT scan from April so I may, if the nurse feels it necessary, have to have an MRI or similar. It's not hugely painful now but it is still there. 

27.09.2024

So, the cards have been written and sent for Macmillan. 

On Wednesday 25th September, I joined the Cancer Alliance Delivery Board for the first time. That was incredibly interesting. I feel very privileged to have heard the information that was shared. I really enjoyed it and even had some questions; I was nervous about asking them so Tracey did it for me.