A new start

Oh, HEY. I’m going to apologise in advance as this is going to be quite a long post to explain why I’ve completely revamped my blog. If you want the short answer I just needed a new start, a complete change so grab a drink and let’s get into it.

Why I started?

I was diagnosed with cancer in January 2014 and it’s been quite a journey, after finally hearing those words “your in remission” I decided to set up this blog in July 15′ as I wanted to share my whole story with cancer but I just couldn’t remember half the things I wanted to and I was getting VERY frustrated with myself, I blame it on the ‘chemo brain’. I think I got up to chemo 4 when I decided I couldn’t write about it anymore, it was just too hard. So I then took a break from blogging. It has taken me quite a while to back into writing and I didn’t mean to take this long but I’ve had quite a few things going on and this just kept getting pushed back. From now on, I’m going to be writing about life after cancer, my life in general and just the things I‘m passionate about.

The last few months..

Since finishing treatment I’ve had so many opportunities which I am so grateful for and if it wasn’t for cancer those wouldn’t have happened, so as funny as it sounds thanks cancer.

On the 8th November I was given a pair tickets by The Teenage Cancer Trust & The Queen Elizabeth Charity at the QE to go in a box at Aston Villa for a football match (Aston Villa v Man City) with two other people who had been treated at Birmingham. We had a lovely 3 course meal with drinks and also had a tour of the ground. It was such a lovely day so thank you to the Teenage Cancer Trust who have been absolutely amazing since I got connected with them.

Also thanks to the teenage cancer trust on the 13th – 15th November I was able to go to find your sense of tumour ‘FYSOT’ which was one of the best weekend’s I have ever had. FYSOT is basically a weekend conference for young people who have had cancer and to connect with other young people around the country. It was such a nice weekend to have a little break from everything for a while, so many inspiring stories I will never forget. Having cancer is devastating for anyone to go through especially young people but meeting everyone, sharing stories and spending time with them all makes life better.

Then on the 21st November.. Yep, a lot happened in November. I got contacted by an MTV producer as they were working on a video montage to celebrate the memory of Diem Brown as she sadly lost her battle to ovarian cancer in 2014. She was very much about supporting young women so I was honoured to be asked to be included. In the video, Megan Brown – Diem’s sister reflects on her childhood, adult life and her final battle with ovarian cancer.

Awareness is so important and to let the world know cancer doesn’t care about age, race, gender and religion. We should all be working together for a cure and research. If you have a few minutes please take a look! Here’s the link to the video: https://youtu.be/xNeL7N5UDz8

December came around.. December has always been quite hard for me and my family as that’s when I was originally feeling ill and around when I relapsed last year but we were all determined to make this a good Christmas. BUT at the beginning of December I got asked to write a blog for ‘Blood Cancer UK’ which are the UK’s biggest blood cancer charity.

Blood Cancer UK are the best charity and help support everyone affected by blood cancer, without the research they are doing I wouldn’t be here today.

About a week later I received an email from Blood Cancer UK asking me if I was interested in becoming one of their very first ambassador’s.. Well of course I said yes! I couldn’t have been more thankful for the opportunity! The project is still in the early stages but I’m excited to get started to help spread awareness and support patients with blood cancer.

After having a couple of amazing months I was so excited for Christmas with all the family. It was so nice to just enjoy the holidays as the last two were just filled with worry and lots of hospital appointments. I had the best couple of weeks celebrating! 

January came around and I couldn’t have been happier to be starting 2016 cancer free. I’d been through hell the last couple of years, so many up’s and down’s, so many emotions but now 2016 would be a fresh start not only for me but for all my family too.

I’d decided I wanted to take on a challenge this year so on the 2nd January I signed up for race for life (5K) at Walsall Arboretum in May. Not only did I sign myself up I also decided to make a team called #SambasArmy. My first thought was I better get myself to the gym.. So that’s what I did! On the 4th January I had my first training session but before I go on I have just got to say a BIG thank you to Fitness First (Cannock) for arranging me to train at their gym for free until my race, I am very lucky to have such amazing support.

Obviously I was VERY nervous as to how my body was going to handle everything, I mean my body has been badly damaged by all the chemo I’ve had but I actually coped alright.. I managed 2km on the treadmill, 1km on the cross-trainer and 3k on the bike. I would have never thought I could have done that on my first session.

Health update

Since I was given the all clear I’ve been going for check-up’s every 3 months or so and everything has been fine. No lumps or bumps! 2 months after my transplant my bloods were all back to normal ranges which I was VERY shocked about as my bloods aren’t usually that quick to recover.

It’s nearly March now and I’ve got my 8 month check up in a few weeks. For my check up’s I have just been going to my local hospital (Walsall Manor) but for my 8 month check up I have to go back to Heartlands Hospital, this is where I had my stem cell transplant so this a quite a big check up. I’ve been trying to put it to the back of my mind and to not overthink it but it never get’s any easier. I’m sure everything will be fine as I have been feeling really well lately but obviously there is always a worry.

Well, that’s it your all caught up in my life, I promise I won’t leave it as long next time! I’m excited for a new start with my blog and I really hope you are as well.