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Going forward afterwards

Mickk13
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Hello people.

I was diagnosed with NHL 2 years ago at the age of 69, this was a lump in the righthand side of my neck, I only found it by chance when washing my neck after shaving, The doctor did not see me and I had to tell him about it over the phone he put me on antibiotics for 10 days but it never went away, after some phone  calls later I had to go to the hospital cancer unit and had a biopsy to confirm, my treatment started a few days after, I had treatment for 14 months which was Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy, I didn't have a good time with the Chemo as it made me feel unwell and extremely tired, but I kept having the treatment, when this was completed, I had Radiotherapy, and then had regular check-ups, this was for 6 months, last month I was told that I was clear and only have to go for check-ups every 4 months as the treatment had worked and I responded really well, fantastic news.

I learnt so much from talking and listening to others over that period of time when we were having treatment or talking to people who were there to support their relative/friend, that it has inspired me to try and make a difference to others who may be affected in some way regarding cancer.

I have realised that there is so much to be told and also you can give so much when you can, also realising that life is too short to not give and take, I have raised funds whilst I was on Chemo, walking a mile a day for cancer, and have now got the mindset to try and help others, Yesterday I put in to take a course at college and have been accepted, this course is called NCFE Cache Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Cancer Support, with this I hope to have a qualification to be of some form of assistance whether verbally or practical to other who may need a hand or just someone to speak to before/during or after treatment.

When I visited the Macmillan Centre, the people there and people who are having treatment impressed me so much, this really did make me move forward.

For me there really is light and hope at the end of the tunnel, I really hope I can help in a way no matter how small.

I wish you all well.   Mick.

       

  • Offline

    Hi Mick,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am delighted to hear that you have had a successful end to your gruelling treatment journey. We do learn a lot from others, who travel along with u,s as we take this journey. We also tell others of our own experience, which helps and inspires them.

    Congratulations on raising funds - walking a mile a day during chemo, must have been quite challenging. I am delighted to hear that you have now been accepted on a college course in Understanding Cancer Support. Can I ask where, or how you came to find out about this course and how long the course is, as it sounds very interesting? I sincerely hope that you enjoy the course and I am sure that you will be a great ray of hope for others with any help and advice you can offer at the end of it.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi Jolamine.

    Thank you for your reply and kind encouragement, this is a free course and is covered online so, no travelling back and forth to a college.

    if you visit www.myfreecourse.co.uk you will find so many courses, obviously I choose the cancer support, at first, they told me that there were no spaces in my post code area, so I emailed them and asked if it could be done in another area and they said that they can get me on this NCFE course, so please don't give up if they say about your post code area, the course is a minimum of 7 weeks maximum of 12 weeks, it explains that you will probably be using around 5 hours per session I will probably take that time anyway, have you had cancer or are you in a different situation like know someone who has?, whatever it is we can only help when we can and how we can. thank you once again for your reply.

    Good luck and please contact me if you wish.

    Take care Mick x

      

      

  • Offline in reply to Mickk13

    Hi Mick,

    Thank you for your prompt and informative reply. I shall certainly have a look at this course. I have cared for a number of family members with different cancers and I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer and 1 of pre-cancer myself, all within a year of each other. I had a Lumpectomy the first time and a Double Mastectomy for the second bout. My cancer was Pure Mucinous, which only about 1% of people get. I found it very difficult to get any information about this at the time and turned to cancer forms, both in the UK and America. I had tremendous support from both, although, what little information there was about Pure Mucinous, came from America. That was all 15 years ago now and I have adjusted well to my new post-cancer life.

    My surgeon had advised me that this was a less aggressive and slow growing cancer, so I was surprised to have three diagnoses within the first year. Needless to say, it was not a straightforward journey, but I appreciated the help and support I got so much, that I have been contributing to this forum for the past 15 years in an effort to repay this generosity.

    I am not in a position to travel to college, as I care for my husband, who has a large number of co-morbidities, but I could certainly manage a few hours of study after he is in bed in the evenings. When are you due to start your course? I would be interested in hearing how you find it and would appreciate if you would keep in touch.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine 

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Wow Jolamine you have really had it hard, I'm so sorry to hear of all that you have been through, having all that and then your husband being so unwell, you must be physically and mentally drained, I hope that you get progress with everything, it makes me feel very humble.

    Regarding the course, I was informed that once all the paperwork is covered and the assessors clear me to start, it could be as soon as next Monday.

    yes of course, I will keep you updated as to how it is and what it consists of.

    Take care

    Kind regards   Mick.   

  • Offline in reply to Mickk13

    Hi Mick,

    It's been challenging time. I lost my mum to breast cancer before I was diagnosed, so I feel very fortunate to still be here.

    I looked at the course you mentioned and they said that I qualify for a place. The course organiser phoned me yesterday, when I was only half way through my application. I have since submitted it and am waiting to hear back from her.

    I accepted your friend request last night and look forward to keeping in touch.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine

  • Offline in reply to Mickk13

    Hi Mick,  I also looked at the cancer course from the link you posted.  I half completed it and they phoned me.  ( missed the call so didnt get to speak to anyone) Is it 5 hrs per session every day or once a week?  I don't know if I could commit to 5 hours per day.  Do you know anymore information?

    Thanks Lee

  • Offline in reply to leelaloo

    Hello Leelaloo, Thanks for contacting me, the course is 5 hours per week and lasts 7 -12 weeks, I have a teams meeting with them on Monday, if you look on their web site you will see that you can join the meeting as part of the induction, they said that after the meeting registrations will be finalised and we go from there, I do believe it will be every Monday.

    hope this is a help for you,

    Nice to hear from you, take care.   Mick. 

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