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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 in reply to Jolamine

    Hello Jolamine, hope all is good with you, I have started the course, it looks very challenging, obviously have to do a vast amount of research, I downloaded the workbooks 1 & 2, there is a lot of reading and remembering to do, but I am not going to hurry it, I am amazed already how much info is involved, luckily we can break it down to how we would describe it, as it says in our own words, sometimes this isn't possible but  I'm sure the tutors have seen this before and take in to consideration how we would describe certain things, Have you started yet ? although I have said it is a bit challenging, I'm enjoying it as even now I have learnt so much in this small space of time, we have both been down the cancer road so have an idea of how to express certain things and know how helpful our bits of knowledge can be, I'm hoping that when I finish this course I can find some voluntary hours to help in maybe the Macmillan Centre or in a cancer unit, even if it's just making people a cup of tea or coffee.

    I'll keep you updated of my progress, and please let me know how you are doing, we may be able to feed of each other to answer certain questions.

    Take care   Mick x

         

  • Offline in reply to leelaloo

    Hello Leelaloo, how did you get on? were you able to start the course? I started Monday and just doing it at a steady pace, it's very interesting and full of information, for me I think I will probably be spending more than 5 hours per week, as I am researching and making notes virtually of every question, but we have to the 30th of this month to send in the first part so not too much pressure.

    Look forward to your reply.

    Mick.  

  • Offline in reply to Mickk13

    Hi Mick,

    I'm glad to hear that you've started your course this week. I had a short delay, as they hadn't assigned me a tutor on Monday. However, it was all sorted by Tuesday and the course unlocked. There is a lot to do and I'm not sure how much info they want to certain questions, but I'm already finding it quite interesting. No doubt, the tutors will give us more guidance, once we submit the first lot of questions. 

    I'll certainly keep you updated on my progress and will be happy to feed off each other where necessary. Did you get my acceptance of your friend request? It might be easier to keep our interaction to private messages for now, as it keeps the messages all in one place.

    Kind regards,.

    Jolamine 

  • Offline in reply to Mickk13

    Hi Mick,  no I didnt start the course.  I am not sure that I am totally committed to investing the time in it at the moment.  I think you have to be 100% committed and at this point I am not.  I would like to hear how you and Jolamine get on though as it sounds really interesting.  Please keep in touch.

    Lee x

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