Hi all,

Irene, what fantastic news! I was beaming from ear to ear when reading your reply, I love it when people take time out from their own busy lives to raise money for cancer charities etc. I take a personal gratitude from it. Any fund raising event is great but what your daughter and friends did was extra fantastic! Well done to them! Glad to hear your dad is on the mend too.

Simon, I hope you are enjoying your time away, god only knows you so deserve a holiday! I hope the heat isn't too much on your dry mouth but good thinking in that you are able to prepare your own food. I must say, I can't manage porridge myself, I really would love to have some (I make it for my daughter in the mornings) but my mouth just doesn't fancy it. I must remember those noodles next time I'm shopping, could be a good option to take to work when I go back. I did try sweet potato chips yesteryear, I found them dry but tasty. I will try them again.

Guzzle, never been to Malta but heard it's lovely. How was travel insurance? You must be back at work now? How are you finding it? I did google the Zip Wire, looks pretty scary! I did manage the Indianna Jones ride at Euro Disney this summer but I still had my PEG back then and when the ride went upside down, the PEG leaked! Some fluids seeped out of the hole in my tummy!! I stuck to the tea cups after that.

Jo, I remembered your 'anniversary' must be coming up as I remember it being very soon after my own. Can't quite believe it was a whole year ago! Work plans are for me to begin with one half day a week in a month for now, then build it up gradually, thanks for asking. I met with my manager today to put a plan in place and it sounds like the first day will be an easy one. I'm very nervous about it, but time to try it I think. Two of the weekly recovery programmes I'm doing will have ended in the next few weeks so the thinking is that I'll have more time and energy to be at work although counselling and the fatigue course will continue. It will be good to be active again, both mentally and physically but I just hope I don't burn too many calories, it's hard going gaining weight as you well know    I can relate to the medical appointments taking up days of leisure, it's the same for me at the moment, but hopefully you are able to rest up at the weekends. One child for me is tiring enough so I can imagine multiple kids at work must exhaust you!

Vatch, I have to say again, your blog really hits the nail on the head and explains everything so well. I've forwarded it to a few friends to read, just so they can get a better understanding. Looking forward to reading your progress, it will only get better from here and pleased to hear you are progressing well.

Thank you to all for your lovely comments on the photo from Debbie and everyone else. I hope you managed to see the 'tongue' photo. It's quite amazing what they can do! Had a tongue check up today and check ups have now gone from monthly to every other month as I've now passed the one year mark - although only 9 months in remission, since treatment ended in December.

A meet up would be great if it can be arranged and if people are interested. I'm in Bristol but happy to travel. I always feel most normal when I'm with other people who have experienced cancer, does anyone else feel that way? Must look into support groups in my local area too.

Speak soon,

Nicola xx

Nic. Just stuck with normal insurance with an exclusion for this condition / e111. Think Simons done same. I am looking at Zip world in Wales for next adrenaline rush. Looks awesome. Malta was lovely. V. Child friendly. V. Hot! Lots to see (mdina lovely).

what about pre Xmas drinks somewhere? Is midlands ish central for everyone? Shrewsbury/ludlow? IM happy to spun down to London equally. Let me know who apart from me and nic fancy it.

All the best, Gary

Hi Gary,

I like the idea of a drink together it would be nice to put faces to names. Unfortiunately 'her indoors' and I are off to Florida

mid December for winter sunshine. Suprisingly (to us anyway) the winters here in Southern France can be long and cold.

It is good to see that everyone is progressing well on the road to recovery.  Nicola looks very good and I am jealous of her

rebuilt tongue   I don't know why they didn't do mine. Maybe because they carved up my chest to use my right pectoral

in my mouth as a blood supply to what little brain I have left.

Just been for my morning jog. After an hour heart is back to around 54bpm so not too bad for an old git.

The zip wire sounds like fun, I must put it on my bucket list.

Regards to all.

Colin

Colin , you jogged! What a guy! Just been over long mynd in Shropshire on bike which was lovely. You and Mrs enjoy Florida. If you ever get back to UK you know where I am! Best Wishes, Gary

Hi Gary,

We are only going to Florida for three momnths.  We go every winter. Only being able to eat via my peg makes

holidays awkward. In Florida I order food bags and tubes for the 3 months and its like being at home.

It costs about $1300 which the French unfortunately don't cover. ( I get my food etc delivered free, monthly here)

Just to make you jealous  - I had a blood test on Tuesday at about 9am. At 3pm  went online and had the results (All good)

Regards

Colin

Simon, so pleased yo had a nice hol and well done on the run. This is is the toughest excercise to get back to . Think because its load bearing. Have a look at the thread about getting together for a drink lunch. Maybe when Vatch up to it. Colin enjoy!

Hi Gary,

Is the meeting up thread elsewhere?    I would be interested if it is before we go to the US.

We have not booked yet, but normally go about mid-December to avoid the bad weather

for the drive through France. We fly from Gatwick.

When in the UK we stay with my son at Ampthill, so the Midlands would not be too far to go.

Colin

Colin thought it was earlier on this one. Nicolas in! Kids could be good. Was talking nearer Xmas?

Hi Gary,

I see the thread. I thought perhaps there was more elsewhere, silly me..  Perhaps if it is a success there wil be more

If the meeting up happens I hope you will take some pictues of the group that attend.

I hadn.t thought about it but I suppose that cycling is a gentler exercise than jogging. Perhaps

I will jog one day and cycle the next. It does become easier to damage muscles as you get older

and cycling is good exercise without the impact of running.

I shall be in Brighton this weekend. My son is treating my wife and I to a James Taylor concert

on Saturday. Its for my birthday or Christmas - I can't remember which. He is a bit tardy with these things.

Regards to all

Colin