Meeting some of 'Team Cancer'

If you asked some people on the street what they imagine a party for a group of people who have or had cancer would be like I should think you would get grimaces and a general feeling that it would be an event cloaked with misery with a large helping of underlying fear for good measure. Now I know I have written about how A and I are coping with our fairly recent life change that cancer has bought us, but we really are newbies in the cancer stakes. That is part of the reason we went to Banstead today - to meet people who have been living with this illness for much longer, well, that and the fact that I knew there was a lovely garden and some alcohol! ;-) It was really fantastic. We laughed and laughed and teased each other, played silly party games (I am not even going to mention the performing of A's party trick on here - I am sure he will detail it himself in his blog - but let's say it was not to be missed). We ate delicious food, drank lovely wine and chit chatted about all things from trash TV, sex and romance to death and the cancer and how to continue fighting until you realise it is time to stop fighting. It really was inspirational for me, and this was just a representation to all the people who live and battle with this illness on a daily basis. Three cheers for all of you. Knowing you all and meeting some of you today makes me a better person, and has added a richness and depth to my life. Loving someone who has cancer is a changing experience, and the weird thing is, that almost every single one of the changes is good. A big thank you to Kate & Alan especially, who let us party on in their lovely house, and to Sharry who is one of the only people on earth I've met with a competitive spirit to rival my own! You go girl!! Extra thanks to Mike on the Bike for bringing all his stoma kit and the lovely Mrs Mike - both telling us all the bits and bobs you really need to know about the bladder removal op - and for showing us that you can live life to the full even with a bag fastened to your side. Hugs and a warm glow from an afternoon spent in the company of new friends. It was a pleasure, and any time any of you fancy a game of Articulate you know who to call. ;-) T x