CaroleDico's blog

It soon comes around doesn't it??!

2010-08-20T17:47:09Z

Hi all

On Monday it's my three monthly Onc check up, it only seems like a month since the last one, so this means another routine CT no doubt (but of course that's a good thing). I know I'm far from being the only one, but I always dread these appointments, it's like having to face up to the reality of what's lurking around my body - thankfully 'under control' at present, waiting to pounce? (If I stop my daily affirmations, taking the happy pills, having Reiki, dancing round naked at midnight having drank bats blood (normal Friday night for me then!)and hanging upside down off the washing line ... will it begin to creep it's way through my lymphatic system, or blood? Obviously some of my rituals are true, some not .... do I look like the type of person who would take happy pills, for goodness sake!!! lol)

Then there's the waiting for the results, the CT operator (Radiographer? is that what they're called?) with a totally impassive look on their face ... they must have special training to look so blank! So you then hang around for a couple of weeks (not on the washing line, honest!) waiting for either a phone call (bad news :( ) or a letter (good news? Usually :) )

But the very best thing is getting the support and good wishes, or commiserations, from your 'Cancer Buddies' ... many of whom are in a much worse situation than yourself , yet are still able to rejoice at your good news or empathise/sympathise with the bad.

So to anyone who is going through the nightmare of appointments, tests, biopsies, treatment etc. remember you are not alone .... we're all on this journey with you.

Take care friends!

Carole xx

Jools Irving's Funeral

2010-08-10T09:54:28Z

Hello friends of Jools

As promised here are the details of the funeral of our dear friend Jools.

It will take place on Friday 13 August at 12.45pm at the Crematorium at Whitley Bay Cemetery, Blyth Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 4NH. I understand this is on the Seafront opposite St Mary's lighthouse.

There will be a small reception afterwards at the Briar Dene Pub, approx. 10 mins walk away. As there is limited parking at the Crem you could park at the pub and walk if that is easier.

Richard Hempsall, Jools' brother, has requested that people wear bright colours (pink would be welcomed too). No flowers please but donations would be welcomed for Macmillan Cancer Support.

If you are you going to attend please could you let Richard know via Jools' Facebook page. I've put a link below (hope you can access it).

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1165706998438#!/joolsirving?ref=ts

If you can't access it then her FB name is Julia (Jools) Irving and you can leave a message there for Richard to access.

Even if you can't make it, I know Jools will be in your thoughts on Friday, thank you everyone.

Carol xxx

Julia (Jools) Irving

2010-08-06T20:52:22Z

It's a long while since I have been online, so apologies if I have posted this in the wrong arena. This is something I need to make everyone aware of.

Julia (Jools) Irving passed away peacefully earlier today with her daughters, Jenny and Jade and close family around her.

Many of you whose lives have been touched by Jools, as indeed mine has, will share a great sadness from this news, but also thankfullness that her pain has gone, she was dignified to the end.

It is difficult for me at this time to share much more as I am deeply sorrowed by my great friend's passing. More information regarding her funeral will follow early next week.

I hope you will join with me in wishing her family and close friends much love and support during what is an extremely difficult time for them.

Kind regards

Carole Dixon

Sally, Sally ...Pride of our Corrie!!! (Well I am from Rochdale!)

2010-01-08T20:29:52Z

Funny isn't it, but when you watch soap characters dealing with some kind of trauma ... and let's face it, that's the 'bread and butter' of all soap storylines ... they are normally played for effect - over the top, overly dramatised, overly sensitive etc.

I, probably like millions of others, have been watching the Coronation Street storyline of Sally Webster's breast cancer unfold with interest. I must admit, at first I felt it was rather innappropriate to bring this story in on Christmas Eve in a battle over ratings. I was also expecting it to be full of cliches, unrealistic in content, overly emotional etc.

I have to say that, on reflection, I think the writers/producers have played it with the right amount of drama and the right level of sensitivity, I have felt myself really empathising with the character and getting that feeling in the pit of my stomach that I felt when it happened to me. I also find myself shouting at the television at what I think she should or shouldn't do or say (I'm obviously losing the plot, lol!)

I hope that the storyline doesn't deteriorate into syrupy sentimentality,or portray unrealistic conversations just for dramatic effect .... because it could potentially be a powerful vehicle to help other people seek help if they are a little bit scared.

Anyway, would be useful to know what other people think.

Carole

What Now? or whatever it's called now ...!

2010-01-05T21:02:42Z

Hello everyone

It's been a long, long while since I came onto this site .... nothing to do with the cancer, but more for personal reasons ... The last time I came on here it was called What Now? I'm not sure what it's called now, but it looks different, and feels different and maybe it's time to move on and see these 'changes' as positive and once again embrace the support I generally got from the people on this site. It's a new year and time to put the past behind me, and I no longer feel nauseous when I think of / logon to What Now (don't ask!) - or the Macmillan Online Community as it looks to be called ... having just noticed the big green writing on the right hand side, doh!!

I revisited my profile and not much has changed since I last updated it, so that's good isn't it? I have breast cancer with bone mets and a couple of 'nodules' on my lung .... and now I have three monthly CT Scans, which (glass always half full!) is good because it means that any advances in my condition will be dealt with early on. Having said that I am determined to live life to the full and I try not to let my condition take over my life.

I have to say that, despite my 'cryptic' posting above, I have met some truly wonderful, amazingly brave and funny people on this site ... people who are now a very important part of my life, people who I hold dear in my heart and who I consider to be true and loyal friends ... and for that I will always be grateful for both the 'dreaded C' (yes, honestly!) and for What Now/MOC.

So, New Year, New Start .... Hello to friends ... old and new .... looking forward to contributing and being part of this community.