Companies that have helped me on my journey
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Action in Remission
In training, post Chemo, for the challenge, whilst showing off my Chemo Curl. I supplemented time on the water with a gym training schedule that included hard hours on the rowing machine (Ergo), pumping a little iron and a strengthening exercise routines using all major muscle groups. Tuesday 3rd August 2021 I Kayaked from Dungeness to Boulogne and returned on 13th October 2021, to celebrate eight months since my last chemotherapy treatment. A long-distance sea paddle is formidable, and not necessarily just physically, it also demands mental strength and big balls. Or, as in my case, a stubborn septuagenarian and a very grateful cancer survivor who wants to carry the message of…
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Let’s talk about Cancer & Chemo
On Monday 21st September 2020 I underwent a CT scan on my thorax; and on the 29th, Dr T Nakos told me that I did indeed have cancer. A few days later Dr J R Jones, a consultant haematologist confirmed the diagnosis; I had B-cell lymphoma cancer. My first thought was ‘game over’ My second was ‘you bloody drama queen!’ After the initial shock of being told I had cancer, I felt numb; then slowly emotions of anger, anxiety and sadness jumbled around inside my head. I felt I had to ask the big question: ‘OK, doc, give it to me straight. How long have I got?’ The answer I…
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Kayak The English Channel
BBC . South East Today – Evening News 25.6.2021 – I’m on the Telly!!! This is me in the red kayak, sporting my “Chemo Curls’ ‘, paddling from Dungeness to Boulogne! Celebrating six months, to the day, (3rd Feb -3rd August) my last chemotherapy treatment. Having rung the end of treatment bell, I remain cancer free. Approaching Boulonge Harbour. Caught by Gendarmerie. After paddling 22.6 miles from Dungeness, a high-speed motorboat with its blue light flashing; crewed by armed Maritime Gendarmrie intercepted us; we were a mere 200 metres from Boulonge’s Harbour entrance. Gendarmrie – You don’t look like migrants going the wrong way; so what are you doing? Our response – It…