THE STOBHILL CANCER GANG
“THIS IS WHERE THE HOPE BEGINS”
Every month an incredible group of people gather together to meet and discuss issues specific to cancer survivors. We socialize and strategize and welcome all ages with different types and stages of the disease including their carers. This is the real face of cancer. Newcomers will have never seen so many cancer survivors in one room, it is surreal, it is overwhelming. Survivors talk informally about their surgeries, scars, medications, and recoveries. One particular conversation involved detailed information about removing chest tubes and there was a lot of laughter. This was an important conversation. We were comparing war stories and there wasn’t much small talk. It was all “cancer-talk” and for some it was the first time they were able to talk like this with people who really understood. Back home many wouldn’t be able to discuss these specific issues with anyone. Their friends and loved ones just want them to be “normal” and “OK” but it is alright to talk about cancer here. In this group it is ok, it is emotional, it is healing, informative and empowering. We see wallflowers blossom as the longest survivors support and encourage the newest. It's here that the first seeds of optimism are sown.
When people are told they have cancer they immediately think it's a death sentence but wih modern treatments people are living longer and there are increasingly many more survivors.
See below:
Every month an incredible group of people gather together to meet and discuss issues specific to cancer survivors. We socialize and strategize and welcome all ages with different types and stages of the disease including their carers. This is the real face of cancer. Newcomers will have never seen so many cancer survivors in one room, it is surreal, it is overwhelming. Survivors talk informally about their surgeries, scars, medications, and recoveries. One particular conversation involved detailed information about removing chest tubes and there was a lot of laughter. This was an important conversation. We were comparing war stories and there wasn’t much small talk. It was all “cancer-talk” and for some it was the first time they were able to talk like this with people who really understood. Back home many wouldn’t be able to discuss these specific issues with anyone. Their friends and loved ones just want them to be “normal” and “OK” but it is alright to talk about cancer here. In this group it is ok, it is emotional, it is healing, informative and empowering. We see wallflowers blossom as the longest survivors support and encourage the newest. It's here that the first seeds of optimism are sown.
When people are told they have cancer they immediately think it's a death sentence but wih modern treatments people are living longer and there are increasingly many more survivors.
See below:
Robert Lowe
Born 30/10/39. I was diagnosed with terminal small cell lung cancer (2 to 3 months) in 1993. Requested the strongest chemo and radiotherapy available, was told the chemo was so strong it could kill me before the cancer did. Took it and was back at work one year later. Since 2000 I have had ongoing surgeries and treatments for basal cell carcinoma. In 2007 it was non small cell lung cancer and received surgery (seriously complicated lower left lung lobectomy). Then in September 2012 diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and have just finished chemo to reduce four tumours two in my throat, one in my gullet and one in my upper stomach. The plan is to hopefully have successful surgery at end of Jan 2013.
Retired and regards regular exercise as essential for recovery and wellbeing, thoroughly recommends its health benefits. Exercise reduces debilitating fatigue that can last for months or even years after treatment. Fatigue is a factor that not only significantly diminishes quality of life but is also associated with reduced survival.
Retired and regards regular exercise as essential for recovery and wellbeing, thoroughly recommends its health benefits. Exercise reduces debilitating fatigue that can last for months or even years after treatment. Fatigue is a factor that not only significantly diminishes quality of life but is also associated with reduced survival.
Margaret Mullen
Attends Tia Chi exercise and art classes at Marie Curie, diagnosed April 2006, with throat and neck cancer, received Surgery, Chemo and Radiotherapy then in 2007 diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer, had Radiotherapy 2010 and 20012. Other ongoing illnesses include asthma, angina, three strokes, part paralysed throat, tongue and left arm. Has apnoea and lives on a liquid diet.
Eric Byrne
Retired lecturer. Diagnosed October 2008 with NSCLC lung cancer had 4 cycles of neo adjuvant (chemo) to shrink tumour to make surgery possible. Then received surgery (lobectomy) in Jan 2009 to remove upper right lung. Eric regularly goes to the gym and struts his stuff on the treadmill.
He is also a Patients Advocate with the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and Lungevity a charity in the USA.
He is also a Patients Advocate with the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and Lungevity a charity in the USA.
Sheila Gallagher
Diagnosed on March 2007 with inoperable Stage 4 lung cancer NSCLC.
Received chemo @ radiotherapy.
Sheila (unbelievably) did 2hrs a week at aerobic classes. But recently has taken up Tia Chi classes.
Also a Patients Advocate with the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
Received chemo @ radiotherapy.
Sheila (unbelievably) did 2hrs a week at aerobic classes. But recently has taken up Tia Chi classes.
Also a Patients Advocate with the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
Jim Docherty
Diagnosed October 2008 with non small cell lung cancer.
Received surgery,(pneumonectomy), whole of left lung removed, then 3 courses of chemotherapy.
Received surgery,(pneumonectomy), whole of left lung removed, then 3 courses of chemotherapy.
George Hendrie
Diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer October 2010.
Received chemo and radiotherapy. Attends exercises in Marie Curie.
Received chemo and radiotherapy. Attends exercises in Marie Curie.
Anne Hendrie
Carer
Catherine Jarvis
Diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer April 2010, received chemotherapy. Catherine attends exercise classes and enjoys line dancing.
Alice Moir
Diagnosed, Feb 2009 inoperable, incurable breast @ lung cancer.
Attends Tia Chi and Hope exercises at Marie Curie.
Attends Tia Chi and Hope exercises at Marie Curie.
‘Help us; help you; make the best of your future’
The Positive Aspects of My Lung Cancer.
http://www.lunglovelink.org/forum/topics/the-possitive-aspects-of-my-lung-cancer
The Positive Aspects of My Lung Cancer.
http://www.lunglovelink.org/forum/topics/the-possitive-aspects-of-my-lung-cancer