Early in 2007, Raquel Brebach Guimaraes, one of Dudley Ladies most popular European imports was diagnosed with Bowel cancer and from time to time she sends in updates of her progress through all the ups and downs of the NHS and chemo treatment.

f you would like to send Raquel any words of advice or encouragement then you can contact her on raquelbg28@hotmail.com

Anyway, here are Raquel's reports so far.

Thursday 22/11/2007

Good News

Hi All,
 
I just wanted to share the good news with you  - right now I am cancer free, had my results today and all looking on the up.
 
Of course I am going to be under surveillance for the next few years but I feel that a bright future lies ahead of me.
 
Thank you for your best wishes over the past few days!
 
I am a little tipsy right now as I am on a combination of champagne and champagne truffels and I am off to celebrate tonight!
 
Byyyyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeeee,
Lots of love,
RaquelXXXX

Tuesday 20/11/2007

Things Are Looking Up

Hello,

Just a brief update from me to let you know I am starting to feel much better already. I still have problems with my hands and feet but they seem to be easing off as well now. Skin is definitely getting better and so is hair (braved it to the hairdressers on Friday), which has boosted my confidence.

Dentist caused my lips to bleed again but has now all healed and mouth ulcers have buggered off. One did try and sneak in after the others had already gone but I told it to bugger off as it was too late timing now and so it miraculously did!

My taste buds have improved a lot, although not yet back to normal, but it means I am eating again (probably too much at the moment as I am so excited I can taste things again).

The long dreaded CT Scan finally took place on Friday afternoon and upset my bowel - for those of you who have never been it means you have to drink a lot of rather strange tasting liquid prior to the scan to cause the Blackpool illuminations (English town which has a lot of Christmas lights) inside your body.

Been to see a back specialist as I didn't trust the  chemo prof (mad) on the nerves issue and the good news is that he agreed with the surgeon that it is not the nerves. It cheered me up as it means I don't have to take the nasty little drugs the mad prof had planned for me. I will have to go to an MRI scan next week though (the tunnel one) but I am kind of amused by it as it means going into a huge truck that parks once a month outside of the West Midlands Hospital - those of you who still don't get my sense of humour - I just find it funny that a private hospital has to do their scans in a truck.

Another highlight of last week was to take a Sainsbury's (UK supermarket) bag full of drugs (Chemo Spilling Kit and the lot) back to the hospital as I don't need them any longer. It cleared a whole kitchen cupboard, great news!

Well, all is geared up at my end now for the big day on Thursday where I will hopefully get the good news that I am in the all clear. Cross what you can for me and send some positive thoughts. I will let you know later in the day on Thursday what the outcome was.

All the Best,
Love,
RaquelXXX

Friday 09/11/2007

The Art of Typing With Gloves On

Well hello, hello - I guess it is update day again.

I am in a much better mood today as I can finally eat again (a little bit) and have also mastered the art of typing with gloves on!

Well, this has certainly been the toughest round of all!!! But it is my last round and I am starting to feel better again, so the worst is over - tatatatatatata!! Got the champagne stored in the fridge!!!

I have been on a kind of hunger strike for almost a week, my stomach felt 'shut' and my mouth just didn't fancy food that tasted like a combination of metal, cement and glue - not that I have ever actually tried eating either of those or any of those mixed together but this is the only way I have come to describe it.

Unfortunately Paul worked it out that I hadn't been eating so decided to force-feed me last night which seems to have done the trick - at least I managed to enjoy his chicken chow mein kind of and my crunchy nut breakfast this morning went down relatively well. Haribo is the only 'food' i could kind of have last week and maybe a bit of fruit. Never mind the surgeon wanted me to lose some weight anyway. Cheeky sod, it is not my fault they are pumping me full of steroids!

Mentioning the latter, the mad prof has actually spoken to the surgeon after my little comment the other week, which I am quite impressed with because at least he listens to me. According to the mad prof Mr. Patel has backed down a bit re the nerves issue but I have decided to take no chances and get it checked out properly before I end up taking more drugs for the rest of my life. You never know a chiropractitioner might do the trick
after all. One of them has recently sorted out my dad, who always had two legs of different lengths (yes, this is true) and now they are both the same length.

What else - 22nd of November is my D Day.

I should find out in the afternoon if I am in the clear. I am feeling very positive at the moment. I was quite positive anyway but now a dear friend has organised a hypnotherapy cd for me to which I have started listening to this week and I kind of float around in a happy yellow bubble mostly now. It also seems to be working on improving my energy levels which can only be a good thing as I am going to need it!

Oh, I should probably explain the glove thing because you probably think I turned completely mad otherwise.

The neuro something has come back badly now, like i suffered it in round 4 and then was taken of the oxaliplatin drug for 4 rounds which causes it. So I have this annoying tingling in my fingertips which just makes it harder to do a lot of things, same applies to my feet. I can't even stand in the kitchen which has a carpet with big socks on (not the carpet, me has the socks on!) as I can still feel the cold floor coming through and the tingling. I am very pleased I did go through most of the treatment through the tropical summer months we had because if I go outdoors I feel the cold like ice on my face, probably the kind of feeling you get in the Antarctic.

The 'iron implant' in my foot is getting worse and doesn't seem to enjoy my driving despite I am trying to relax it with a bit of Il Divo so I have earned the comment 'stubborn' from the Macmillan nurse, but I guess she meant it kind of as a compliment. After all my stubbornness (all inherited and not my fault by the way) has helped me get through this nightmare journey over the past few months.

Another experience I made is with the lovely benefits system. I dragged myself to the jobcentre on Monday because after 3 weeks I still had no paperwork through from my 30 minute phone application for incapacity
benefit. They dared to blame the royal mail but of course I put them straight. Anyhow, after having given them all the paper work and what else one has to do and asked 3 times if they had everything, of course I got a letter through the other day to ask for more details. They really make you jump through hoops. So try and not be over 6 months ill as that will certainly make you more ill!

Right, I think this is it for this week, have a good weekend all.

Lots of love,
RaquelXXX

Tuesday 30/10/2007

Me and My Big Mouth

Good Morning All,

Well - me and my big mouth - this has actually been a really tough round, looks like they are definitely not going to get any easier!

I am therefore extremely relieved that I have only one more round to go as it feels now like my body is starting to fall apart. the long list of side effects which is not complete include mouth ulcers that won't be scared off anymore by doctors' creams, hand pain, foot pain (my left foot feels like it has an iron implant), electric type shocks (don't know how else to describe it, it doesn't hurt but is just weird) going from my legs into my feet , swollen hands, aches and pains all over my body whilst the chemo is travelling about but I guess the worst of all is the severe loss of appetite as everything tastes blunt and horrible and I have to invent tricks to keep me eating.

I could have quite easily gone without any food or drink for an entire week but guess what - I decided not to and force feed myself as much as I could !

Eventually I discovered that fruit and custard are edible and if you think that any of that has stopped me carrying on with my life, you are in the wrong. I still forced down a Chicken Korma on Friday night, went on a 4 mile walk through the Warwickshire country side on Saturday and went to the seaside on Sunday (it was so lovely to see the sea) - but then that is usually around the time when I start feeling a bit better (after one week) - the week before that I mostly had to be content with playing marshmallow and watch DVDs etc.

My meeting with the mad professor caused a bit of a stir as I don't think they deal with many patients like me. ; - )

Anyhow, I asked him if he and Mr.Patel (surgeon) could ever agree on anything ('can you two ever agree on
anything??') as the mad prof still thinks it is my nerves that are causing my back pain. The oncology (chemo) nurse fell into a nearby chair of laughter and the other nurse looked at me in amazement. Guess nobody dares
to talk to the mad prof like that. He didn't quite know what to say so I added that it didn't help the patient if the medical team couldn't' agree. Well, somebody had to tell him. It will be fun when they start fighting over my portacath - one wants it out and the other wants to keep it in kindergarden!

One of my recent highlights was a visit from one of the district nurses who told me how much she admired my attitude and that I was very different to most of cancer patients she sees and if she ever got cancer she hoped she I'd be dealing with it like I do. I think that was one of the nicest things somebody has ever said to me. The other highlight is that Steve Sneath, one of my colleagues, is doing a Toughguy challenge for Marie Curie Cancer Care next year! Can't wait for the pictures! And lastly I am planning 5 weeks away to mostly New Zealand in January, I am so thrilled and excited.

Missing mum and her mad entertainment - one of her last stunts was to climb on my roof (extension) to clean my windows, never mind she is scared of heights and 69 years old. I think I now know where I get it from, it
had never occurred to me before.

Just that moment Megan, the Macmillan Nurse arrived and I greeted her with "Mum is on the roof".

My mum begged her not to move anywhere and hold onto the ladder until she came back down - this all happened to the great bewilderment of Megan - don't think she has come across that very often when visiting one of her cancer patients.

Paul, has turned out to be the perfect 'nurse' and is looking after me very well, don't know how I would have coped without him.

After all the chemo is over I am hoping to receive the all clear. I generally feel very positive that I will receive good news (I am sometimes scared though because I am actually human). This will be done in form of a CT scan on
bowel, liver and lungs (they weren't' sure at the time if any bastard (pardon my language) cells had travelled from the bowel area to those areas as they couldn't see anything but they had been in one of my blood vessels
near the bowel and that was their concern- just thought I'd remind you as it has been quite a few months.

Well, I am signing off now to have some Crunchy Nuts and Fruit and a good cuppa tea!

PPS for those of you who haven't kept up to date - it is my last and final round on Thursday - Gong!

Lots of love,
RaquelXXX

Wednesday 17/10/2007

Lucky Lady

Well, hello hello, I thought I'd better get this out before I suffer another knock on the head tomorrow with Round 11 of Chemo (penultimate round) awaiting me. I feel better this time, not dreading it anymore, just feel ready for it - so bring it on!

Well, it has been an eventful week in the world of me.

Last week I celebrated some successes, getting a nice cheque of my mobile phone company for threatening to take my complaint to trading standards (they miss-sold me my contract under false pretences) - just means to me that despite the cancer and everything I still have my fighting spirits and am no pushover.

The nasty landlord who one would think would have been appeased now that I have moved out and he was able to complete his sale pathetically tried to get his legal expenses out of my deposit. Anyway my solicitor has given him a piece of his mind and nasty landlord has decided he doesn't want the case to go to court (funny that, must have realised he would lose, the loser)

Mum has gone home yesterday, of course she nearly missed her tedious cross country train to Stansted airport as she was still busy sorting out my garden in the morning. I nearly caused major chaos by happily standing on
the platform with her backpack and tickets waving but luckily I realised a moment before the doors shut and through the bag into the train.

Unfortunately I noticed 5 minutes before we had to go that she had 3 itemsof hand luggage. Managed to convince her to get rid of one and had a bad feeling about the other two. And of course I was right, they gave my poor mum a lot of hassle for that at the airport , so she almost missed her flight, so if any of you are travelling, remember one piece of hand luggage only.

What else? Ah, yes, saw Mr. Patel (Surgeon) on Monday and told him about my back pain as I value his opinion more than the mad professor's and after all he is the one who did the op. He laughed out in surprise when I told
him that apparently he has cut through some of my nerves as he actually hadn't been anywhere near them. (mum of course told him that she had known that all the way that he was ' innocent' ) Hmm, funny that. I am really not
happy with the mad prof for not checking this with my surgeon and for putting me on knock out tablets that made me feel so miserable and all for nothing. So, it is going to be awkward on Thursday when I see him next. His
pride will be hurt and I am supposed to trust my medical team but obviously that trust isn't there right now. At least not with the Prof. He should stick to his own expert area of chemo, hopefully he knows what he is doing
there. Anyway, Mr. Patel was great as usual and got an x ray sorted that afternoon and everything is fine, just a posture problem. He was very pleased with me and told my mum ' that one is full of life' - so there you
have it.

The other exciting tale of the week (for me) is that I have miraculously stopped losing my hair. It is great as I was getting obsessed with it wondering if I would make it to the end of my chemo with still hair on my head or not. However I have learnt you can lose trillions of hair and still have some & they are already growing back. Wonder what mad prof will have to say about that one.

And lastly mum is gone of course and I am a bit worried how to survive the last month of treatment but there is a new light in my life in the shape of my new boyfriend, who has very kindly taken time of work to look after me
on my worst days so I should definitely manage somehow. Aren't I a lucky lady. ; - )

Lots of love,
RaquelXXX

Monday 08/10/2007

Insomnia Promotes Speed Reading

Hello All,
 
Not much to report this week from the 'wacky' world of Raquel. The clouds have lifted and that is always a good thing, so looking like it is going to be a nice day in the West Midlands.
 
Staying in touch is getting harder for me at the moment as I am now mostly tired. The mad prof reckons it is the built up from the Chemo which of course I am now going through round 10! This round of Chemo has hit me relatively hard with lots of sickness feelings over the initial few days but seems to be calming down now.
 
I am still in good spirits though, just haven't got the energy to do much. I am finding it a bit harder now though that I am so close to the end - when you get this close you just want to be there and not have to go through another few rounds although there aren't many left at all now.
 
Two nights of insomnia resulted in me speed reading two books, one in particular I can recommend - Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist. I have now found 3 books at the back of that book that I am curious to get and that edition was from 1999, so there are probably more. I have now moved on to something entirely different Tracy Chevaliers' Fallen Angels which seems to be another good read, so far. Thanks for all the books you have sent me over recent weeks, it is nice to have one's own little library!
 
Broadband is still exciting me, little things in life make a difference - it is so fast, it is fab!
 
Cant believe I have been in my home for 4 weeks tomorrow and Mum is going home in a week's time - time is flying even when you are going through Chemo!
 
Anyway, I am going to love you and leave you - must make the most of the sunshine!
 
Lots of love,
Raquel XXXX
 

Friday 28/09/2007

Is it Toooooth or Tuth

I have had backache problems since the operation and have recently decided to mention this to the medical staff and they reckon I suffer from neuro something pain (nerve related), so basically the surgeon cut through some of my nerves during the op - easily done unfortunately - so they have put me on another drug to fight it and I am not taking it very well so I have been very spaced out recently. I couldn't even walk properly and looked drunk most of the day.

I fell asleep in the hospital's waiting room before my appointment with the mad prof and I think he got the hint then as he had to wake me up. I agreed with the mad prof yesterday that we have to reduce the doses or try another drug but since drugs don't get out of your system that quickly I am still suffering.
I will get back to you in my own time once I have recovered - it doesn't mean though that I don't enjoy your emails or cards, presents etc - thank you!!!

What else is new - well the mad Prof is still very impressed with me, he has spoken to some of his colleagues about my 'grand' idea to put myself back on the Oxaliplatin drug after having had a break of four sessions from it. They are all equally impressed with my cleverness (I still don't think there was anything particularly clever about it but never mind) and he reckons I am the first person in the world to trial this. hmmmm.

Mum keeps me entertained. I came down the other day for breakfast and she shouted 'don't be afraid,l am wearing a hat' - so there she sat in one of my noddy winter hats and a big scarf around her neck. I did get the message and put the central heating on. She wouldn't believe me though that in English you have no two words for that type of hat and the type of hat the Queen wears. The dictionary had to be consulted before she believed me!

I had similar fights with my friend Sue over the pronunciation of 'tooth' and 'toothbrush' - she still won't believe the dictionary confirming my pronunciation. I definitely think it is a long oooo sound and not a short one but here in the black country they say tuth.

Friends of mine have been painting my study in Candy Love Pink 4 - yes, it is a lovely pink colour although some might still want to disagree with me. I just thought I needed something bright and positive to inspire me with lots of great product ideas when I eventually return to work.

My brother is visiting tonight so I have sneakily taken myself of the nerve drugs as I don't want to sit here like a flat tyre and mum is busy preparing home made pizza for tonight. hopefully my taste buds will be back.
Due to lack of energy I am still stuck on the last 100 pages of Harry Potter 3.

If you think my spirits are in anyway dented, you are wrong, I am allowed to have a whinge every now and then but otherwise I can reassure you that I am quite blissfully happy in my cottage and with other things.

Love,
Raquel XXXX

Guinea Pig Day

Hello All, Thought I'd better get an update out before the pending move next week.

Yes, today is mushroom day - round eight of Chemo has commenced yesterday but strangely I am not yet feeling that bad and am quite chirpy. Guess it is the fact that I am moving next week and the sun is shining - finally an end to the tiresome tale of my nasty piece of something landlord. I thought he had given up on the matter but now we finally have a completion date of Monday for the house move, my solicitor owed up to the fact that he had further harassment from his end but didn't tell me as he didn't want to stress me unnecessarily. Anyway, only a few days now, I am moving on the 11th.

Well, I had plans to go back onto that nasty drug (Oxaliplatin) yesterday but the mad Chemo Prof refused. Would have helped if he had discussed this with me previously but guess at the end of the day it is his decision, especially as he will have to use me as a guinea pig as he hasn't done this kind of treatment before. (stopping sometime on the drug and then putting them back on - for those of you that haven't paid attention or haven't been on previous email update lists ; - )). anyway I told him I was happy to be his guinea pig, I mean it is kind of exciting, especially if it is going to work and might help others in the future. Just a wee bit annoyed as I had planned to have my mum here for support and now she will only be able to be here for two nasty rounds instead of three and he is looking at trying to put me on for the four final rounds. We shall see.

Apart from that, Mum has arrived in the UK again safely - she is in good spirits; now that Hell's Kitchen is on (another cooking series) instead of Gordon Ramsey's cooking series - for those of you that remember my mum has added the word 'fucker' to her vocabulary thanks to Gordon Ramsey's swearing and particular fondness of the word 'fuck' (pardon me) .the ' fucker' - Gordon Ramsey, who really is a cook, (she already asked how the fucker is doing and obviously is missing him - she also said Fuck and Hell????, what is going on with the English cooks)? haha, very entertaining, she had me in stitches.

Anyhow, I think this is it from me for this week. Finished 'Cider with Rosie' (got distracted so it took me longer), which indeed was a lovely read and now back on Round 3 of the wizardry world of Harry Potter. Also managed to get lots of lovely DVD bargains in the sales so should be ok to survive the next few weeks.

Lots of love,

RaquelXXXX

Friday 31/08/2007

Udderwise Known As Cream

Morning All,

Guess it is high time for another update.

This round of Chemo has brought new pains - unfortunately the mouth ulcers got so bad that I haven't been able to speak or eat properly since Monday. I knew there had been a reason to pile back on the pounds, I thought I might need the 'fat reserves' at one point. Well, I am happy to report that after a visit to my GP yesterday things are improving as I have been supplied with medication against it. If I had only known sooner that there is a remedy!

But the silly people at the hospital referred me to mouthwash and Bonjela, which I can confirm is absolutely no use!

So trying to organise a move while one can 't actually talk properly has certainly been a challenge. today I still don't know when I will be moving as the dear solicitors are dragging their heals or is it heels - basically all three parties are ready to move early next week, just the solicitors are not ready. I will know more later on today, hopefully.

None of this has dampened my spirits though as I have plenty to smile about and besides I have got the finishing line in view now - only 5 more treatments to get through. That's two thirds done after the next round which will start next week. I had a fabulous weekend in the Lake District. What a gorgeous part of the country - just wonderful. I have got another friend from Uni come over to stay with me today for the next few days and the day she leaves my mum is back for 6 weeks.

Now, I thought I 'd entertain you today - I have been given a new cream for my hands and feet (they dry out from the chemo) from the hospital. It had been on order for ages and they had to wait 6 months for it to arrive. I wouldn't be surprised if my friends at Mount Pleasant were holding it up at Customs as the stuff is from Ohio, USA.. . It is supplied in a tub with a white lid with black cow type spots on. The Cream is called Udderly sMOOth Udder Cream.

it does get better.

The Directions for Use are: Wash udder and teat parts thoroughly with clean water and soap before each milking to avoid contamination of milk. Use Clean individual towels for this purpose. Apply to the udder after each milking, massaging into the skin. For teat cracks apply a sufficient quantity to fill crack and cover surrounding area. Apply uniformly to chafed area and bruises to maintain skin suppleness.

For aid in softening swollen udders following calving, apply liberally twice daily with gentle massage.

Now I guess this is the part that actually applies to me - May be used for chapped or chafed skin. Do not use in or near eyes.

Well, the nurse reassured me that he didn't think I was a cow. He got a little paranoid thinking I'd get the wrong end of the stick.

Anyway folks, this is it from me for this week - thanks for keeping me updated and for sticking with me, for all the postcards and cards and letters and presents and emails that are still coming through - thank you!!

Lots of love,

RaquelXXX

Monday 20/08/2007

Saturdays Suck

Just thought I'd send a cheery hello from a nice blue skied West Midlands - doesn't happen very often that the sun shines so I already feel better for it.

The hospital just rang to see when I am coming in for my Chemo treatment today - I am allowed to get it today so it won't ruin my bank holiday plans to go to the Lakes with the walking group (don't worry I won't be doing any mountain walking!!). Normally I have to go back into hospital on a Saturday which can be sucks sometimes.

In terms of round 6 of Chemo, in comparison to round 4 everything seems harmless now. Extreme tiredness was the worst bit, constantly cold now thanks to chemo messing up circulation was the second worse bit, pain in the hands because skin is now peeling or very dry and lastly something that possibly isn't a side effect of the chemo but couldn't stop eating since Saturday. I think I got so excited I could taste things again for a few days that I went overboard. Anyway I have managed to put weight back on and am nearing the weight I had when I went in for the OP in April so that can't be a bad thing.

Hoping to get the date for the move confirmed today - all going well I will be in my new home in two weeks time and I can wave goodbye to nasty landlord and noisy neighbours and can focus on getting better. I had to give it in writing though to my Macmillan nurse, that I won't start any decorating in the new house. Unfortunately she has sussed me out already - she understands that I am young and just want to get on with things and be back to normal but I have been told that I need to slow down a bit. I can reassure you though that I haven't got plans to do any decorating myself, even I can be sensible enough to know that I won't have the energy for that at the moment.

Only 6 more treatments to go but I am getting impatient and want to be back to normal very desperately - I have to admit.

Positive for the week. I found a fellow sufferer by chance (same cancer and very similar story), (thanks to my friend Rob) and it has been really good talking to her and will keep up the contact. I still don't want to go to any help groups, for which I have had an invite, too, just don't think it is my scene.

I am taking a wee break from the wizardry world and am now reading 'Cider with Rosie' on recommendation from a friend - looks like another really good read.

Anyway, must dash as my favourite nurse, Ian, is waiting for me with my drugs (He makes me laugh and makes the afternoon so much more bearable and I can flirt with him you see ; - )).

PS/  I will respond to all emails that I have been sent in due course.

Lots of love as always

RaqXXX

Sunday 17/06/2007

Thank You

"Hi All,

I too wanted to say thank you for my lovely card and all the kind words of support I have received - it really cheered me up!

I am just going through my second chemo treatment right now, this means two down already (although still suffering a little bit from this lot) and only 10 more to go - that will take me into early/mid November time. I then will have to see if I can come back over the winter months or if I give myself and body a break to recover (depends what my body wants really) and may start with the beginners class in April 2008. Well, one needs to have a plan!

I am generally in good spirits and determined to remain so.

Keep on running girls!

With lots of love from

Raquel XXX"

Saturday 26/05/2007

Cancer Research

Hi All,

Sorry to bother you with this but I have recently been very touched by a couple of friends and work colleagues of mine who have been 'inspired' by my illness to do a Race for Life in early June to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Excuse my ignorance, for those of you who do not live in this country - I have no idea if similar events take place in your countries (although I am quite certain that they do) but basically all the money raised by these Race For Life events goes to the charity Cancer Research UK which will indirectly help me.

If you want to donate, the process is very easy - I have just followed it myself and you can even donate from abroad (amazing how these things work). The web address to donate and pledge your support is shown below.

http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/RMGroyalmailgirls

I would also like to profoundly apologise to those of you who didn't know that I had bowel cancer - as you can imagine the last few weeks have been extremely hectic, tiring and simply mad and I just haven't had the time yet to tell you all. And also the courage, as telling people has been the hardest part of all.

I had my operation to remove the tumour and any cancerous lymph nodes on 24th of April,

I am now well on the mend but will need to start a chemotherapy treatment next week which will last for about 6 months, getting treatment every two weeks.

I am very positive most of the time and whilst I totally understand that this will come as a shock to you, I do need you to be positive for me as well more than anything.

Thank you & lots of love,

Raquel XXX

Tuesday 15/05/2007

Bad News

I have been meaning to write to you for some time but since it is bad news I have been finding it difficult to tell everyone. When I went for my checkups at the hospital, unfortunately it turned out that my bowel problems had been caused by something far more serious than expected. I have been diagnosed with third stage bowel cancer in April. I have had my operation to remove the tumour and affected lymph nodes three weeks ago. The operation went well.

I am now recovering quite well, the fact that I am young and fit has been to my advantage. I will have to have Chemotherapy treatment for 6 months which will start very soon now - so don't expect me back at the club for some time!

I am, however, determined to come back and when I do I want to train for a Race for Life Run or something of that nature to raise awareness for bowel cancer.

My mother has come over from Portugal to be with me at this difficult time in my life and I am being well looked after.

I know this would have come as a shock to you but the best way to help me is to stay positive and to send positive thoughts my way!

All the best,

Raquel

The NHS

I have now learnt about the NHS,  I only had to have two days off, I managed with the rest. I am fine now, actually, the new medication seems to work much better!! hurray.

Thanks for offering, but honest I am fine and being looked after!

Take care for now & see you soon,

Raquel

Think it may be Colitis

I am ok , they think I have got colitis or Crohn's disease, it is an inflammatory bowel disease. got my hospital appointment now for the end of march (they had sent me to the wrong hospital first which has delayed addressing the problem) & will get some new medication later on today (the one I was previously given made me more ill than the actual disease!), so I am hopeful!

Hope to see you guys soon!

Raq

Thursday 08/03/2007

I haven't been around for a while although I am planning to return soon!

I have been on holiday and also had some health problems, nothing serious but it has stopped me from coming to the running club. I am still running when I feel like it though but at my own pace and less distance wise as just not fit enough at the moment. Hopefully all will be well soon and I will be back at the club.

Thanks for asking about me, it is nice to be noticed that I am missing.

Hope you are keeping up well and see you soon!

Raquel