If like me you've been a frequent model of the NHS hospital gown, what slogan would you choose to print on the front? Whether for a shock diagnosis or long-term illness, what phrase sums up your hospital coverstory? In my case, for both kidney cancer and the more recent brain lesion it would be "Don't Google It". After my first emergency hospital admission for cancer, I received the verdict from a Registrar; on my own, with no prior warning. (He was reprimanded good and pro

As September approaches I am busy putting my house in order, it’s my New Year in many ways, especially business. September is the month I started up Missfit Creations back in 2004 and, having worked previously in school offices I always use an academic diary. It follows that September is also the month I re-asses my life in general; get rid of what I don’t need and tidy up the rest. Running a home based business, my work/life balance can tip either way so I need to clear the

In the 12 months since my discharge from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, I have done my utmost to distance myself from kidney cancer. This has not been easy. For one thing, it’s brought a lot of guilty feelings surrounding the support I received as a patient. I was fortunate to discover Kidney Cancer UK and the Kidney Cancer Support Network, both of which offered unfailing help and excellent advice. Having been an established Twitter user prior to kidney cancer due

It’s 8.57 on 13th May 2018. I’m amongst around 2000 runners waiting for the countdown to Shakespeare Marathon in Stratford on Avon. Alongside me on the other side of the railings are my husband, youngest daughter and her fiancé, more excited I think than I am. I’m wearing the same gear I had on for the Birmingham Half Marathon seven months ago, green vest printed on the back with the charities I’m running for and on the front Missfit, my business and social media name. My le

In 2 days I take a trip to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for my 5 year scans. I’m hoping the results will mean that I can be signed off from specialist care. In 5 days I run my 1st (and last) marathon to mark the anniversary of my kidney cancer diagnosis. I don’t believe fate should be tempted, especially when I’m so close to the final hurdle so I’ll wait for results before declaring myself a cancer free zone. Crossing the finish line will still be a huge milesto

It’s no secret that I applied to run the London Marathon this year. To be fair at the time I really did want to take part. I knew that ballot entry was a long shot but it’s not unknown for first timers to get in. As October drew nearer and results of the draw were imminent I’d begun to change my mind. When the magazine finally dropped through the letterbox I was praying I’d been unsuccessful. On seeing the word ‘Sorry’ I breathed a huge sigh of relief, what had I been thinkin

Last Sunday I reached the halfway point of my Unfashionable Cancer Marathon journey when I ran the Great Birmingham Run. It was my first half marathon distance and I ran every step of the 13.1 miles. Here's how it went; The week before race day I discovered a new ailment, Maranoia. I was terrified of getting ill or injuring myself before the big day and so virtually hibernated. I did risk attending my yoga class although I asked anyone with a cold to declare themselves and mo

This Sunday 15th October I will run in the Simply Health Great Birmingham Run. I’ve entered the half marathon distance and have run the 13.1 miles twice now. My training began when I entered back in April this year so I will have been preparing for 6 months. During this time my running routine has consisted of training Tuesday’s and Thursdays when I’ll do between 3 and 4 miles each time. I’ve tried to treat the 5k (3.1 mile) runs as speed training and now average around 8.40

I’m currently still in the process of putting this blog into book format. To do so has meant fictionalising all of the characters, myself included along with hospital names, places etc. I’ve edited the blog itself considerably and it’s always written in retrospect, I don’t publish events as they happen. The book will be largely unedited, hence the fictionalisation – I can’t possibly use real names or hospitals, it wouldn’t be fair. Not as much actually happens now I’m four ye

Well technically it’s four but what a beautiful sound they have! After a few weeks of worry followed by the inevitable blood tests and scan I’m happy to say the ct scan found no spread of cancer. Huge sigh of relief. I’m still struggling with pain around the surgery wound and the ongoing back issue but can cope with that knowing it’s not sinister. I’ve had problems with core strength since my kidney was removed and have learnt my limitations. However, it’s always good to test