Creative / Blogger / Pop Fashion / Designer / UK

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Don't Google It!

Don't Google It!

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

What If?

What If?

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

Six Years & Counting

Six Years & Counting

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

My Unfashionable Cancer Marathon

My Unfashionable Cancer Marathon

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

The Final Countdown

The Final Countdown

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

Unfashionable Cancer Marathon

Unfashionable Cancer Marathon

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

My 1st Half Marathon!

My 1st Half Marathon!

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

On My Marks!

On My Marks!

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

No Holds Barred – A Good Appointment

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

3 Huge words – No Evidence of Disease

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

Scan Silver Lining

I should’ve been on auto pilot the number of times I’ve driven to the hospital but I still managed to make a wrong turn. On arrival it’s normally easy to find my way to the scan reception, today though I got lost in the corridors and had to ask for directions. Booking in is usually straight forward but I’d forgotten to fill the required questionairre in beforehand. By now it was becoming evident I was far more nervous than I’d realised for this scan which I’d been considerab

Tunnel of Light

First thing Tuesday morning I will be heading feet first back into that all seeing tunnel of light, the ct scan. Although my annual hospital check is not booked until July my GP requested an urgent scan after a recent appointment with him. Ever since I lost my left kidney I’ve had frequent symptoms of water infections, weeing a lot, abdominal and back pain. Most recently this has been accompanied by a feeling I can only describe as a hot flush after I’ve had a wee. Now I am h

From Fashion to Fitness

From Fashion to Fitness

Missfit Creations began in 2005, since then I've created unique designs for 100s of customers. From blushing brides wanting a look of their own to outrageous drag queens needing the wow factor. I've dressed boy bands and girl groups, tribute artists and entertainers of all kinds including a few X Factor contestants. Missfit has sold across the globe and on various sites around the UK including ASOS as well as having a regular Stand at Clothes Show Live. By 2012 the Missfit br

That Time of Year

It’s exactly 4 years since I was whisked off to hospital and discovered I had kidney cancer. It’s a weird one because as anniversaries go it’s not a particularly pleasant one but at the same time it’s unforgettable and stops me in my tracks. It should be the time of year when I’d be having my annual scan but due to my haphazard hospital record, scans have been missed, forgotten and therefore later each time. I received a letter telling me my next appointment would be April 2

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