Kneedle in a Haystack!

20th to 27th June 2009 is Bone Cancer Awareness Week, this year BCRT's fundraising suggestion is Bake a Cake for Bone Cancer, so along with the help of my Mum and Dad we are hosting a 'Cuppa and Cake' afternoon.  BCRT is a great charity that helps research new ways to treat Bone Cancer and improve survival rates, If you would like to join us please contact me for details, alternatively I have set up a justgiving page so that you can contribute if you wish.

Thank you for all your support.

Had a busy few months, sorry about the lack of updates but here's a bit of what I've been upto.  I've been involved with the NCRI for a few months now, a group of us have been attending meetings and we have done presentations in London and Sheffield.  I've really enjoyed being involved in this, it feels like I'm getting involved in important issues that matter to young people with cancer and that I'm giving something back.  It also means I'm getting to see my other friends involved with the NCRI and meeting new people.  In January I also lost another 3.5kg of weight, so that's a total of 8kg since October!    I also had my clinic appointment, which was fine, I'm still in remission, yey!    I also started something quite exciting for me again......Driving lessons!  My leg ached during my first few lessons, it was like a cramp ache, which you would expect to come back later on/in the night, but as soon as I got out of the car it was fine.  The ache didn't hurt as much after a few lessons, and I think driving again has really strengthened the muscles in my leg.  I also got a new motability car, which is great and I can't wait till I have passed my test as it will give me so much independence!    In February I was in Love it magazine, it isn't online unfortunately, but I have scanned it but I'm having trouble getting it on my website, hopefully I will be able to get it on soon.  I also had another blood test to check my blood sugar levels, it has now gone down to 5.3, apparently the diabetic nurses have been saying they don't want to see me as they believe I'm not diabetic, so I am going to stay on the diabetic tablets for another few months and then have my blood sugar tested again to ensure it is stable.  I also lost another 3kg of weight, so that's 11kg since October!    I also went on holiday with my Mum and our friend Kathryn and a few others, it was lovely to get away and spend some time with Kathryn (as she no longer lives near us.)  At the end of February Me, Mum and Dad were invited to Newcastle for my friend (Jools) party, it was a defying the odds/birthday party.  It was lovely to see Jools and the people I met at the cottage again, and it was a great night.  We also got the opportunity to meet Jools sister, which was lovely, so if your reading 'Hi' Gillian and thank you.  In March I lost another 1kg of weight, so that's 12kg altogether since October, which is nearly 2 stone!    At the end of March I went to the TCT concert in London at the Royal Albert Hall, we saw The Hours, Jersey Budd and Kasabian play, I didn't know many of Kasabians songs, but they were really good and we all had an amazing night!  It was topped off by getting to hang out in the green room and meet Danny Dyer, Noel Fielding and Kasabian!  (Photo's coming soon!)  At the end of March I had a few scans/tests in Leeds (all routine, results soon) so we had the privilege to show our good friends Rob and Bev around the hospital, I think it was really good for them to see where some of the Young Heroes are treated and get a feel of the hospital.  Bev and Rob will soon go back to Lanzarote to support the Young Heroes and we will all miss them so much.  At the beginning of April I took and passed my driving theory test, I have done it once but as you have to pass your practical test within two years of passing your theory it had ran out, I really didn't think I was going to pass but I got 49 out of 50 so I must be doing something right!    Also Me and My Dad had a trip to Scotland to attend a ClicSargent discussion group, the discussion was about young peoples needs when not in hospital, so it covered things like, GP's, district nurses, attending support groups, joining leisure schemes etc.  It was really good to go and meet new people and take a part in possible new schemes/ideas.  I also went to stay for a night at my friends Lyndsey's house, it's great to be able to do things like this again, and not be too tired or worried if I'm going to get a temperature etc.  We had a nice day shopping then out for tea and watched a few films, Lyndsey thank you for being there and being such a good friend!    I have my clinic appointment in Leeds tomorrow, so I will update when I can about that, hopefully I won't leave it as long next time!

Today I had my doctors appointment to get my results for my blood sugar, my blood sugar level has gone up again it is now 6.9 so I'm now classed as Diabetic.  I have started some new tablets which will hopefully start to control my blood sugar levels.  I will have another blood test in a few months.  I've also managed to loose another 1kg!    So I've lost 4.5kg since October which is good!

Today I had my 6 month check up in Leeds with my surgeon, my appointment was at 3pm and we didn't get to see the surgeon till about 6.30pm, so a very long boring day, but I'm relieved to say he was happy with everything and how my knee is bending! 

Went to the local hospital today to have my blood sugar tested again, will get my results on 2nd December.

Went to the podiatrist today to check how my toes are, they are looking ok, just battered and bruised, to see a photo click here.

Today I had my appointment for toe surgery, partial matrixectomy (look under the wedge resection heading.)  I wasn't looking forward to it, and really it didn't make the situation better that it was at the surgery where I had physio all those years ago, and I had to sit in the same waiting room, all the memory's of being put through all that physio came back and thoughts of how they didn't diagnose a 15cm tumour on my knee were whizzing round my head again!  Anyway time to go in the room, first I had the anesthetic, and anesthetic in your toes is horrible!  That bit really really hurt, and they did my left leg first so I was panicking about my right leg then, but actually my right leg wasn't as bad, maybe it's because I have less nerves/muscles.  The procedure wasn't bad after that, I didn't feel much, my feet are a little numb but not too bad, so now I have two massive bandages on my toes again and I can't have a bath for a while!  mad  To see pictures of the bits they cut out click here (Wouldn't recommend clicking if your eating or squeamish!)

Had my hair cut today and some more blonde put on the tips!    It still seems to be taking ages to grow, I suppose it is growing quite quick but when you are waiting for it and see it everyday I don't suppose I notice and it seems to be taking forever!  See Photo album 2 for new pics! 

Tonight we had a Temple Spa party at our house, quite a lot of people couldn't come for various reasons but we still had a nice relaxing time!

Went to the podiatrist today, nail surgery is planned for next Tuesday (25th) and I had a dentist appointment too (just a check up!)