I've now had nearly two weeks back at Sixth Form with my new year group and although it feels strange being back at a place that is so familiar to me, but where I now know very few people well, so far it's hasn't been the horrendous experience that I was maybe expecting. I've now settled into something of a routine, although this is easier said than done because at the moment my lessons are a bit all over the place! I don't have vast amounts to report this week hospital wise, but one thing that did make a change was that on Tuesday, after my Lumbar Puncture, instead of rushing home and feeling ill, I slept for another few hours and woke up feeling far better than I normally do. It's something I've always fought against, determined to get out of hospital as quickly as possible but in future I may rest for a bit longer after so much treatment.
Over the last couple of weeks I have kept myself busy whilst my friends depart one by one off to University. Therefore, since I've returned school, I have cracked on with writing a personal statement, joined a gym and even spoken on behalf of the Teenage Cancer Trust at the St. James' Place's Annual fundraiser, thanking them for their continued support for the charity. All of this has made me feel more secure about how this year will pan out and I'm now trying to look forward to getting my University Application sent off, getting the ball rolling for my last year at Sixth Form.
Sunday, 14 September 2014
Friday, 5 September 2014
The Medical Side
As promised last week, in this post I'm going to write more about the medical aspects of my trip across Europe. The first thing I had to do before I left England was plan my route so that I could buy the travel/health insurance that would encompass all the countries that I planned on visiting. This was an aspect of the trip that was a difficult to stomach as naturally the insurance quotes I initially received were sometimes in excess of £400 and yet my friends were only quoted to pay £10! However, my consultants recommended a few insurers that have specialised policies for people with cancer and a whole list can be found on the Macmillan Cancer Support website whose link I shall leave at the bottom of the page. After calling all insurance suppliers that were recommended to me, my best price was quoted by Freedom Travel Insurance at just under £150, which, while still expensive, was the cheapest policy by almost £70, again, the link to their specific website is below.
After securing extensive health insurance, I then made sure that I had enough chemotherapy with me on the trip to last all 21 days and that I had a few extra "spare days" just in case of an emergency. I was a little unsure whether airport security would question my multitude of unmarked white tablets, but I wasn't stopped or questioned in a single country. However, just to err on the side of caution, my consultants at Gloucester Hospital had written letters for me in 2 or 3 different languages which explained my treatment and what to do in case of an emergency.
My consultants had also wanted me to take a blood test while I was away, to make sure that I suddenly hadn't become neutropenic and become more susceptible to infection and illness. Therefore, my friends and I planned the first half of our trip meticulously so that on the morning of the 6th day, I was in Berlin and could get the results I needed. However, I would urge people who are being told that they similarly need to take a blood test abroad to do 2 things. The first being that it is very important to take a European Health Insurance Card as without it, the blood test would have cost me in the region of £350. Secondly, call the hospital prior to visiting. I didn't call ahead and just turned up at the first German hospital I could find, which actually turned out to be a sexual health clinic so was told to go across the road to the main building! Once I was in the right place however, my results for one finger prick took 6 hours to arrive which I could have easily avoided by calling ahead.
Daunting though it may have seemed at first, I would strongly urge people not to be put off by insurance companies and other obstacles when planning trips abroad, I still had a fantastic time away despite the extra precautions due to my health.
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Livingwithandaftercancer/Practicalissues/Travel/Companies.aspx
http://www.freedominsure.co.uk/
After securing extensive health insurance, I then made sure that I had enough chemotherapy with me on the trip to last all 21 days and that I had a few extra "spare days" just in case of an emergency. I was a little unsure whether airport security would question my multitude of unmarked white tablets, but I wasn't stopped or questioned in a single country. However, just to err on the side of caution, my consultants at Gloucester Hospital had written letters for me in 2 or 3 different languages which explained my treatment and what to do in case of an emergency.
My consultants had also wanted me to take a blood test while I was away, to make sure that I suddenly hadn't become neutropenic and become more susceptible to infection and illness. Therefore, my friends and I planned the first half of our trip meticulously so that on the morning of the 6th day, I was in Berlin and could get the results I needed. However, I would urge people who are being told that they similarly need to take a blood test abroad to do 2 things. The first being that it is very important to take a European Health Insurance Card as without it, the blood test would have cost me in the region of £350. Secondly, call the hospital prior to visiting. I didn't call ahead and just turned up at the first German hospital I could find, which actually turned out to be a sexual health clinic so was told to go across the road to the main building! Once I was in the right place however, my results for one finger prick took 6 hours to arrive which I could have easily avoided by calling ahead.
Daunting though it may have seemed at first, I would strongly urge people not to be put off by insurance companies and other obstacles when planning trips abroad, I still had a fantastic time away despite the extra precautions due to my health.
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Livingwithandaftercancer/Practicalissues/Travel/Companies.aspx
http://www.freedominsure.co.uk/
Thursday, 28 August 2014
A Month and a Half to Remember
I've had an absolutely incredible time in the last month and a half and with the start of my final school year looming I thought I'd resume more regular posts on the blog!
My last post was filled with excitement and a little apprehension before embarking on my trip across Europe and I'm really glad to say that it was everything that I hoped it would be. I was nervous beforehand about suffering fatigue due to the constant travelling and thus potentially holding up my friends, but in the end, I had nothing to worry about at all. We travelled from Paris-Amsterdam-Berlin-Prague-Budapest-Venice-Lake Como-Bidart (South France) and it was all crammed into just a few weeks! Each of us had favourite places and favourite moments on the trip, mine being Amsterdam and Prague, but we could all agree that we had shared an incredible experience together. While the trip was fantastic, I had to take a blood test while in Germany and although the process took 6 hours (mainly due to the fact that we had failed to call ahead to let the hospital know I was coming!) it went as smoothly as I could have hoped and really put my mind at ease when the doctors confirmed that the trip had in no way affected my blood counts, meaning that I could just enjoy the rest of my holiday without worry. I was lucky enough to go with a really great group of guys which meant that when I wasn't feeling at my best, we'd all take a 5 minute break or grab some drinks, making the whole experience more relaxed and putting me at ease. Next weeks blog will include a little bit more information about the medical logistics.
I returned home the evening before results day and that night found myself really struggling to put into context the importance of the following days marks. While part of me was desperate to do well, to keep all doors open and give myself the best opportunities for later in life, I also had thoughts that maybe results weren't as important as society would have you believe. Results don't define who a person is, or indeed give a definitive answer about how happy a person will be later in life. After stressing for weeks on end, I realised that while undoubtedly A level results are important and will have some bearing on the outcome of my life, they are by no means the be all and end all and there are far more important things, like being healthy and happy. I feel very obnoxious writing all that and trust me, I was shaking as much as anybody else when opening my envelope on the 14th of August, it's just that I think sometimes it's important, although not always easy to remember, to take a step back and put everything into some sort context.
As it turned out, I was really pleased with the results I achieved and hopefully they have set me up well for my last year at 6th Form.
My last post was filled with excitement and a little apprehension before embarking on my trip across Europe and I'm really glad to say that it was everything that I hoped it would be. I was nervous beforehand about suffering fatigue due to the constant travelling and thus potentially holding up my friends, but in the end, I had nothing to worry about at all. We travelled from Paris-Amsterdam-Berlin-Prague-Budapest-Venice-Lake Como-Bidart (South France) and it was all crammed into just a few weeks! Each of us had favourite places and favourite moments on the trip, mine being Amsterdam and Prague, but we could all agree that we had shared an incredible experience together. While the trip was fantastic, I had to take a blood test while in Germany and although the process took 6 hours (mainly due to the fact that we had failed to call ahead to let the hospital know I was coming!) it went as smoothly as I could have hoped and really put my mind at ease when the doctors confirmed that the trip had in no way affected my blood counts, meaning that I could just enjoy the rest of my holiday without worry. I was lucky enough to go with a really great group of guys which meant that when I wasn't feeling at my best, we'd all take a 5 minute break or grab some drinks, making the whole experience more relaxed and putting me at ease. Next weeks blog will include a little bit more information about the medical logistics.
I returned home the evening before results day and that night found myself really struggling to put into context the importance of the following days marks. While part of me was desperate to do well, to keep all doors open and give myself the best opportunities for later in life, I also had thoughts that maybe results weren't as important as society would have you believe. Results don't define who a person is, or indeed give a definitive answer about how happy a person will be later in life. After stressing for weeks on end, I realised that while undoubtedly A level results are important and will have some bearing on the outcome of my life, they are by no means the be all and end all and there are far more important things, like being healthy and happy. I feel very obnoxious writing all that and trust me, I was shaking as much as anybody else when opening my envelope on the 14th of August, it's just that I think sometimes it's important, although not always easy to remember, to take a step back and put everything into some sort context.
As it turned out, I was really pleased with the results I achieved and hopefully they have set me up well for my last year at 6th Form.
Tuesday, 22 July 2014
Europe
"Lucky" isn't a word I always associate with myself, but today I feel really privileged to be starting my three week InterRailing holiday, travelling across Europe. In all honesty, I'm not sure how I've managed to persuade my doctors (let alone my parents) that I'm sensible enough to roam the continent with my four best friends, but the build up for the trip, let alone the experience I'm about to have, has given me so much happiness and so much to look forward to.
However, safe to say, I'm not completely free from the influence of my hospital. In Berlin I have to take a few blood tests and obviously I'm still taking Chemotherapy every day, but after over a year and a half, that's par for the course, although I'm not admitting that at any point have I ever found it a barrel of laughs!
Anyway, this is a farewell for a little while on here, I'll be posting pictures and updates at various points of the trip (whenever I can get some free WiFi) and if you want to check out how it's all going, follow me on @Will_smith09
I hope everyone has a brilliant summer, I get back into England the night before Results Day, so best of luck to everyone, I sincerely hope you all achieve whatever you want!
Tuesday, 1 July 2014
Thank You
I'd like to start by apologising for not writing for a few weeks however, in my defence, I have been working hard on my A2 English Coursework for the last month and that took up an awful lot of my time!
Anyway, a lot has happened in the time since I haven't written written on here. As I mentioned, I've just finished my entire English A level which was a pretty exceptional feeling in itself. Last week I also visited a few University Open Days and that's given me real motivation to work especially hard next year, accompanied with a feeling of control as to where my life is headed and in which direction I want to take it. Obviously, summer is here so I'm having to splash on the sun cream every morning, as nowadays I burn so easily, but the weather does keep reminding me that I'll be InterRailing in less than a month, something which I am really really excited for!!
However, last week, as well as visiting Universities, I also went to my Sixth Form's leavers prom. I had been dreading this "final goodbye" for a long time and although the night was incredible and I got to spend it with some great friends, it was as difficult as I had anticipated. I said goodbye to some of the people who had completely carried me through the worst of my treatment, had seen me at my most vulnerable and (in my eyes) most pathetic.
I'm often told when writing this blog not to regularly thank my friends and family, because while this blog is about me, it's also meant to be a general account for other teenagers going through similar cancer related experiences. However, I do feel completely justified in thanking the most amazing group of people that I've ever had the privilege to know and call my friends. Every single show of support has been truly appreciated and I honestly know just how lucky I have been, to be surrounded by such a brilliant group of people. I've written in the past about how important it is not to "stick your head in the sand" and avoid problems by simply hoping that they will go away. I'm ashamed to admit that in the case of my friends leaving, I have very much acted hypocritically. I wanted so badly to be going with them to University and not be left behind, that I've remained in a state of denial, a decision that I now realise wasn't the right one to make, it was the easy way out in the short term.
While I'm desperately saddened by all my friends going their separate ways and I have no doubt it will take a while for me to begin to fully accept that they have gone, I will try to keep in mind a quote of J.R.R.Tolkien's, "All we have to decide is what to do with the time given to us." I've had some utterly brilliant years with the people I love and there's no way I could forget what they have done for me. However, their leaving is out of my control and I can either be miserable and downhearted, or make the best out of a not great situation and build a future for myself that I want, starting with working hard at school and mapping out where I want to be afterwards.
Anyway, a lot has happened in the time since I haven't written written on here. As I mentioned, I've just finished my entire English A level which was a pretty exceptional feeling in itself. Last week I also visited a few University Open Days and that's given me real motivation to work especially hard next year, accompanied with a feeling of control as to where my life is headed and in which direction I want to take it. Obviously, summer is here so I'm having to splash on the sun cream every morning, as nowadays I burn so easily, but the weather does keep reminding me that I'll be InterRailing in less than a month, something which I am really really excited for!!
However, last week, as well as visiting Universities, I also went to my Sixth Form's leavers prom. I had been dreading this "final goodbye" for a long time and although the night was incredible and I got to spend it with some great friends, it was as difficult as I had anticipated. I said goodbye to some of the people who had completely carried me through the worst of my treatment, had seen me at my most vulnerable and (in my eyes) most pathetic.
I'm often told when writing this blog not to regularly thank my friends and family, because while this blog is about me, it's also meant to be a general account for other teenagers going through similar cancer related experiences. However, I do feel completely justified in thanking the most amazing group of people that I've ever had the privilege to know and call my friends. Every single show of support has been truly appreciated and I honestly know just how lucky I have been, to be surrounded by such a brilliant group of people. I've written in the past about how important it is not to "stick your head in the sand" and avoid problems by simply hoping that they will go away. I'm ashamed to admit that in the case of my friends leaving, I have very much acted hypocritically. I wanted so badly to be going with them to University and not be left behind, that I've remained in a state of denial, a decision that I now realise wasn't the right one to make, it was the easy way out in the short term.
While I'm desperately saddened by all my friends going their separate ways and I have no doubt it will take a while for me to begin to fully accept that they have gone, I will try to keep in mind a quote of J.R.R.Tolkien's, "All we have to decide is what to do with the time given to us." I've had some utterly brilliant years with the people I love and there's no way I could forget what they have done for me. However, their leaving is out of my control and I can either be miserable and downhearted, or make the best out of a not great situation and build a future for myself that I want, starting with working hard at school and mapping out where I want to be afterwards.
Monday, 9 June 2014
Could I Be Maturing??
What I've discovered over the past year and a half, is that it is vitally important that you don't purely focus on the setbacks in life.
Now, in the grand scheme of things, my Scuba Diving being cancelled last weekend due to changeable weather is clearly not a huge problem, but it wasn't the best news that I've had. In the last couple of months I have mentioned in this blog that the prospect of diving for the first time in almost two years is something that I have been really looking forward to. It had become a symbol for me of restored normality in my life and in truth, had possibly represented pre-cancer Will. When I got the call that the whole trip had been cancelled, I was bitterly disappointed, but I soon realised that I had let this one activity evolve into something more significant than it actually was. I took some time to reflect on other achievements that prove how over the past few months I have rebuilt myself (with huge help from all the people closest to me of course) after my biggest setback, being diagnosed with cancer. For instance, on Friday I finished the last of my five AS and A2 exams of this year, a feat that a year ago seemed desperately unlikely.
Arguably, one of my biggest faults before my diagnosis was that I lacked the ability to put things in perspective. I used to blow everything out of proportion and trivial problems appeared far more important than they actually were. While not being able to Scuba Dive last weekend was disappointing and initially I couldn't see the bigger picture, my reaction to the news has shown me that since I was diagnosed, (there is a small chance that) maybe I have grown up, to the point where I no longer only focus on disappointments, but can also reflect on good things to pick myself back up.
Obviously, everyone deals with issues and difficulties in their own way and I cannot stress enough that in my mind, there is absolutely NO right or wrong way to approach any given situation that causes stress or upset no matter how big or small in each individual's eyes. However, the point of my blogging is primarily to help people who are in a similar situation to me and so if I could give any advice about tackling any kind of setback at all, it would be to try and focus on the good as well as the bad. Things do get better and focusing on a problem, invariably doesn't make it go away.
Now, in the grand scheme of things, my Scuba Diving being cancelled last weekend due to changeable weather is clearly not a huge problem, but it wasn't the best news that I've had. In the last couple of months I have mentioned in this blog that the prospect of diving for the first time in almost two years is something that I have been really looking forward to. It had become a symbol for me of restored normality in my life and in truth, had possibly represented pre-cancer Will. When I got the call that the whole trip had been cancelled, I was bitterly disappointed, but I soon realised that I had let this one activity evolve into something more significant than it actually was. I took some time to reflect on other achievements that prove how over the past few months I have rebuilt myself (with huge help from all the people closest to me of course) after my biggest setback, being diagnosed with cancer. For instance, on Friday I finished the last of my five AS and A2 exams of this year, a feat that a year ago seemed desperately unlikely.
Arguably, one of my biggest faults before my diagnosis was that I lacked the ability to put things in perspective. I used to blow everything out of proportion and trivial problems appeared far more important than they actually were. While not being able to Scuba Dive last weekend was disappointing and initially I couldn't see the bigger picture, my reaction to the news has shown me that since I was diagnosed, (there is a small chance that) maybe I have grown up, to the point where I no longer only focus on disappointments, but can also reflect on good things to pick myself back up.
Obviously, everyone deals with issues and difficulties in their own way and I cannot stress enough that in my mind, there is absolutely NO right or wrong way to approach any given situation that causes stress or upset no matter how big or small in each individual's eyes. However, the point of my blogging is primarily to help people who are in a similar situation to me and so if I could give any advice about tackling any kind of setback at all, it would be to try and focus on the good as well as the bad. Things do get better and focusing on a problem, invariably doesn't make it go away.
Monday, 2 June 2014
Revision Can't Always Be Fun!
Sorry about the lack of blog post last week, I have been focusing hard on my final exam which I'm taking this Friday and for the same reason, I'm afraid that this weeks update will also be brief. My doctors very kindly went out of their way to bring my Vincristine treatment, as well as my five days of steroids, forward to Friday instead of Monday. This should mean that the aching limbs/insatiable hunger/violent mood swings/uncontrollable spitting/lack of focus will be less prevalent come the time of my exam. However, this does mean that I am experiencing those effects of my treatment now, which is making revision all that more fun, mind you, it was hardly a barrel of laughs when I was feeling fine... Still, I'm staying upbeat and determined thanks to support from my incredibly patient family and a cheeky slice of Dominos pizza from time to time!
I'm sorry that tonight's post is so short but Revision + Steroids = Exhausted Will! Hopefully by next week, once all of my exams are out of the way, I'll be feeling more relaxed and will write a slightly more informative (and possibly more coherent) blog post!
I'm sorry that tonight's post is so short but Revision + Steroids = Exhausted Will! Hopefully by next week, once all of my exams are out of the way, I'll be feeling more relaxed and will write a slightly more informative (and possibly more coherent) blog post!
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