'Something To Look Forward To'

So , last Tuesday on 29th August  I had my 3rd chemo, and whilst today is an icky and achey day.... my mind and soul have been refreshed by a most marvellous treat from The 'Something To Look Forward Charity' and now I feel I can take on the world ! 

#STLFT  provided a chauffeured punting trip experience, with a most delicious onboard sushi lunch, for ladies from the 'BreastFriends Northampton' (#BFN) support  group, and on 2nd September, I was blessed to have been part of the whole adventure with a bunch of vibrant women!

The events in my world  being what they are at the moment, I was particularly grateful for the emotional interlude of the day. I'm very lucky to have  a multitude of people around me, however the most crowded of places can be the most isolating when  a particular level of 'understanding' is missing and so having moments like these, surrounded by those that 'get it' often does make the difference and so a big thanks to #STLFT and BCN for an opportunity for clarity and perspective! 

The  STLFT charity offers people with cancer and their families, gifts and experiences donated by people and companies. Rutherford's punting company and Sushi and Sticks were our benefactors that day....truly the event was 1st class... made extra special by Ricardo our rather attentive and 'delicious' chauffeur.  We all took somewhat of a shine to ‘Our Ricardo’ that day… some more than others, hey Kazzie!!  He was a  charming young man on his gap year, who gave remark of genuine pleasure for being part of our day, explaining that his family had been affected by cancer.

The sun was certainly shining down on our florickings in Cambridge, with plenty of it to enjoy the 'Sushi and Sticks' picnic on the 'punt', whilst leisurely coasting along and attracting celebrity like attention! 

Leonie, one of the founding members of #BFN pulled the whole event together, organised us all with travel on a mini bus, giving us all an opportunity to chat away like old friends and binge on Jules' stash of ‘pink’ lollipops and heart sweets.  Thanks to BFN there was also a lil’ cheeky prosecco action along the river… !

My friend Mary came a long too, otherwise this was the first time I had met some of these ladies  and my day ended feeling like I had known them all for ever! 

Refreshingly and more significant for me about the day, was the ease in which we  seemed to comfortably drift in and out of guilt free mentions of our cancer stories, whilst enjoying each others chatter on love, life, hopes and dreams, without the social/emotional awkwardness that this can sometimes create.  

No matter how much one wants to or tries,  It is sometimes impossible to avoid even a fleeting reference of ‘cancer/treatment’ in conversations with friends and loved ones.  For me this has been particularly so during active treatments , due to cancers commanding  monopoly on my time, thoughts, physical appearance  and priorities.  I’m more than aware that as a default setting, I try to manage the emotions of others by offering protection from the physical and emotional inconvenience of  my cancer world, and so the respite from this has been the biggest treat of all.

Leading up to my secondary diagnosis in April 2017, I got to a point where cancer was becoming a more distant factor in the tapestry of my life and it was for sure, receiving less ‘air time’ in my thoughts and  conversations. Now that cancer has drawn it self back, without invitation with more focus than ever I am glad that  BNF is now  part of my support system. 

BFN is a relatively new group, so spread the word about their work and certainly do check out STLFT website if you  are affected by cancer or in a position to donate a gift/experience, particularly if your business is in the Northants area.  

Ok, so back to  Ricardo…….and some pictures Lol!

                                                  Fore He's a jolly good fellow!