Busy day today, very productive.

George proudly holding his cheque with his wife and daughter, well done George!


Marilyn with the specialist nurse from Truro, Cornwall and Left is Kate, one of our specialist nurses in Plymouth.

Kieran didn't go to school today, he said he had a really bad pain in his side. I gave him the benefit of the doubt and let him stay home. I told him he couldn't go on his xbox as he should be resting. He agreed with that. Siobhan is home so with her agreement I went on to do all I had arranged for today. Starting off was the support group meeting. Another really good meeting with a talk from a physiotherapist about breathing and exercise. She explained things very well. We also had a talk from a lady from St Lukes who was talking about the cancer research study of occupation and cancer.

This is a research study about how often diseases are due to unsuspected occupational or environmental hazards. Anyone wanting more information can contact Christine Rake (study coordinator) on 08000854383. After office hours there is an answerphone service.

EMAIL : MALCS@icr.ac.uk

George brought in his cheque, he raised money for the group by holding a fundraising event. He did very well, he raised £1,700. He had some publicity shots done for the local paper. Well done George!!!

Marilyn also brought in a cheque from her coffee morning. She raised £380 and this will go towards a camera to video subjects to put on the charity website when it is up and running.

Richard from the national asbestos helpline went over a few things. He talked about the funding for awareness from the British Lung Foundation. They will be working with the HSE to campaign for more awareness where asbestos is concerned.

I met some new warriors there today. They are so very frightened. I can remember how I felt when I was first diagnosed, I was terrified. I told them that my philosophy is that it is possible to live with mesothelioma and not just die from it. From diagnosis it is what you make it. It takes a long time to get used to the idea of having mesothelioma. I hope they can find the strength to get through this part of the journey. It's not that easy at first but with many people ready to hold their hands, they can make it.

After the meeting, Richard and I went for lunch and discusssed the business plan for a charity to support asbestos affected sufferers. This will include Pleural plaque, asbestosis and Mesothelioma. After lunch we went to the Tamar Science park to look at offices. It was all very exciting, I feel so privileged to be at the birth of this charity.

I got home at around 3:30pm, Kieran was much better and I think he will be returning to school tomorrow.

I called the Dr's surgery and asked about my blood test, all is good, no news on the GFR for the kidneys yet so I will ring back in a couple of days.

All together a very productive day : )