Speaking for Macmillan

Well my lovely bloglets,

Just thought I'd do a little update as I was asked to speak for Macmillan on Friday at RBS.  It was the final round of a quiz for all the London Branches and it was a hilarious evening, due to 2 employees who were very funny with very quick banter going on between them.

Was a bit weird not talking about TCT, but unfortunately I think the day has arrived that I'm too old for them as I haven't been asked to do anything since September.  Waaah, wail, moan, sob etc etc etc  Whilst this does make me sad, because due to my experience with my Edinburgh consultant, and being into Alternative Therapies, I think what TCT does is truly amazing and leading the way, I (sort of) understand why they no longer use me.....  Anyways, this is not meant to be a rant or lament about why I'm not longer TCT's most favourite and famous cancer kid.

I also tend to forget that Macmillan were amazing and paid for my egg storage when I couldn't afford it, and it could have potentially been a complete nightmare if they hadn't written me a cheque, if the hospital decided than non payment=defrosting!  I also suppose that I was also so vocally on the TCT bandwagon as very few have heard of them, or know about what they are doing, whilst everyone has heard of Macmillan, and has an idea of what they do.  But is doesn't stop Macmillan from needing to raise money etc So I really enjoyed speaking for them, and just approached my story from a slightly different angle.  I was also given a bunch of flowers, which was slightly embarrassing, but it was very nice to be given them regardless!

So, I think that's about it for me.  Ran 13.5 miles yesterday, had to do some walking because of a bad stitch that I didn't seem to be able to shift.  If anyone knows of a good way to stop them, PLEASE let me know!  I also have destroyed my feet slightly by doing it in new trainers, and have 2 epic blisters.  Quite tempted to take a pic and put it on here.....think I might save that til I've run the marathon.  Mmmmm, skanky running feet!!!

Oh, and on that note, I'm going to be starting to mention my sponsorship link every 5 minutes, so if you can, please, please donate as I have to get a minimum of £2,000!  And send it to all your buddies, relations etc.  I've even not sworn in this blog, so you can let them read this too!!!!!!!!!!

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KatherineRuane

Lots of love, smiles and laughter as usual,
XXX

5 Years Today - Can't Believe it!!

So my little bloglets, believe it or not, today is my 5 year cancerversary, and I can't believe how quickly it has come around.

I don't feel as, not low because that is not right, but on previous anniversary's I have felt a bit melancholy. Maybe it's because after the first one, I had left Edinburgh and didn't really know what I was doing in terms of a job or what direction my life was going in. I remember that 2 years ago, it came out of nowhere when I was really miserable with my job and just being dumped.....but this year I seem to be in a really good space.

Whilst I'm not going to lie, I have been running around slightly like a headless chicken with a stupid amount of work to be done - hence being so quiet on here, I finally feel like I am doing what I am meant to be doing AND enjoying it, even all the science! And Christmas wasn't really a holiday or break from uni work as I wrote essays in the car whilst we drove all over the South of England seeing relatives, but we were together, all of us as Milo was over from Singapore, so whilst not that relaxing, Christmas was a true treat.....going slightly off topic.....

I also should mention my family at this point, because without them, especially my mother who has been incredible beyond belief, it all could have been a very different story. The love and support I have had from everyone, friends, family, my current consultant, the nurses when I was in hospital, and everyone at the Teenage Cancer Trust has been simple mind blowing. TCT have enabled me to get my story out there and to have a real effect getting companies to support the charity so every young adult will get access to a TCT ward and won't have to go through what I did with my first consultant. And also Macmillan. Recently I have been asked to do a few things for them, and this morning I was recorded for Smooth Radio for a fundraising appeal thing and I remembered how they paid for my egg storage. The relief that gave me was at the time, phenomenal and it could all be a bit different if they hadn't written that cheque. I was asked to write a sentence to sum up my experience for them, and me being me, wrote a few more than one. So to sum up my 5 year cancerversary, here it is:

Incredible joy knowing the love and support I have, incredible sadness at the life I lost, ever wondering when the day will come when I can come off treatment. Losing my innocence and growing up so fast, a telephone call that changed everything forever. A whirlwind of a journey, and one I would never change if I had the choice again.

So to you all, with tears threatening to spill, thank you for all your love and support. It is you that have kept me going through it all, and the reason I continue to do so.

With all my love, smiles and laughter on this very special day,
XXX