UPDATE on BHOC IMPROVEMENTS by Jo Poulton, Assistant Divisional Manager, Specialised Services, Haematology

1 VOICE Cancer Information and Support Centre

The Patients‘ Newsletter Edition 7

UPDATE ON BHOC IMPROVEMENTS BY Jo Poulton, Assistant Divisional Manager, Specialised Services, Haematology,

Oncology, and Homoeopathy WHAT‘S INSIDE

In the last Voice I talked about our Other improvements in the pipe- plans for a refurbishment of the line are free personal televisions centre. I‘m pleased to say that we for all 49 beds on the wards very have been pledged £2.2 million in kindly donated by the Friends of NHS and charitable funding, in- BHOC. We have also got some cluding the Above & Beyond PAGE 2 - CLIMB- long-overdue funding to upgrade ING DOWNUNDER Charities‘ biggest ever grant of £1.5 million. We‘ll start the work the toilets, sinks and bathrooms on in May but it won‘t be immedi- the wards. Also, a huge thank you ately visible because we have to to Bosom Buddies and the Nicola do some shuffling around behind Corry Support Fund for the refur- the scenes. We hope that the first bishments they have sponsored on area to have a facelift will be the Ward 61. Isotopes Department on Lower Please keep telling us what PAGE 3 - VISIT Ground 1 in August ‗09. you think and who you want to If you want to help us make THE OPERA thank by using the Feedback the right choices about furniture, Boards in every department. It decoration and art works, or you are interested in helping us with really is lovely to receive your our £500,000 fundraising target, kind comments and the staff men- please look out for more informa- tioned by name are all nominated tion in reception or for our monthly Spotlight Prize contact me (0117 3424148) draw - a £20 voucher for the shop or PAGE 21 - A of their choosing. (See the names SPECIAL WISH Sarah Wright (0117 3422411). of the latest winners on page 5) GRANTED

VOICE is generously funded by The Friends of Bristol Haematology & Oncology Centre 2

NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS OF BRISTOL

CLIMBING DOWN UNDER VISITING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED This is Mrs Doreen Cheacker of Patchway who The Friends are looking for more visitors for successfully climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge their friendly team of volunteers. If you can last year to raise money for the Friends. spare time to visit the wards once or twice a Mrs Cheacker‘s husband was a patient here week for one month a year, please contact Lindy in 2006 and when she was visiting her son and his Densham 01934 838668 for more information. family in Queensland, thought this a good idea!! We are most grateful for the £300 she raised and salute her bravery! Anita and Peter Tonks are hosting another Not for the faint hearted! Cream Tea event in Shipham on Sunday 5th July 2009. There couldn‘t be an easier way to help raise funds – just come along and enjoy a delicious cream tea at Shipham Village Hall between 3pm and 5pm. We guaran- tee you won‘t be disappointed – we even have a brand new village hall just in case it rains. All monies raised will be donated to the Friends.

FLOWER CLUB CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Severn Vale Flower Club recently celebrated its From the sale of Kate‘s cards, coffee morn- 50th Anniversary. 50 wonderful years of flower ings and charity stalls, Severn Vale presented a arranging, visits from area national demonstrators, cheque for £1,400 to Liz Pritchard in February this outside visits and involvement in many Church year for use by the Friends. and Cathedral Flower Festivals. Each year we have a different charity and last year we chose Friends of BHOC. Kate Hick- man, a member of the club, has been involved in a variety of ways with the Oncology Centre since 1985 when her husband was a patient here for 5 months. Beginning as an escort, Kate ran the Cof- fee Shop for 9 years with her friend Valerie Gillett, raising money for Thornbury Inner Wheel via a promise auction and from the sale of cards designed by her (which are also sold on our main reception desk and are extremely popular).

HAEMATOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY CENTRE OPERA

Wednesday 12th August 2009 at 6.30pm ‗Woodlands‘, Aldwick, near Wrington

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO Performed by the Opera Project and sung in English

Tickets £50 each to be purchased in advance from David Farris, Pit Farm, The Batch, Butcombe. BS40 7UX

Bring your own picnic!

Opera Project is a very professional local group who are also performing at the Tobacco Factory in the autumn. This promises to be another special evening.

All proceeds to the Friends of Bristol Haematology & Oncology Centre

The last opera, performed in 2007 at Bourne House in Rickford, was ‗Italian Girl in Algiers‘ which was enjoyed by a capacity audience of 350. The weather, as usual, was kind to us with a warm sunny evening and after the interval, a starry night greatly enhancing the magic of the occasion. However, this year we have the use of a mar- quee just in case!!

Bristol Ostomates PEACE Gill de Wolf Self Support Group I sing of huts high on Inca terraces Of shacks in the middle of arid deserts BOSS holds four meetings a year for anyone I sing of reed boats, embroidered coats who has or cares for someone with a Colostomy, Of llamas, water buffalo, guanacos, iguanas Ileostomy or Urostomy. The next meetings to be held this year are I write of the wind in the eucalyptus trees September 19th and December 5th. They will be Of a road winding high in the Andes held in The Broadmead Baptist Church Hall which I sing of the pan pipes echoing the sound is near to the bottom of Union Street in Broadmead. Meetings start at 2.00pm and end at about 4.30 pm. Of the people, places and trees all around The meetings are informal, we usually have a speaker or some form of entertainment followed I write of a waterfall cascading into a pool by refreshments and a raffle. There is a Stoma Care Nurse present who can give help and advice Shimmering bright sunlight feeding the to anyone who needs it. It is a good place to meet soul other people with stomas: share ideas: and you I write of the Red Sea, the Dead Sea would be most welcome. High mountains, green hills, and olive trees

For further information please call I sing of a dove flying high above Maurice Cox on 0117 935 8949 or I sing of love, life, hope and peace Christina Hammond on 0117 907 5326

TWO SPECIAL LADIES t was with extreme regret that we bade farewell to two very special ladies. I Marilyn Cowburn had been a cancer patient and was very distressed when she lost her hair because of her cancer treatment. When her health improved she started Headstart. This is a service which sells headwear such as scarves, hats, bandannas, buffs and bean- ies to women who are experiencing hair loss. For eleven years until her recent death Marilyn came into the Centre on Wednesday afternoons to show what was available and demonstrate ways of tying scarves. This valued service continues and Marilyn‘s mother Margaret and other volunteers can be found each Wednesday in the Centre continuing the good work that Marilyn began. Marilyn will always be remembered for the wonderful legacy she left for patients who are coping with hair-loss - Headstart.

Wendy Eddolls was a very valued member of the information centre‘s team of volunteers. Wendy had been a volunteer with us for eight years and had a ready smile, was a supportive listener and related well to everyone she came into contact with .

Both Marilyn and Wendy will be greatly missed by all their colleagues in the information centre. 5

SPOTLIGHT AWARDS Many congratulations to the following recipients of Bristol Onocology and Haematology Centre‘s Spotlight Awards (for further details see .

November winners Janet Smith/Diane Pellici (nurses) December winner Pamela Probert (clinic co-ordinator/receptionist) January winner Debbie Birch (clinic co-ordinator) February winner Tracey Arthur (Sister) March winner Deanne Cox (personal assistant) April winner Christine Millman (Sarcoma and Melanoma CNS)

Creative Writing Sessions

Every day at BHOC thousands of words are cheek—all varieties of expression are possible. Dif- circulated. For patients these words are vital, ferent perspectives on facing cancer can be ex- though often unfamiliar and daunting. Some pa- plored. Enjoyable and fulfilling aspects of life- tients feel that their own voice becomes lost in the family history, travels, personal enthusiasms, rela- challenge of dealing with cancer and all the medical tionships, nature and animals - are also popular information it involves. themes. Getting things onto paper often provides a Creative writing sessions are offered free for pa- sense of relief and the opportunity to share writing tients who wish to express themselves in their own within the session or with family and friends can be words in a supportive environment. Facilitated by affirming. Fiona Hamilton, the one-to-one hour-long sessions In feedback, participants have said that crea- take place at BHOC, where a relaxed, welcoming tive writing is enjoyable and helps to unlock crea- and confidential space is provided. The sessions are tivity, that is a way of exploring difficult as well as currently funded by The Friends of BHOC. fulfilling experiences and of bringing together Patients and carers can book an initial ses- pieces of a life story when the ‗life jigsaw‘ has been sion at the Information and Support Centre. At this disrupted, restoring a sense of ‗whole self‘ meeting, they can find out what creative writing Creative writing offers ways to connect with involves and decide if it is for them. No experience thoughts and feelings which may get overlooked is necessary. during the demands of hospital appointments. Bris- Fiona gives guidance and suggestions for tol is something of a pioneer city in offering crea- people to get their writing going in the form of po- tive writing in GP surgeries, hospitals, organisations ems, prose, journal-keeping or even song lyrics. connected with health, and in complementary care. Short, structured and enjoyable exercises are used The creative writing sessions at BHOC are to begin with to give people confidence. Humorous, supervised by the Psychosocial Department and heartfelt, serious, questioning, hopeful, tongue in supported by the Information and Support Centre, where leaflets are available. 6

St Peter‘s Hospice began in 1978 and is the only adult hospice caring for people in Bristol and its sur- rounding districts. We care for people with incurable illnesses (mainly cancer) and last year cared for over 1,900 patients and supported over 6,000 family members and children. Our specialist palliative care is provided at our two hospice sites (Brentry & Knowle) and across Bristol by our Community Nurse Specialists and Hos- pice at Home teams. Did you know…? Our services include:  Day Hospice, we offer access to specialist medical input, complementary therapy and activities  In-patient units, at Brentry and Knowle, offering 22 hospice beds with 24 hour nursing care  Hospice at Home – 24 hour nursing support for patients and carers during the last week of life  Community Nurses – providing home visits covering psychological support, symptom control, patient and carer support, help with family issues and bereavement care  Chaplaincy – ministers who offer spiritual and religious care to patients and their families. Of- fering support to those with other faiths and helping them to find the any resources they need  Bereavement support – organised by our Social Work Team, offered through trained volunteers, chaplain or social workers  Family Liaison and Grief Support – support for children, young people and families.  Education – our small team of teachers works to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence of health care professionals  Shops – we have nearly 50 shops selling donated goods and raising money towards patient care.  Fundraising – our team work with both the community and corporations to raise money and support for St Peter‘s services

Our supporters… We have over 2,000 Volunteers who donate 203,000 hours of support every year. Giving the gift of time and helping us to achieve the level of support we offer.

To find out more about St Peter‘s Hospice please visit our web- site: www.stpetershospice.org or contact 0117 9159300.

THESE ARE THE HANDS

These are the hands Flick the switch That touch us first Soothe the sore Feel your head Burn the swabs Find the pulse Give us a jab And make your bed. Throw out sharps Design the lab. These are the hands That tap your back And these are the hands Test the skin That stop the leaks Hold your arm Empty the pan Wheel the bin Wipe the pipes Change the bulb Carry the can Fix the drip Clamp the veins Pour the jug Make the cast Replace your hip. Log the dose And touch us last. These are the hands That fill the bath © By kind permission of Mop the floor Michael Rosen, Children‘s Laureate

VOICE YOUR VIEWS Thank you to everybody who has provided us with a contribution for this edition. We do appreciate the time and effort and goes into compiling an article. If you haven‘t already sent us something—how about it!! We look forward to hear- ing from you SOON! Either drop something in at the information and support centre at BHOC or email one of the Voice team - [email protected] 8

Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia friends. Unfortunately I spent quite a lot of time with virtually no immune system, so had to be Our stories very careful about who I saw and where I went, From Rowena (aged 35) which was often very lonely, but text messaging filled a huge void. th riday 13 July 2007 was the day that saved I went back to work early in March 2008, F my life! I had been feeling exhausted for much to the surprise of the doctors and nurses. I some time, but successfully managed to ignore have remained well, although fatigue still catches my increasing fatigue for weeks or perhaps up with me at times. months. I had dismissed the fatigue due to the I managed to remain cheerful for most of extremely busy and stressful year I had had thus the time throughout my illness, apart from a cou- far, including bereavement, a very stressful job, ple of occasions including when my hair fell out, exams, selling my house… and the list went on. I so was taken by surprise when in July 2008 I be- also managed to explain away the increasing came irrationally weepy for a whole weekend – I bruising I had on my arms and legs; I thought I realised the shock of having cancer had finally was just clumsy due to tiredness: it was not en- caught up with me on the anniversary of my diag- tirely out of character for me to knock into furni- nosis. ture, but some of the bruises couldn’t be ex- The treatment and care I received from all plained away. of the staff on ward 62 has been second to none. I eventually took myself to my GP, who I have made some fantastic friends through my was concerned by my symptoms and sent off a time in hospital, one of whom has now sadly blood test for urgent testing. I was horrified passed away and is much missed, but many more when I arrived home from a long day at work to who like me have come through. find messages from him that he needed to speak to me urgently. I was admitted to Frenchay hospital the following morning for tests and following How we met by Alison a bone marrow biopsy the next day, received the On Friday 2nd May, Rowena attended her news that I had leukaemia - APML. I was immedi- clinic appointment. The consultant real- ately transferred to the Avon Haematology Unit ized that she had another patient on the (ward 62), which from that moment became my ward upstairs (me) with the same diagno- second home for many months. sis. She had the insight, with our agree- I underwent emergency treatment with ment, to introduce us. It was such a good blood, platelet and fresh frozen plasma transfu- idea as I had just been diagnosed and had sions, which allowed me to start chemotherapy no idea what lay ahead of me and there in within 24 hours of diagnosis. Over the next few the same room was another young months I received four courses of chemotherapy, woman who was back at work who had some as an inpatient and some as an outpatient. been in the same position only nine During all of my treatment I have had regular months previously. Rowena continued to bone marrow biopsies. I went into remission visit me in hospital and share her experi- early and thankfully I have remained in remission. ences with me so that I knew what I was I started a two- year course of maintenance treat- going to go through. We would share ex- ment in February 2008, so have only one year left periences such as how it felt when our of treatment. hair fell out and how it grew back and also The symptoms of the illness, together with talk about when things would get better. the side effects of the chemotherapy and other Since then we have become good friends, drugs, caused an interesting and not very pretty meeting up and continuing to offer sup- period of my life. I was extremely blessed with port to each other. my hugely supportive husband, family and 9

From Alison (aged 38) went back to my job part-time on Monday We would like to continue I 14th April 2008 after 9 months maternity helping others leave. After working three days I felt very When we were ill we were both helped by strange. I was unable to deal with the stress of others who had been treated for cancer, the workplace like I used to but simply put this but realised there was a shortage of spe- down to my absence and made an appointment cific support for adults, particularly our to speak with my employer the following Mon- age ,who had been diagnosed with Leukae- day. My husband had commented on the bruis- mia. We would like to meet other similar ing that was appearing on my legs but I could people who are currently going through, or not explain to him where they were coming have been through, treatment for Leukae- from. Larger bruises began to appear on my mia or other blood cancers. For further de- thighs and when I was out with friends I noticed tails of the support we can offer please a bruise the size of the palm of my hand had ap- contact us on the email address below or peared on my hip. get our details from the Avon Haematology The next day I felt very unwell and strug- Unit. Rowena and Alison gled to work. I was unable to walk home. I went th to see my GP and on Friday 25 April I was ad- bristoladultleukaemiasupport .hotmail.co.uk mitted to Ward 62 with possible Leukaemia. On Monday 28th April I was diagnosed with APML. I had the triad of symptoms; fatigue, spontane- gramme. I had been very determined through ous bruising and fever. I started chemotherapy the first five months and got to the end of it but straight away. As I had the same type of Leu- I then realised life had changed and I was not kaemia as Rowena I received the same treat- the person I was at the start. Everyone had told ment and followed a very similar pattern of in- me that I was a strong person and I would get patient and outpatient care. I also went into re- through but I felt I had come out the other end mission early and have remained in remission. I a weaker person. It took time to come to terms started the two-year course of maintenance with this. The emotional stages continue. treatment in October 2008. One of the hardest parts was being sepa- The infections, the clean diet, hair falling rated from my baby son for long periods of out, avoiding areas and activities that posed a time. Family and friends were very supportive high risk of infection were all things to battle keeping me going and helping with childcare. through. I was too poorly for the first month to My son was kept away from other children due take stock of what was happening to me then to the risk of infection and arranging childcare one day I woke up and could not stop crying all was one of the hardest parts as appointment day. I then had a set of good results from blood times varied. Sometimes I would need a blood tests and was allowed to go home which turned transfusion the next day and had to phone things around for me and determination to get around to find someone to look after him for through set in. I went to collect my son from my five hours. parents’ house worrying about what was going I am currently looking after my 18 month to happen because I felt I had forgotten how to old son full time and planning my return to work look after him. It all came flooding back after a at the end of April 2009. couple of days and I was so happy because now The care I received on Ward 62 and in I could pick him up and cuddle him with my line the Day Area was fantastic. I too have made in without any pain. good friends through sharing experiences. I The next difficult point emotionally was have had wonderful support from those who at the end of the main part of treatment and have gone through the treatment for Leukaemia before the start of the maintenance pro- before me and with me. 10

Information on people contacting The Information and Support Centre from 2004 to 2008

.The Information & Support Centre opened in 1996 and was originally funded by the Friends of the BHOC,and was the first centre to be staffed by ex patients & carers. It has become a role model for one form of user-involvement, with a growing reputation across the country. The graph shows how there is a steady year on year increase in the total amount of contacts at the centre. In total 6797 people used the centre‘s services in 2008 compared with 5988 in 2007.

Total Male Contacts Total Female Contacts Total Contacts

7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Total Male 1496 1390 1483 1390 1530 Total Female 3912 4040 4068 4597 5261 Grand Total 5422 5439 5559 5988 6797

GOSH information please ring Issy Battiwalla (Specialist nurse) on 0117 3402451 or GOSH Bristol(Gastro Oesophageal Jackie Elliott on 0117 9839906. Support and Help) is a support group set up almost 4 years ago to do what the Zzzzzzzz…………….. name suggests - support and help anyone who has been diagnosed with gastric or oesophageal cancer. Newborn babies sleep on average between Run by patients with the help of Macmil- 16 and 20 hours a day. lan Specialist nurses we meet every other An 80-year old sleeps on average five month to talk, listen to speakers, share hours. concerns, eat and drink and have a laugh Those in their teens and twenties need the (the best medicine!!) most sleep. All our fundraising goes to give our members a good time with heavily subsi- We sleep two hours less than our grand- dised theatre visits and outings and a parents did. newsletter 3 or 4 times a year. There is al- Two-thirds of the adult population think ways someone on the end of a phone to they are getting less sleep now than a few give advice or to lend an ear. For further years ago. 11

Healthy Eating Guidelines for Cancer Survivors

The UK‘s most comprehensive person with cancer, but the basic the psychological and emotional healthy eating guidelines designed healthy eating principles will always aspects of cancer. This is delivered specifically for people living with apply. Practical and informative via a carefully designed programme, cancer will be launched by Penny guidelines such as these provide which can work alongside Brohn Cancer Care in June this year. strong foundations which can be conventional medical treatment, Informed by the most up-to-date further adapted for those needing known as the Bristol Approach. research evidence, together with more specialist advice.‖ Over fifteen different therapies and nearly 30 years of the charity‘s The guidelines encourage people to support groups are available to experience of working with people eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, people with cancer, including with cancer, the ‗Healthy Eating together with other plant foods – counselling and psychotherapy, Guidelines for Cancer Survivors¹‘ whole grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, complementary therapies such as give practical, healthy eating advice herbs and spices. It is recommended massage and healing, practical for anyone living with the disease. that people include moderate advice on healthy eating and Liz Butler, Senior Nutritional amounts of animal products, lifestyle, and stress-reducing self- Therapist at Penny Brohn Cancer particularly unprocessed meat, fish help techniques such as breathwork, Care, said: ―There is a wealth of and eggs. For some people, moderate relaxation, meditation and guided information on diet and cancer in amounts of dairy products may also imagery. books and on the web but much of it be included. Foods containing The Bristol Approach helps people: has little scientific basis. We have refined sugar and processed fats such  Cope with the psychological produced the first set of guidelines as crisps, cakes, biscuits, margarine, and emotional aspects of a that are informed by the most up-to- and ready meals should be cut down cancer diagnosis date evidence, including studies that or avoided. The guidelines also  Manage stress directly examine the effects of diet encourage people to keep alcoholic  Deal with the specific on the health of cancer survivors. drinks to a minimum. problems and challenges a ―The evidence showing that healthy The full guidelines will be available cancer diagnosis brings eating can benefit those living with to download from June onwards by  Support the management of cancer has grown significantly in the visiting symptoms and treatment last few years. We feel it is time that www.pennybrohncancercare.org side effects all cancer patients are offered healthy Penny Brohn Cancer Care - The  Improve health and energy eating advice and that doctors regard Bristol Approach For further information or to access this as an essential part of long-term Based in Pill, near Bristol, Penny our residential courses or local care, as they already do for people Brohn Cancer Care gives people the appointment service, visit with cardiovascular disease. practical tools needed to improve www.pennybrohncancercare.org or ―There is no one diet that suits every their quality of life and help manage telephone 01275 123 23 10

LYMPHOEDEMA SUPPORT GROUP he Group met recently in March. Their guest speaker was Anne Davies, who is an Independent Lym- T phoedema Specialist. She gave a demonstration on laser treatment which we all found very interesting. This treatment is especially helpful to women who have had breast cancer. We all had an enjoyable evening and are looking forward to the next meeting on 2nd June at St Andrew‘s Methodist Church Hall at 7.30pm. New members are always welcome. For further information about the group please contact Lynn on 0117 9601537 12

Cancer Information and Support Centre

WHO WE ARE he Cancer Information & Support Centre is the first centre that is run by ex- T patients and carers. We have two full time members of staff and a team of dedicated volunteers. All of the staff have personal experience of cancer and our volunteers under- take training in listening skills and how to provide support and information sensitively before taking up the position of volunteer in the centre Drop-in Service We are a Drop-in-centre for anyone whose life has been affected by cancer. We are open Monday – Thursday 9am–5pm, Fridays 9am -4.30 pm. You do not need to make an appointment.

Our Telephone Helpline is 0117 342 3369 You may just want to talk or need signposting to a service to fit your need. We can send information directly to you if you are unable to drop in. We also accept referrals from healthcare professionals.

INFORMATION  A warm and friendly environment, where you can discuss how cancer is affecting your life. Our service is free and confidential to anyone affected by cancer; their relatives; friends and carers.  Information on all aspects of living with cancer and cancer awareness  Details of other organisations both locally and nationally  Information on all types of cancer and treatments Would you be interested in becoming a volun-  Free copies of a DVD ‗Preparing for Chemotherapy‘ teer?  Information on benefits and allowances Can you offer us a few  Travel Insurance information hours a week?  Park and Ride/Hospital bus service timetables If so, please contact Sue  Financial Assistance information Stengel on 0117 342 3369

Help to relax - we offer a Relaxation CD and booklet for £2 13

Cancer Information and Support Centre

OUR SERVICES

oping with cancer usually involves a lot of changes in people‘s lives: meeting new doctors, strange C tests, unfamiliar treatments and so many hospital appointments. Your working life may have had to change: relationships may seem different. With so much stress, some people find it helpful to talk to a trained listener who is not involved in their lives. Our service is free and confidential to anyone affected by cancer; their relatives; friends and carers. SUPPORT  A safe space to talk through your worries about diagnosis, treatment, family difficulties, ending treatment  emotional support by trained people who have experience of cancer  support for partners and carers, advice for couples  access to other areas of support  bereavement support Managing the Stress of Cancer

Why not pick up a free copy of the Managing the Stress of Cancer booklet written by one of the BHOC

resident clinical psychologists. Other booklets are available on anxiety and sleep problems.

Red Cross - Learn to relax

Head, Neck and Shoulder Massage and Nail Care is provided by The Red Cross. The sessions are free to patients, carers and staff. Come and book a session at the Information Centre.

Patients will need to pick up a consent form to be signed by a medical professional before attending the session.

Look Good Feel Better - Book a FUN session with us

These sessions offer advice on skin care and make-up for women undergoing treatment. Ladies can attend one session whilst going through their treatment Call in at the centre to book.

Headstart—A DROP-IN SERVICE. Wednesday from 10am-4pm. The Headstart ladies will be available to help and assist with headwear for patients experiencing hair loss.

Turbans—A selection of turbans supplied by Liz Woods the Hair Consultant is available to buy at the Centre.

The Royal British Legion was ARE YOU A CARER? formed in 1921 after the First World War. They help people with accommodation, The Carers Support Course is one of the many work and their essential needs. ‗If the courses offered by St John Ambulance. The course is need is there, we will fund it.‘ delivered in the local area to anyone who cares for another person. Their clients are ex-servicemen/women and their spouses, partners and dependent chil-  There are an estimated 6 million carers in the dren. United Kingdom of whom 1 million are school aged children. This represents a saving for the Government of approximately £87 billion. Whose job is it?  Carers do not apply for their job it just hap- pens because of circumstance, illness or acci- This is a story about four people named dent. Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and No-  Caring is a 24 hour, 7 day a week, 365 day a body. year job. There was an important job to be done and  Carers are often untrained and yet are ex- Everybody was asked to do it. pected to perform nursing tasks, counselling Everybody was sure that Somebody would physiotherapy and chiropody as well as the do it. normal tasks and skills of daily living. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody  Carers are often not rewarded with money did it. and yet the job can be and often is very re- Somebody got angry warding. about that, because it was Everybody‘s St John offers the Carers Support Course to job. those who are caring as a short course to provide new Everybody thought skills; up date existing skills; provide new knowledge that Anybody could and advice. The tutor is a Registered Nurse and teacher do it, but Nobody who has many years experience within both the health realised that Every- and education services in Bristol and Bath. body wouldn‘t do it The course is run over 4 weeks from 10am un- It ended up that Eve- til approx 2pm. Each week is dedicated to a specific rybody blamed topic and all delegates are offered written material that Somebody when No- can be kept for future use. Each week the session con- body did what Anybody could have done! cludes with a light lunch. Everyone is welcome to attend the courses that are run throughout the local Bristol area, South My friend was so in love with her husband Gloucester, Bath, North Somerset and Wiltshire. that she bought him a water bed. Unfortu- nately they have now drifted apart, For more details please contact Judith Gold- A man is known by the company that he smith RGN at St John Ambulance Bristol on thinks that nobody knows he is keeping telephone 0117- 9786050 or 0117- 9533880 Too many cooks spoil the figure or email at J [email protected]

TREES AND CREATURES OF THE WOODLAND

Hidden in the word search are the following trees – ALDER ASH BAY BEECH BIRCH CEDAR CHERRY CHESTNUT DOGWOOD ELDER ELM FIR GEAN HAWTHORN HAZEL LARCH LIME OAK PINE

A L D E R W C I O U R H T O N G C D L S

P I E N C S A B Q R A W A M X M S V A Q A W E A S E L T B Z O O S W R T M C D U O F R N G W N Q E D C O W K T O T S M I

P P I G E O N L O N G E D I V H R O P R

G I F M L E C B R T Y L D M B O O K E R

O N E B A C K S B N A F K A O P U R O E P E G E R E L A S T I G E E R S O U N L O Q T O C E Y M C O M R N S C O W L S C

D I G C H I G B R O C H A M K B O T S V

F R N X A R Y M U D C S I D U E N I A R

G E A N D T Y F D V Z A O R L E I S W R A D Z E C H E R R Y A G B L A C H T I E D L A N K U P C W Z W N L A O H I U R D R E G O W Q T A R O F A M D S O W N D I

A H F R O G Y D O Y V O R R F R I T N P

L P Y T K O O D E Z A M O T R G N S V S

T A O K L T I B B A R R G M L I M E E Q R O B I N A P P A P T T U I M E X H Y R O K A F I R Z O Y D K A D H S C L C T O

Also hidden in the grid are 10 creatures. Can you find them? (Answers on page 25)

Some Funnies

A cowboy rode into town on Monday and booked into a hotel. He stayed, without leaving the hotel, for three days and two nights, then rode away on Monday. How did he do that?

Which months have 28 days? Photograph

If two‘s company and three‘s a crowd, what are four and five? Nine

Someone has to take me before you can get me. What am I? them of All

day Mon- called was horse His 16

ETIQUETTE (By kind permission of the author) Talk to me instead about the holiday you‘re planning, how your novel is progressing, your I‘d rather you didn‘t claim that I‘ll be fine new cat. just because I‘m being so positive. Bring me soup, or cake. Send silly postcards Be wary of saying how well I look– and parcels from unlikely places. my complexion owes its bloom to blusher. When I want company, come with me to a movie. Please stop giving me pink ribbons - Buy me shoes with unsuitably high heels. my breasts are fine, the problems lies elsewhere. or walk with me up the track through the pine Resist the temptation to quiz me woods till we reach the top and that view about side effects—I‘m not a prize exhibit. of the cove where we shared our first picnic Trust my protocol for scans—I‘m a gladiator and afterwards went skinny dipping in the sea. alone in the ring. I‘ll tell you if the thumb was up. And don‘t make me into a hero—I‘m no braver than you, just getting on with my new job. Bear with my grumpy moments—on good days let me dance or scrub the kitchen floor. © Alison Michell 2009 From a book of poems called ‗Journeywoman‘ Don‘t ask ‗How are you?‘ With that droop (Bookmark Publications) of the voice which shows you think I‗m doomed. All proceeds of sales going to Beating Bowel Cancer

Bristol and Beyond Lung Cancer Support Group.

Do you know anyone coping with a lung cancer diagnosis? We have a lung cancer support group meeting monthly at the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre (BHOC). The group is facilitated by the lung cancer nurses Michelle Samson and Lois Phillips. The meeting welcomes anyone affected by a lung cancer diagnosis who feels they would like support and advice. It is also a great opportunity to meet other people going through a similar experience. We meet the 3rd Monday each month 2-3.30pm on level 4, BHOC At the moment the meetings are fairly informal with tea ands coffee, some people pop in for 30 minutes and some people stay the whole 90 minutes. Lois and I bring along Macmillan leaflets and information about lung cancer, treatments, benefits, shortness of breath and the coping with the emotional effects of cancer. Discussions vary each month and are very much led by what people wish to discuss at that time. We are keeping the sessions informal for now but we are always very happy to book guest speakers such as dieticians, physiotherapists or psychologists. We are exploring a different approach next year but are in the middle of completing research into the support needs of lung cancer patients which we hope will guide us in providing a good service. If you know of any patients that would benefit from a lung cancer support group please tell them about our group. For further information please don’t hesitate to call Michelle Samson 0117 9283489 or Lois Phillips on 0117 9284050 17

Chocolate Chuckles BRISTOL MYELOMA SUPPORT GROUP

he Bristol Myeloma Support Group had its first

meeting in January 2007 and has since gone from T strength to strength. It meets every second month at the

Upper Horfield Community Trust community centre in

Horfield, Bristol from 7 to 9pm. The group is now well

established with around 30 regular members; new mem-

bers are always made to feel very welcome and all mem-

bers‘ contributions are encouraged. If chocolate melts in your hands, you are Every second month a guest speaker is invited to eating it too slowly speak on a range of topics from complementary thera-

pies, new treatments for the disease and coping with the 9 out of 10 people like chocolate. day-to-day issues around living with myeloma. As well The tenth one always lies. as providing an ideal opportunity to share information

and experiences the group also organises some fundrais- I could give up chocolate but I‘m not a ing activities and contributes to National Myeloma quitter Week, raising awareness of myeloma in and around the

local community. Man cannot live on chocolate alone The group was set up as a result of interest ex- but woman surely can. pressed by patients and relatives at a Bristol Myeloma

Infoday, organised by Myeloma UK. Registered as a Chocolate is cheaper than therapy and charity in 1997, Myeloma UK is the only organisation in you do not need an appoint- the UK dealing exclusively with myeloma and its related ment. disorders. Myeloma UK has a broad and innovative

range of programmes and services that cover every as- In the cookies of life, friends are the pect of myeloma, from information and support to im- chocolate chips.

Chocolate is nature‘s way of making up Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is for Mondays. a type of bone marrow cancer arising from plasma cells, which are normally found in the Stress wouldn‘t be so hard if it were bone marrow. chocolate covered. proving standards of treatment and care through educa- Chocolate has many preservatives. Pre- tion, research, campaigning and raising awareness. servatives make you look younger. Treatment is aimed at controlling the disease and Put ‘eat chocolate‘ on the top on your relieving the symptoms it causes such as pain, fatigue list of things to do today. That way, at and recurrent infections. Myeloma is not yet curable, least you‘ll get one thing done. although recent studies demonstrate the real impact, improved and novel treatments, alongside advances in sup- There are four basic food groups: milk portive care, have had on survival in the past decade. chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate and chocolate truffles. For further information see details on page 27

Animal Facts

All these proverbs start with the words Flies jump backwards when they ―You can‘t ……. take off Can you complete them? 1 have it both……… A lion‘s roar can be heard from five 2. have your cake and ……….. miles away

3. get blood out of a ………… Cats have more than 100 vocal 4. make an omelette without ………. sounds, dogs have only 10. 5. make a silk purse out of a ………. Camels chew in a figure of eight 6. teach an old dog ……………. pattern 7. tell a book by ………………… 8. have a rainbow without ………. One cow can give nearly 200,000 9. fool all the people all …………… glasses of milk in her lifetime. 10. sup soup with …………………... (Answers on page 24)

CHURCH NOTICE BOARD BLOOPERS

Miss Charlotte Mason sang ‗I will not pass this way again‘ giving obvious pleasure to the congrega- tion.. For those of you who have children and don‘t know it we have a crèche. Ladies, don‘t forget the jumble sale. It‘s a chance to get rid of all those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands. A bean supper will be held in the church hall on Friday evening. Music will follow. The Fasting and Prayer Conference includes meals. Don‘t let worry kill you off—let the church help. Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get. Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Ian Jones and Mary Smith were married on 24th February in church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

Never look down on anyone unless you are going to help them up. 19

Macmillan Offers a Helping Hand to Cancer Self

Help and Support Groups By Paula Bond, Macmillan Community Networks Development Coordinator South and South West England

t Macmillan we recognise the many benefits Resources : We also support cancer support A people experience from being part of a cancer groups with information including newsletters and self help and support group. From having someone good practice resources. Exchange Newsletter for to talk to who has had similar experience and there- example is for people interested in self help and fore feeling less isolated to the mutual support and support and improving cancer care. It features sto- friendship these groups provide. To support this ries about self help and support groups and is pro- network of cancer self help and support duced 3 times per year. If you have a story or issue groups ,Macmillan provides regional Community you would like to see in exchange please let us Network Development Coordinators (known as know. You can order any of our publications or in- CNDCs) who support around 1000 independent formation factsheets for free on our resources web- cancer Self help and Support Groups and organisa- site. www.be.macmillan.org.uk tions across the UK – I am your CNDC in the South West. Register your group with Macmillan: if you are The main types of support we provide are: not already listed with us, you can register your group with us to be included in our on -line direc- Grants: Our Helping You Help Others grants pro- tory. Details and forms are available via our web- gramme recognises running a cancer self help and site www.macmillan.org,uk/Get_Support. People support group effectively, can cost money. From will be able to search for you if they are looking for refreshments to computers, a Helping You Help support locally and also you will receive regular Others grant from Macmillan can help relieve some news and updates from Macmillan on opportunities of the financial pressures of running a group. Up to and training £500 is available to new groups to help with initial If would like to have a chat about support for your development and promotion of their services e.g. group then please just give me a call. grants for leaflets, venue hire, refreshments. Up to £3000 is available to existing groups for their con- To contact me you can call me on 01264 343817 tinuing development. Examples of things we funded or mobile 07834191218 or email me at in 2008 included DVDs and books for a library, lap- [email protected]. I look forward to hear- tops and display boards and “away days” for mem- ing from you and working with you in the future bers. For more information and to obtain a grant applica- BREAKING FINANCIAL NEWS tion pack contact me or Kelly O’Sullivan, Macmillan User Support and Involvement Coordinator on 020 7840 4902 or Email: ko’[email protected] In the last seven hours Origami Bank has folded, Sumo Bank has gone belly up and Bonsai Bank Self Help and Support Group Workshops: announced plans to cut some of its branches We offer a programme of one and two day free Yesterday it was announced that Karaoke Bank is training workshops designed for members of self help and support groups including: e.g. listening and up for sale and will likely go for a song, while responding, buddying and befriending and loss and today shares in Kamikaze Bank were suspended bereavement. To find out more about this training after they nose-dived. you can visit the learnzone on the Macmillan web- Samurai Bank is soldiering on following sharp site. http://learnzone.macmillan.org.uk. A new E cutbacks, Ninja Bank is reported to have taken a learning programme – “Good Practice in Running your Group” is now available for people who would hit but they remain in the black. Furthermore, 500 prefer to have a more flexible approach to learning. staff at Karate Bank got the chop and analysts If you would like to book a workshop or chat about report that there is something fishy going on at your learning needs then please contact me or the Sushi Bank where it is feared that staff may get a Learning and Development team on 020 091 2010 raw deal. email: [email protected] 20

Could YOU be a Carer‘

One in four people care for someone who due to illness or impairment could not manage without them. Often people feel that they are ‗just‘ a wife, husband, mother, father, son, daughter or friend, doing what anyone would do. Maybe you are one of these special people giving extra time and energy to make sure that the person you care for is OK??

Here for YOU

At the Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre, Bristol & South Glos, we provide a whole range of support services to Carers. We offer confidential information and advice through CarersLine and a range of other services such as groups, outings, workshops and relaxation days. Additionally there is the Carers Emergency Card. This is a small card that carers can carry on their person, so that in the event of a serious illness or accident, the person they care for can be supported. For an Emergency Card application form or for information on any of the above services please call CarersLine on 9652200. The Carers Centre recognise the difficulties that carers can face and that sometimes it is important to ‗let off steam‘ and talk confidentially to someone who understands. The Share With A Carer telephone service is available every evening between 6 and 10pm. On the end of the phone is someone with experience of caring who is trained to listen. You don‘t need to wait for a crisis, you can call ‗just to talk‘.

Please ring 0117 9589906.

Black Carers Project Young Black Carers

Funded by Bristol City Council Social Services & the Community Fund Gives support to young black carers as well as providing opportunities to meet up with other young carers for friendship and fun Tel: 0117 9144491 for information.

Bristol and Avon Chinese Women‘s Group

As a carer you are entitled to support, additional services and benefits. You could be given the opportunity to have a break in the form of a few hours a week away from your caring role. Tel: 0117 9553330 for information. 21

A SPECIAL WISH MORE FUND-RAISING GRANTED FOR THE FRIENDS

We at the North Somerset Vintage Tractor & En- gine Club were delighted, at their Christmas party in December 2008, to be able to hand over a cheque in sum of £2,000 to Liz Pritchard who accepted the monies on behalf of the Friends of the Bristol Hae-

matology & Oncology Centre. As we have over the last year or so lost five of our members to cancer it was decided that the nominated Charity for 2009 is again to be the Bristol Haematology & Oncology

Centre. The North Somerset Vintage Tractor & Engine Club was formed with just a few members ‗You don‘t know what it means to me‘ said in 1972 since when it has grown to the current

Mrs Jenkins membership of over 130. Monthly meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month mostly at

Redhill Village Club and we have a varied range of What would you choose to do on a special day events throughout the year including Winter and out? Something perhaps that you haven‘t been Autumn Vintage Road Runs. New Members are able to do for some time but was part of your life always very welcome and if you would like further in the past. information then do not hesitate to contact the Club Doreen Jenkins (pictured on left) has a Secretary: Sheila Chapman on 01275 474649 best friend she has known for 75 years. A lady We are hoping to have good weather for our who is as close as a sister to her and a true confi- Annual Ploughing match and Boot Sale to be held th dante. Over the years they had got into the habit at Gatcombe Farm, Flax Bourton on 19 and 20 of having ‗a special day out‘ when they would go September 2009. Also we anticipate having a down to Weston-super-Mare, look at the shops, display of over 50 Vintage Tractors & implements at the Annual North Somerset Show on May bank go on the pier and eat fish and chips at ‗The At- holiday at Wraxall. Please come along to our hos- lantic Bar‘. ―The fish and chips were always pitality tent where home-made cakes and tea and cooked to perfection‖ smiled Mrs Jenkins at the coffee will be available to members and visitors memory. During the past 4 years Mrs Jenkins and alike. Although it is all free and all the cakes being her friend had hoped to have their ‗special day donated by our members, we do hope everyone will out‘ but Mrs Jenkins has not been well enough to once again donate generously to our chosen Char- go. ity. Don‘t forget that if you should see a lot of As Mrs Jenkins‘ husband had been in the ―boys‖ ( old, young or eccentric) , on vintage trac- forces, The Royal British Legion was contacted tors holding up the traffic around the North Somer- by The Information and Support Centre at BHOC set Area then it will almost certainly be some of ours, so give them a toot or a wave. to see whether they could help. Douglas San- drone, from the local Clifton/Hotwells Branch, was able to make the arrangements and in March Mrs Jenkins‘ wish came true. She and her best friend were picked up by taxi from BHOC, taken down to Somerset Legion House Welfare Break Centre at Weston-super-Mare for refreshments, then on a tour round Weston with a fish and chips lunch to follow. 22

BRITISH RED CROSS

EXPERIENCES OF A FEELING TENSE RED CROSS VOLUNTEER Why not book a through-clothes shoulder, arm and hand massage plus nail care to Dear Reader help you to relax. My name is Ann and I am a volunteer Find out more details and book a session for T/C Red Cross. I did my training some 9 at the Information and Support Centre in months ago and after a wait I was lucky BHOC or ring us on 0117 342 3369 enough to get into the Oncology Day Ward. I have been in the unit on a fortnightly basis since November 2008 and really enjoy SKIN CAMOUFLAGE giving the service I provide to the patients in the ward and out in the reception area. I SERVICE have mainly woman clients but lately the The British Red Cross Skin Camouflage Ser- guys are joining in. I like my work as I have vice offers help to people with scarring and disfiguring skin conditions. the opportunity to meet, talk and give what I We have trained volunteers to give have been told is an enjoyable, relaxing mas- this service. During an appointment a colour sage and nailcare. match will be done to find the correct col- The patients I have met are inspira- oured creams for the patient‘s skin tone. We tional. We talk and as a rule much laughter then show them how to apply these creams, ensues, especially at me trying to get all the enabling them to have an effective and water- proof cover to help them regain their confi- gear together to move from one client to an- dence. other. I usually leave something behind so I The creams are available on prescrip- am trying to get a trolley to carry it all. tion. We can cover conditions such as: The nurses work hard and keep saying  Scarring (from burns, accidents, acne etc.) to me, when can you come again? It is so  Vitiligo satisfying that my training has brought to  Rosacea light another and very good aspect of my  Birthmarks life.  Tattoos Well done to Oncology E ward - pa-  Leg veins tients are given every care and a lot of con-  Pigmentation problems sideration. So glad to be a very small part of Other skin conditions the team. Best wishes To find out more about this service contact Ann Woodruff Pat Douglass on 0117 3012613 or Friday 12 noon—4 pm Joy Simon on 0117 3012631. 23

Prospect - Bristol and District Prostate Cancer Support Group

rospect Prostate Cancer Support Group is a local support group run by patients for patients and P their families. It is dedicated to offering support to men who suspect they may have prostate cancer or have been diagnosed as having prostate cancer and feel that they do not have sufficient information or support to decide the best way forward. We do not profess to have medical expertise, but by sharing our own experiences and the valu- able knowledge gained, we offer our help at this most difficult time for men and their families. We hold regular meetings at the Bristol Aerospace Welfare Association at Filton, Bristol starting at 7.30pm. Medical professionals, Charity representatives and a variety of other guest speakers talk on a range of related subjects followed by questions and answers which often create a lively debate!. We then have time to exchange information on our own experiences for the benefit of all. We finish with a buffet. Wives, partners and carers are very welcome to our meetings. We have found that knowledge is very much to the benefit of the patient, enabling him to play an active part in the decision making process in selecting the best treatment. One treatment suits all is not appropriate. Prospect provides free and confidential help, support and information via our HelpLine on 01373 813060. You will receive a friendly welcome and be able to talk with someone who has been through what you may be experiencing. As part of our objective to champion generally the cause of Prostate Cancer sufferers the Group has a representative role on a number of local committees for example amongst others:

Avon Somerset and Wiltshire Cancer Services User Involvement Group

Urology Site Specific Group

ASWCS Primary Care Group

If you are interested in joining us or would like more information on Prospect‘s activities then please ring Malcolm Gamlin on 01275 859419

The answers to all these are male or female names. e.g London railway station Victoria 1. A type of toy 2. Oil, perhaps from Italy 3. Opposite of empty 4. This herb is used with lamb 5. Feathered garden winter visitor 6. A car tool 7. Scottish valley 8. Used to be put under the bed 9. Early morning 10. Happiness 11 Behind the beach 12. Friend of Mr Punch 13. Moorland shrub 14. Very strong wind

15. Said before meals perhaps 16. Herb which helps sleep Answers on page 25 24

MARY‘S TRIED AND TESTED RECIPES

CHICKPEA SOUP WITH MINT AND GARLIC

MINT AND PEA SOUP Ingredients -

2 x 400g cans chickpeas Ingredients– 2 large cloves garlic, roughly chopped 900g frozen petit peas 6 tbsps olive oil 900 ml ham chicken or vegetable stock made 2 chicken stock cubes with 2 stock cubes 2 tbsps chopped mint 1tsp concentrated mint sauce 2 tbsps flat leaf parsley—chopped 275ml single cream 1 lemon cut into wedges

Method - Method - Cook the peas in the stock with a pinch of salt Drain liquid from chickpeas and make up to in a covered pan. Add the mint. 900ml. Puree this liquid with chickpeas, Liquidise in batches . Can be served like this garlic, olive oil and lemon juice. Heat thor- otherwise reheat with most of the cream, taste oughly with crumbled stock cubes, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Stirring till dissolved. Season and add herbs, Serve with a swirl of cream. Serve with a lemon wedge

SINGING A SONG OF MORE THAN SIXPENCE

St Andrew‘s Players is an amateur dramatics group of 25 years based in Filton, Bristol. Each year as a group they nomi- nate two charities and any profit raised from their annual pantomime is split between these charities. This past year one of the charities nominated was the Cancer Information and Sup- port Centre. Sue Stengel the Manager at the Centre was very pleased to receive a cheque for £500 presented on behalf of the Players by Sue and Brian Dart. Sue Stengel said ―On behalf of all the staff at the Centre we would like to thank the St Andrews Players for their wonderful donation of £500 which will be put to good use for patient information. 7000 people a year use the Centre and we are continually upgrading our services.‖ Their pantomime this year was Sing a Song of Sixpence which was staged in February and they have just performed a show called, ‗Baby Boomers‘ which is a celebration of music and sketches from the 1950‘s and 60‘s. They are hoping to be performing this again later in the year at St Andrew‘s church hall in Filton.

Answers—proverbs (page 18) 1. ways 2. eat it 3. stone 4. breaking eggs 5. sow‘s ear 6. new tricks 7. its cover 8. rain 9. the time 10. fork/knife 25

STARFISH down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean.

As he got closer he called out, Once upon a time there was a wise man ―Good morning! What are you doing?‖ who used to go to the ocean The young man paused, to do his writing. looked up and replied, He had a habit of walking ―Throwing starfish into the ocean.‖ on the beach ―I guess I should have asked, before he began his work. why are you throwing starfish One day he was walking along in the ocean?‖ the shore. ―The sun is up and the tide is going out, As he looked down the beach and if I don‘t throw them in they‘ll die.‖ he saw a human ―But, young man, don‘t you realise that figure moving like a dancer. there are miles of beach He smiled to himself to think and starfish all along it. of someone who would You can‘t possibly make a difference!‖ dance to the day. The young man listened politely. So he began to walk faster then bent down, picked up to catch up. another starfish As he got closer, he saw and threw it into the sea., that it was a young man past the breaking waves and said- And the young man wasn‘t dancing ―It made a difference to that one.‖ but instead he was reaching

Answers—Names (page 23) Names 1.Dolly 2. Olive 3. Phil 4. Rosemary 5. Robin 6. Jack 7. Glen 8. Jerry 9. Dawn 10. Joy 11. Cliff 12. Judy 13. Heather 14. Gale 15. Grace 16. Lavender

Answers—woodland creature (page 15) 1. deer 2. frog 3. mouse 4. pigeon 5. rabbit 6. robin 7. rook 8. spider 9. squirrel 10. weasel 26

CANCER ORGANISATIONS Cheltenham Cancer Information Centre Pat Barlow 08454 224414 A1 Lung Cancer Group (Mon – Fri 10 – 5) Sarah - 0117 9596260 Collar Group – Head & Neck Cancer Sup- BOSS - Ostomy group port Christine Hammond—0117 9075326 Christine/Cedric 01454 633284 Maurice Cox 0117 9358949 Brian/Rose 0117 9517915

Bath Breast Care Group Cotswold Care Breast Cancer Support Mrs G A Hockedy 01225 424252 (9am-6pm) Group Sister Irene Buckley 01225 428331 ext. 4057 Kathy Lane 01453 886868 (9am – 5pm) GOSH (Gastro Oesophageal Support & Bath Information & Support Centre Help) 01225 824049 Issy Battiwalla 0117 9701212 Ext 2454

Bosom Buddies – Breast cancer support Gloucestershire Breast Cancer Support Lynnette Hopkins 0117 3424940 Group 08454 226110 (Mon – Fri 8 – 4) Bristol & Avon Chinese Women‘s Group (sitting service) Hammer Out – Brain tumour support group Main Office 0117 9351462 Tina Mitchell 01454 414355

Bristol & Beyond Lung Support Group Jewish Community‘s Cancer Support Or- Michelle Samson – 0117 3423489 ganisation Lois Phillips - 0117 3424050 Helpline: 0808 808 4567

Bristol Sitting Service – for South Asian Lymphoedema Support Group carers of elderly people Lynn 0117 9601537 Dhek Bhal 0117 9556971 Lymphoma Association – helps people with Cancerbackup lymphatic cancer (Hodgkins or non- Helpline—0808 800 1234 Hodgkins) www.cancerbackup.org.uk 0808 808 5555 Local contact: Mary Walters 01275 875551 Cancer Information & Support Centre Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre – Penny Brohn Cancer Care See centre pages of this issue! (used to be Bristol Cancer Help Centre) Sue Stengel 0117 342 3369 0845 123 2310 www.pennybrohncancercare.org Changing Faces – support for disfigurement (payment on a sliding scale) to face, hands or body 0845 4500 275

Myeloma UK The Harbour – counselling for people af- 0800 980 3332 fected by life-threatening illness Sylvia 01275 833106 0117 9259348

Nicola Corry Support Foundation (for WHAT (Women‘s Hope After Treatment) young families who have a mother or father Support group for women who have been suffering from cancer) diagnosed and/or treated for cancer of the 0845 2573754 cervix Jane Alexander 0117 342 5177 Off the Record - counselling & information for young people 11 – 25 Wessex Cancer Trust Drop-in Centre 0808 808 9120 Jane Scarth House 01794 830374 Positive Action on Cancer – free counselling service for 18+ Frome, Bath, Warmin- Weston Breast Cancer Support ster 01934 647119 01373 455255 (Mon-Fri 8.30 – 4.30)

Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre Young Women 4 Young Women 0117 965 2200 0117 9186501 www.yw4yw.com Prospect Support Group – Prostate Can- cer Talkline WEBSITES 01373 813060 Beating Bowel Cancer www.bowelcancer.org Rainbow Centre – children affected with cancer & life-threatening illness Breast Cancer Care 0117 9853343 www.breastcancercare.org.uk

Rarer Cancers Forum Cancer Research UK 01227 738279 www.cancerhelp.org.uk www.rarercancers.org.uk Dipex (personal experiences) Somerset Cancer Care www.dipex.org Taunton - 0800 7314608, 01823 433510 Minehead – 01643 851430 Macmillan Cancer Support www.macmillan.org.uk Somerset Prostate Support Group Asso- ciation Marie Curie Cancer Care Peter Loader 01460 62935 www.mariecurie.org.uk www.somersetprostatecancer.org.uk Royal Castle Foundation (lung cancer) St Michael‘s Laryngectomee Club www.roycastle.org Mary Donovan 0117 9071519 28

Wot‘s Up Doc?

The following were taken from ACTUAL medical records as dictated by the doctors …… (NOT BHOC doctors we hasten to add!) By the time he was admitted, his rapid heart beat had stopped and he was feeling better. The patient has chest pains if she lies on her left side for over a year She slipped on the ice and apparently her legs went in opposite directions in December The patient was in his usual good health until his plane ran out of fuel and crashed, On the second day the knee was better and on the third day it had completely disappeared. She is numb from the toes down Discharge status : Alive, but without permission. I suggested that he loosen his trousers before standing, and then when he stands with the help of his wife, they should fall to the floor The patient will need disposition, and therefore we will get Dr Black to dispose of him. The patient had waffles for breakfast and anorexia for lunch. The patient had no history of suicides. Healthy appearing, decrepit 69 year old male, mentally alert but forgetful. The patient refused a post-mortem.