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Unfortunately all the meetings in April, May, June and August and now Srptember have all been cancelled due to Coronavirus (Covid -19). We hope that normal service will be resumed soon. In the meantime we have been meeting virtually, see below. However we are pleased to announce that Dr Cavet, Consultant Haematologist will join us via Zoom on Monday 21 September.

Virtual meetings

Like many people we have started to meet on Zoom as we cannot meet in person. Our first meeting in June was an opportunity to catch up on how people were coping and what they were doing during lockdown.

Our second meeting in July we were joined by Susana Castro from Healthy Minds who took us through a progressive muscular relaxation method. It certainly was relaxing and many felt ready to sleep afterwards!

At our meeting on Monday 17 August we were delighted to be joined by Chris Martin from Myeloma UK. In early September we held another meeting to give us an opportunity to update each other on our treatment.

North West Air Ambulance

Sarah Horne, a volunteer with North West Air Ambulance gave us a lively and interesting talk on their work. Perhaps surprising the £9.5 million that it costs to run the service is all funded by donations and there is no government funding. She outlined the skill levels of the service, both pilots, doctors and paramedics. She showed pictures of the tight spots where the helicopter had landed. She also highlighted through case studies the difference this service made to people's lives.

AGM

There was a good attendance at the AGM with 23 members there. It was noted that the group's finances were still healthy for this year but we would need to seek funding for future years. At the meeting we appointed a new Chair, Christine Hacking, but are delighted that Stephanie will remain on the committee. Also Martyn Warburton has joined the committee. After the business part there followed a team quiz which was won by Ron, Linda, Alan and Karen.

Christmas lunch

31 members of the support group enjoyed Christmas Lunch at Owen's restaurant in Ramsbottom on 9 December. It was excellent food and efficient service and great to see such a vibrant group.

Russ Hedley on Galapagos

Russ gave us an entertaining and educational talk about the Galapagos Islands. This was beatifully illustrated by photography and film. The group enjoyed him so much we may invite him back to talk about a different topic next year.

Chris Green, Bereavement Counsellor, Bury Hospice

Chris talked to the group about Mindfulness and explained the principles behind it as well as giving the group three short experiences of it. The group found the process very relaxing and soothing and we all felt quite chilled by the end of it. Chris also gave us the names of suitable sources and these will be in the next newsletter.

Visit to the Pathology Laboratory

Eighteen members of the group visited Royal Oldam Hospital Pathology Laboratory to see what happens to the various samples. The staff were brilliant in showing us round and we visited Haematology, Microbiology and Biochemistry departments. They explained how the samples were tested was explained as well as how treatments could be devised following the results. Everyone who came found it fascinating.

Dr Rocci, Consultant Haematologist, MRI

At the last meeting Dr Rocci talked about new and developing treatments for Myeloma and the eligibility criteria for these treatments. He explained that treatments were allowed based on scientific, poltical and financial considerations. He also talked abot side effects and said you should always inform your doctor about these as it may be possible to reduce the dose of the drug to mitigate these. As before Dr Rocci was brilliant at answering questions and explaining things in layman's terms.

Claire Houghton, Head of Fundraising, Myeloma UK

Claire kindly stepped into the breach when our speaker was no longer able to come due to a family bereavement. Claire outlined both the large sum that Myeloma UK needed to raise each year as it receives no government fnding. She also highlighted the way it spends this money and the large amount that goeso n research.

Manchester Open Top Bus Tour

We had a lovely trip in the Open Top bus tour. Despite very variable weather in June thesun shone on us that day and 17 members of the group were able to enjoy the day. even those who had lived in the area all their lives learnt something new.

Elizabeth Sibbering (aka Sibby)

We welcomed Sibby back to the group as previously she had talked about another aspect of local history. This time the topic was Workhouses and Asylums. It was extremely interesting if somewhat depressing part of our history. We were srprised to learn of the extent of the system.

Afternoon tea at Summerseat Garden Centre

24 members of the group enjoyed afternnon tea at Summerseat Garden Centre on 13 May. We were lucky and it was a glorious warm sunny day which made it all the more pleasant.

Linda Holt

Linda gave us an interesting talk on the benefits of reflexology and in particular the relaxing effects of the treatment. She also showed us how to do reflexology on ourselves on our hands

Dr Simon Ridley

Dr Ridley, Head of Research at Myeloma UK gave a talk to the group on clinical trials. He explained the process very clearly and how very few actually become approved treatments. He also highlighted the clinical trials currently being undertaken in the North West of England.

Claire McDonald Maggies Centre

Claire gave us an overview of MaggiesCentre in Oldham which is open to anyone affected by cancer. There are no referrals, you just drop in. There is also a timetable of events, e.g.mindfulness and you can contact Maggies for details.

Trip on East Lancs Railway

On Referendum Day 23 June the group enjoyed a trip on East Lancashire Railway. We all travelled on the steam train with freedom of the line tickets and enjoyed a glorious summer's day.