News

Next meeting

Our next meeting will be On Tuesday 21 May at the normal time of 1.00 p.m at the Fusilier Museum.  The Speaker will be Dr Jenna Fielding, Cnsultant Haematologist, MRI

Relaxation

Unfortunately Amanda Lane was no longer able to come to talk to the group due to staff shortages.  We were delighted when Linda McKenna stepped in at the last minute to talk to us about relation.  Linda took us through different techniques and also explained some of the services that Bury Cancer Support Centre provides.  

Therapy Dogs

Gill McCartney visited the group with her beautiful Golden Retreiver, Maggie.  Maggie was a great hit and she regularly visits care homes and primary schools where Maggie helps to calm residents and school children.

AGM

We had a great turnout of 26 people at our AGM.  After a buffet lunch we did the business part of the meeting.  We chose our trips for the year: Behind the scenes at Bridgewater Hall, Fish and Chip lunch and visit to Bury Fire and Safety Training Centre.  After the business part of the meeting we played bingo followed by a quiz devised by Simon a group member.

Christmas lunch at Owen's

There were 25 members at Owen's in Ramsbottom for Christmas lunch on Monday 11 December.  Everyone agreed that they enjoyed both the food and the company which was followed by a free raffle.

Underground Manchester - Keith Warrender 

Keith gave us a fascinating talk about lies underground in the centre of Manchester.  Who knew that there were tunnels leading from one CIS building to another in the city centre?  This was not the only revelation and seeing pictures brought it all to life.  

Sarah Plant, Macmillan Information Centre Oldham

Sarah gave us an excellent presentation on ways in which Macmillan can help people with cancer.  This ranged from a listening ear to counselling, advice on holiday travel and insurance and help with benefits as well as Macmillan grants.

Secrets of the waterway - Russell Hedley

We had a very interesting and well presented talk about the wildlife that you can find on the waterways ranging from insects to plant life, birds and mammals.  Russell had some fabulous photos and also some good bird sounds too.  It was very much and enjoyed and we hope to invite him back next year.

Will writing _ Sarah Williams

Sarah gave us a very clear presentation on the importance of having a will so that after our death our wishes are followed.  She aso talked about Power of Attorney both for Finance and Health.  See the latest newsletter for further details.

Dr Philip Crea, Consultant Haematologist

Dr Crea talked about the new drugs some of which are now available on the NHS and others through the compassion route where manufacturers will provide it free of charge.  Many of these are only available for people who have had previous treatments.  They are often provided in conjunction with other drugs.  There are other drugs still in development and he felt that there were now a lot more options for different treatments.

Sleep Patterns

Stephanie Melia gave us a talk on ensuring good sleep patterns.  She gave us some don'ts and some do's.  For example avoid caffeine, alcohol and large amounts of food shortly before going to bed.  Things to do included having a set time to go to bed, and getting up.  Avoid watching tv in the bedroom although some find ambient noise helpful as is having warm milk before bedtime.

Beekeeping

We had an interesting and amusing talk from Ian Hodgson on Beekeeping.  We all felt we had learn a lot and realised how much was involved.  Ian had also brought along some honey to taste and to buy and many of the group bought a jar of honey part of the proceeds of which Ian kindly donated to the group.

AGM

At our meeting on 9 January at 1.00 p.m. we reviewed the year but sadly due to illness we were somewhat depleted.  We therefore decidedto choose our trips out at the next meeting.

A light lunch was provided on this occasion.  After the business part of the meeting there was a  fun team quiz and the winners were Linda and Barry Bowker, Yvonne Sayle, Elizabeth Coleman and Mel Smith.  Well done!

Christmas Lunch

Twenty Four members attended our Christmas Lunch at Owen's Restaurant in Ramsbottom.  The food was very good and the service excellent.  After the lunch there was a raffle and about half the group won a prize.

Amanda Lane, Advanced Nurse Practitioner on 'What do Blood Tests Mean?'

Amanda gave us an excellent talk on what the different parts of the blood mean and how the blood test results can help to see what is happening in respect of the cancer.  Her presentation was very clear and she answered a number of questions from the group.

Visit to Manchester Cathedral

Nine members of the group came on a tour of Manchester Cathedral.  We were shown around by two very knowledgeable guides, Jenny and Jennifer.  Although many had been to the cathedral before we had numerous details that we hadn't noticed before pointed out to us.  More details will be in the next newsletter.

Jo Coram Dietitian

Jo outlined his role as a dietitan and talked about how Myeloma could affect diet.  He gave excellent advice on how nutrition be supportive in relation to symptoms (see the newsletter for further details. 

Berni Vose, Welfare Benefits

Berni gave an excellent presentation on welfare benefits.  She stressed that disability benefits were not means tested and that even the Queen would be entitled!  She was clearly passionate in helping people get their entitlement as she knew what a difference this could make to peoples' lives.

Dr Philip Crea

On 17 May we had an excellent presentation from Dr Crea who explained briefly what Myeloma was and how much treatments had developed over the last 20 years.  He also highlighted the costs of the treatments which made us feel very grateful to have the NHS.  Dr Crea was also brilliant at answering questions from members of the group.

Zoom meeting 

We had a short Zoom meeting on Monday 25 April.  This was an opportunity to keep in touch and we were pleased to be joined by David Simister from the West Lancs and Merseyside Group.  The next Zoom meeting will be in the summer and we will post the date nearer the time.

Flower arranging

Due to the speaker being unable to attend Christine Hacking at short notice was able to give a flower arranging demonstration.  Three of the members took part and following Christine's clear instruction were able to produce excellent arrangements themselves.  Thanks to Christine for stepping in to the breach.

Tour of the Fuslier Museum

We had an excellent tour of the Fusilier Museum.  Paul Dalton Assistant Curator took us round and brought the stories of the regiment to life.  Everyone really enjoyed the afternoon.  This was followed by tea and cake to celebrate 15 years of the support group.

Zoom meetiing

We had 15 members attend the Zoom meeting on 1 February.  It was a chance to discuss the 4th vaccine which those with myeloma are entitled to.  Some had already had the vaccine and others were going to book an appointment.

Christmas Lunch

Twenty members of the support group enjoyed a Christmas Lunch at Owens Restaurant in Rambsbottom.  The meal was excellent as was the service.  After the meal we had a free raffle and with so many prizes everyone got a gift!