News

Next meeting

Our next meeting will be on Monday 30 June 2025 at the usual time of 1.00 pm at the Fusilier Museum.  This is a social event with a Jacob's Feast where we all bring something to share.

All Things Myeloma

Dr Jenna Fielding, Consultant Haematologist at Manchester Royal Infirmary gave us an interesting talk on the developments in Myeloma treatment.  The improvements have led to much better survival rates and new treatments are happening all the time including giving a number of drugs at the same time leading to better periods of remission.  She also answered a number of questions from members of the group.

Bispeficics in Myeloma Treatment 

Amanda Lane, Advanced Nurse Practitioner gave us an interesting talk on this new type of immunological treatmen.  Whereas before the monoclonal treatment attacked the myeloma cell the new treatment links to both the myeloma cell and the t cell (or white cells that provide immunity).  It is a more powerful treatment but does have considerable side effects.  For this reason people are admitted for the first treatment to monitor side effects.  To be eligible you need to have had three previous courses of treatment

Ben Hughes Exercise Referral Officer

At the meeting on 25 February we had an excellent talk from Ben about Live Well Bury and what they do.  He is particulary interested in exercise and also in healthy eating.  He explained the importance of exercise and doing it regularly.  He managed to get the whole group try out some of the exercises and explained that you start with a low number of repetions but gradually build up.  When this gets easy he suggested adding weights of simply a can of beans to make arm raises for example harder.  He distributed leaflets about local walks and also sheets with the exercises.  Everyone really enjoyed the session.

AGM

At our AGM meeting on 13 January we were sadly depleted due to lots of bugs going around so there were only 16 in attendance.  We provided a light lunch which was enjoyed by all and then had the business part of the meeting.  Christine McCleod kindly agreed to take over from Mel as Treasurer with effect from the next meeting.  Normally we choose our outings for the year but as so few were in attendance this was delayed until the next meeting.  Following the business part of the meeting we had a quiz that Simon had kindly prepared.

Christmas Lunch

We had a very enjoyable Christmas Lunch at Owen's restaurant in Ramsbotton on 16 December.  Sadly our numbers were depleted this year due to hospital appointments and people being poorly.  As always the food and service were excellent and everyone seemed to have a good time.

Complementary Therapies

We had an excellent talk from Gillian Brown about Complementary Therapies.  Gillian has her own buisness but also volunteers at St Ann's Hospice.  She involved the group in some light exercises including tapping and meditation.  She also demonstrated indian head massage.  She included in her talk both reflexology and reiki and members of the group shared their experiences of these techniques.  She admitted that there was mixed research about reiki but many found it very beneficial.  The group also had a chance to touch crystals and see which ones appealed to them and what they meant.  The group were so impressed that they enquired about having treatment from her and bring her back in future.

Birds of Prey

At our last meeting we had an excellent talk on Birds of Prey from Russ Hedley.  Russ talked about the different birds of prey found in the UK and how some were still under threat but there had also been some succes in reintroducing them to the country.  Russ was excellent made it very interesting and was excellent at answering questions and responding to comments. 

Jacobs Feast

Our last meeting was where everyone contributed to a Jacob's feast and what a feast it was!  Everyone had a really nice lunch/afternoon tea and lots of goody bags were taken home too.  After the meal we had a quiz with the winning team of Gloria, Margaret, Chris and Ian.

Bury Hospice

We were joined by Jo Denby and Jackie Halstead from the hospice who explained about the services they provide.  Unlike some people's assumptions they deal with other illnesses other than cancer.  Apart from inpatients they also have an outreach service including a sitting service to provide relief to carers.  

Dr Jenna Fielding, Consultant Haematologist, MRI

Dr Felding came to the group and talked about the new developments in treatments for myeloma.  Some are currently only available in clinia trials whilst others are awaiting NICE approval.  Even when approved sometimes these are only available at second or third line of treatment or even more.  She was great at answering a multitude of questions too and has said she is happy to return in future.

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!