Author: Jules

Week 2 of the HOPE course with MacMillan. Today’s focus was managing stress and mindfulness. Being in a room as we collectively reviewed our raisin or nut was fab. A shared sense of doing something that wasn’t the norm together was warming. Sadly I ended up with a favourite side to my raisin. #takingittooseriously. There…

After yesterdays kitchen disco time to try out the clubs on the driving range for the first time since the Op. A good trip to Chesfield Downs with Gideon. Certainly felt the benefit of the new belt. A little ring rusty.

Well it’s Friday and Judith is out collecting Gideon from the station for a weekend back home. So time to celebrate his return with a little more than a soft shoe shuffle. The perfect workout to build up the muscle wall 💪 😂. #noherniahere #homealone. Not sure if Mamma knows when I am out but…

Well it had to happen! As part of “normal” it’s time to get back into that work thing – it’s enough to drive you crazy if you let it! Though in truth I am working 9 to 12:30 right now. Not sure Dolly would approve! Joking aside, after 9 weeks out is was good to…

Today was my first session at the MacMillan ‘HOPE Course’ (Help Overcoming Problems Effectively) – helping people manage the day to day impact cancer has on their lives and rediscover their strengths after treatment ends. 7 new cancer buddies and 2 trainers from MacMillan joining together in Stevenage to share experiences and learn from each…

One thing that has helped me as I have worked my way through the recovery phase has been taking notes. When I first got home it was the daily walk down the garden as I did a body scan for pain. Every morning I’d make copious notes on how my body was doing. It was…

So this weekend feels like close to a return to normal in terms of meeting up and going out. Getting used to situations and doing more stuff alongside some regular catch ups. All part of the recovery journey. Saturday night saw me expand my pub options to the Half Moon and meet with a big…

After nearly 10 years and with 130k on the clock we think it’s time to finally say cheerio to the red Alhambra. 7 seats no longer a necessity and the bills for repairs keep coming in. I have loved it but sometimes it’s time to move on! The favourite is now the Audi Q6. Ever…

Just over 9 weeks on and patience remains the watchword. Now off the cocodemol but still using paracetamol first thing and before bed to stay ahead of things. It is still discomfort rather than pain. Sitting upright remains tricky. I did manage a slightly longer journey out in the car, this time to Letchworth. Looking…

No, not the triathlon version ending in a marathon (not even running yet!) but a more mundane domestic pastime….. Not all firsts after 9 weeks bring the same level of joy 🥹 Still 10 shirts, two pairs of chinos, 4 tea towels and of course 3 hankies (yes- I am an old man 🤧) plus…