I don't have a great writing style like a lot of people who write blogs.....I just write things down as they pop into my head, and hope it all makes sense when someone reads it!
Firstly, last weekend was a bit of a blur! I was so exhausted from the previous week of filming and meda and phonecalls! I think I was in bed most of Saturday and Sunday, and don't think that Chris and I actually got to do anything more exciting than watch weekend TV!
10th May I made it into the Lancashire Evening Post again. In the actual paper there is a lovely picture of my Sister and I - as she has been working really hard at fundraising and organising the bank account and online donations.
We now have a Paypal fund set up for online donations. If anyone does wish to donate, click on the following link - Paypal
Please use the email address: heather@helpingheather.co.uk to make your donations to - please also remember to mark the donation as a 'gift' rather than for sales/services etc (in the 'personal' tab). You don't need a PayPal account to do this.
I can't believe how many people have continued to donate to my fund, both through Paypal, and sending money and cheques to my shop. It really is overwhelming to receive the donations, and I will get around to thanking those personally who have left an e-mail address/home address.
But to those who have donated anonymously, I am just as grateful but can't thank you personally!
Every day we are getting post with donations and well wishes in, and i'll say it again - it really is heartwarming to know so many people care about me and my health and wellbeing.
We are still waiting for the bank account to be finalised - which should be this week, then we will be able to give everyone a proper update on how close we are to my target.
I went for my dose of Chemotherapy on 10th May, but the doctors have decided to cancel it, as it wasn't having the desired effect, and unfortunately my tumours had continued to grow - actually becoming noticable in my neck - which is rather scary.
A lovely friend from online, and in real life who owns a Grooming Salon in Blackpool has kindly organised a 'Dogathon' to be held on Monday 31st May. Details can be found on our Facebook group, or the direct link to the event 'Dogathon'.
I am hoping to show my face, although I don't know if I will manage the whole walk!
Thursday was off to St Catherines Hospice for daycare as usual, and Friday brought our first Fundraiser, organised by my amazing best friend Melissa :)
Melissa is a Body Shop At Home consultant, and has organised 2 Body Shop Parties at her house, charging a small 'entrance fee', and doing a raffle and a game! Not only is she donating all the proceeds to my fund, she is also donating all her comission!
The second even will be this Tuesday.
Her Parents have also helped to organise a brilliant 'Pampering Day' at their house on 23rd May, where local alternative therapists are giving up their time and skills to visitors. We are also having a few stalls and workshops, and once again, the 'entrance fee' is going to my fund, with a percentage of what the stalls sell also going to the fund!
Here is me, overwhelmed again, not knowing what to say at people being so kind!
My sisters friend Bernie came to the Body Shop party, and completely surprised me when she gave me some donations she had collected - leaving me speachless again!
Today (Sunday 16th May) 2 family friends; Mo and Sandra went to a local car boot, put a poster up about me and a collection jar, and managed to collect £100 from the kind shoppers who were putting their money in!
Today also saw my sister, Shelley and her Husband Mark doing the Manchester Bupa 10k race! Well done to them - they managed to raise over £600 for the Lymphoma Association, and did the race in a really great time!
Back in time to Yesterday; 15th May.....
I received a phonecall from Christies last week, telling me about a man who has recently had the treatment I am waiting for - he is under the same consultant as me, and asked if his number could be passed on to me.
I phoned at the start of the week, and Mr Drogie kindly invited Chris and I to his house to meet him and his family.
Mr Drogie was refused funding by his PCT, and they even refused when an appeal was put through, but luckily after his son wrote a few letters, they changed their mind and he was able to go to the Royal Free to receive the treatment a few weeks ago.
Chris and I drove down to see Mr Drogie yesterday. Him, his Wife, Son and Grandson made us feel so welcome, and it was great to be able to speak to someone who is going through the same thing as me, and has also met problems when trying to get treatment.
Our website is now fully up and running, thanks to Daniel!
http://www.helpingheather.co.uk
I think that about brings us up to date!
Tomorrow will bring the District Nurse to flush my PICC line, and change the dressing.
Tuesday will bring the second Body Shop Ladies Night.
I'm sure the rest of the week will be as full, but hopefully I will be able to catch up on some much needed sleep!
