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Hey up Mark - will this be your first time in New York? If so, send me your address (e-mail in my profile), I've got shed loads of guide books and stuff I can let you have.
hello mate good to hear from you
Next time you post...highlight and copy text!!!
I've just had to re-type this as I did not do this!! 😈
The hamsters have been put on the Atkins diet, but are in a bad way as they don't eat meat!! 8)
I once had 7 ulcers along the edge of my tongue when I was coming off Seroxat...never known such discomfort.
NYC? You'll have a blast!! 8)
Ta muchly for update.
FCxx
Mark!
Blah! Blah! Blah!
How is Meg ya big sheite! 😀
That aside, glad to hear your O.K. kid! 😉
Thinking about ya man. Karma
Shane
nice to hear you are back online with more stories from your journey, I'm looking forward to your next tale 🙂
I had to move your thread away from the Isle of Man one.....
🙂
sounds like a picnic
keep the fire stoked
Good to hear from you fella and enjoy NYC.
My aunt in law also uses Udder cream to help with chemo side effects. Sadly she's now ceased treatment and has been given 6 months max. That said she was given 6 months 2 years ago.
great to hear things are going well for you
That WAS funny in a very black humoured kinda way Mark! Keep up the writing. All the best.
Pete aka Woodsman
Nice one Mark. Hope you're doing well apart from the bum and tongue problems.
I read your latest update to J. He reckons he kept Ambrosia in business while he was having his chemo. (did you find the 'adcortyl in orabase' ulcer treatment - that seemed about the most effective.)
He also commented on your metamorphosis into a cow and decided you're the latest superhero - kind of like spiderman but more bovine - which lead to an interesting conversation.
So, in honour of your new found superhero status and courtesy of J and my mate Lance, here's a song:
Cow man, cow man, does whatever a cow can.
Drops a pat, any size.
Lots of smell, lots of flies.
Look out - here comes cow man...
Keep going mate, no surrender!
Custard creams, anyone?
You keep posting - I keep laughing. Something miraculously off-kilter about that equation, but you make it true!! You have a gift. Moooooo!!
sorry if it's too late but look into travel insurance from the post office. actually go into one and do it that way, i've heard from plenty of people with various illnesses that they're pretty relaxed about ailments.
also my mum found me a list of insurers as we're going away this summer, they include insurancewith.com freedominsure.co.uk insureblue.co.uk
i'll be trying them all but i appreciate our situations are different.
good luck anyway.
Hello folks!
It seems I always start my updates with an apology as to why I haven’t updated recently! For a change I think I’ll just lead into what’s been happening in the last five weeks.
The chemo, a four weekly trek to the Marsden in London, is now over. Despite their best attempts to fill me with the most toxic crap on the planet, I appear to be in fairly good order, both physically and psychologically. This doesn’t mean that the situation is easy; far from it. But I’m fairly happy with how things have gone. I was lucky not to have had some of the symptoms that other folk have had, and it looks like the constipation/squits conundrum and the skin issues have been the most trouble.
I count my blessings at this. During infusion you all sit in a room together and the pain that some really brave people are going through is fairly humbling. The flip-side to this is that your mind starts to play nasty tricks on you – does it not hurt because the chemo isn’t working?
The guy in the US with the same condition as me died on March 19th. He had posted on his blog on the 7th March that he’d never felt better, and that it felt so good to be having a break from chemo. And then bang – that’s it, gone. It came as a real blow to Meg and I. I’d spoken two him a few times via email, and then he was no longer there. Beside him I only knew of one other person with the same prognosis, but they don’t want to be contacted. As stupid as it sounds, my overriding emotion was that of loneliness. I couldn’t even ask his widow what he’d died of; was it related to the heart op? Was it the cancer? So a bit of a pisser really. But I decided to MTFU and carry on as normal.
Now my feet are something to behold. Think of the way shingles feels. Now multiply that by ten. Then add more wrinkles than a tortoise’ fanjita and you’re some way to picturing my feet at the moment. Wearing any kind of footwear is a bastard, SPDs especially – even the hem of my jeans brushing against my feet is agony. So I tend to wear flip-flops.
Now I work as a PE Teacher/SSCo (School Sports Co-ordinator) at a group of schools in South London. Two secondary, six primaries, an SEN and a PRU, and all very different and unique. Stick with it, you’ll see where I’m going…
Out of courtesy I asked my HoD to inform the head-teacher at one of my secondary schools (cannot be named for legal reasons) as to my need to wear flip-flops to help alleviate the discomfort. He received an email back three minutes later telling me that this would not be acceptable and that I should wear ‘thin cotton socks’ with my trainers instead in line with H & S compliance.
Now I know what you’re thinking. I should be angry, right? You couldn’t be more wrong! I’m overjoyed. You see, my condition is so rare that even the Marsden don’t know much about it. But it turns out that my HT is an expert in the field of angiosarcoma (that’s why he’s able to dole out such quality advice in just three minutes) and so he knows the solution to alleviating the pain – thin cotton socks! I just wish I’d thought of it. Ace eh? 👿 And this is the same place where I haven’t had a post op workplace assessment, a re-integration-back-into-work, a disability assessment, and where the HoD told me in an informal meeting that he could only support me so far as ‘he has to look out for number one’… (sigh) 😕
Despite all this sh*t I’m training hard for the summer. My sister, a crazy joiner and I are going to JOGLE for Sarcoma UK for 15 days in July and August. We’ll be supported by my wife in the van, and we hope to get as much support and sponsorship as we can. I really want to make a difference – this pissing disease might try and take me at some point (not by my reckoning though), but I’m going kick it squarely in the nuts first and raise funds for research programmes into sarcoma at the same time.
And so once again I turn to you lot. I need help. Sponsorship, support on route, a garden to pitch a tent in etc. If you’re a shop, we’re in dire need of kit sponsorship – bikes, spares, clothing etc; nothing is too small or insignificant. There should be a fair amount of press interest, and your logo will get plastered everywhere. I’m sorry if it sounds cheeky to try and scrounge stuff, but to be perfectly honest I’m not very experienced in fundraising for this type of event and I really don’t know what the etiquette is… All I can guarantee is that I won’t give up and I won’t let you down, I promise.
I’ve set up a JustGiving page for those of you that might like to make a donation. Please email onto your friends and colleagues – explain to them that some arse on a forum you frequent is trying to beat the odds and that he might just do it with their help. I’ve also started a website that should be online by the end of this week with the finalised route on it.
http://www.justgiving.com/TheBullheartJOGLE2010
Thanks for listening. Thanks for the continued messages of support. I wouldn’t have the courage to do this without you all.
Cheers,
Mark
Mark - nice to hear the latest update, your posts and attitude are truly inspirational, just donated good luck with the challenge
Keep it going dude, as inspiring as ever.
Good to hear from you again, I used you for inspiration for a guy that came in to work today saying he'd been diagnosed with secondary lung cancer.
He's not a cyclist and the illness is not the same but the spirit you show is fantastic and I hope he'll take the time to read this thread ... ok, so it'll take a while, early days for him, but I hope this will be motivation for him.
Keep going Mark, and keephelping Meg 😀
Mark, cancer has recently reached deep in to my life as well. Your posts are sublime in their inspiration, their humour and their strength.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Stay strong.
its easy to share on your facebook page too btw, create a sharethis account then link it to your facebook profile
all the best!!!
I was thinking of making a donation on your justgiving page but then I thought, nah; I'd rather give it to you in person.
Make sure you post up dates and details of the route you'll be taking in July/ August once you've made some progress with the arrangements. I'm sure I won't be the only normally cynical forum member who'll be moved to ride with you for a while.
I believe this is a tactic known as a bump. Someone from the forum emailed me last night reminding me that late-night postings are often missed. Doh!
So read the new post above. The one that's earlier than this one!
Jeez...
i might be able to help out with accomodation in bath. but it's not my house so I would have to ask the owner. If you don't mind some company i'll come and ride some of it with you. If mel wants a hand in the support vehical i'll also help there to.
What kinda bikes you after?
I'm about to stick 2 of my winter road bikes on ebay, I could not sell them and lend them if it helps?
Hi, happy to give practical support before you ride- Im a Physio and would be [i]more[/i] than happy to donate my time and expertise to such a worthy cause.
Not posted in this thread before, but have been reading for a while now
humbling is all I can say
post up your route and planned dates, would love to come along and ride a section with you if I can.
keep fighting Mark, we all know you will
Donation made
Right, before I shed tears in an open plan office...
- Donation - am somewhat embarrased at the moment, so I've diarised to pay up when I'm paid at the end of the month.
- Bike stuff - you look like a big lad. I'm not. However, someone may be short enough to make use of a triple road chainset with matching front and rear mechs (all Ultegra). Happy to donate for a bike build. I'll see what else I have.
- Accom - might be a struggle (baby due around the time you're riding), but if Manchester isn't too far away, and you don't mind squeezing in, happy to put you guys up.
- Riding - as others have said, post up your route and I'll come and join you for a leg in the North West.
Tom
+1 for Adcortyl. I have really bad ulcers very frequently, and it's the only thing that makes them go away
I wonder if the powers that be at stw could sort out a couple of road bikes. Perhap si at progressive bikes, or thebikechain or 18bikes or halfords, could loan two bikes for the trip, most bike shops will have demo road bikes. I'm in Maidstone so if you need help at all locally just ask
Whats your route mate? Friends own a B&B at balloch, Loch Lomond and would be happy for you to stay there 😀
Excellant to hear things are going well mark, hope married life is treating you well. If your route comes through gloucestershire, there's plenty of room for you at chez lookmanohands 😉
I am more than happy to help with a bike if I have anything suitable fir what you need! I don't want the publicity just use whatever I have foc. If I don't have a bike suitable for what you need I'll help with a good donation and or kit.
Only just started to read the thread and have to say you are a great inspiration, keep up the good fight!
Thank you for the update good to hear your keeping spirits high.
I'm going to get my phone to remind me to donate next week so I can give a nice donation.
As for your ride, it your heading through the NE and need some help I can try to be of some use, I'll drive, fetch supplies or keep you company.
Hey Mark - sorry not been intouch mate. YGM
I was thinking of making a donation on your justgiving page but then I thought, nah; I'd rather give it to you in person.
+1
If the route passes within 200 miles of home I'll make the effort 🙂
Mark
I think some of the established JOGLE routes come through my home town - Selkirk.
Happy to help with accomodation, local knowledge and a bit of riding company if you're down this way.
Cheers
Paul McG
You are an inspiration, I'm afraid there's not much more I can do than make a small donation. You sir, are a gent.
Good luck with the treatment PG!
Donated, and would urge all contributors to the thread to do the same. Happy to put you up/feed you/ride with you if the route comes anywhere near Salisbury Mark, email in profile. Perhaps this could be a sticky, or a new thread created and stuck to highlight the cause. Or we could just keep bumping it 😉 All the best dude.
let us know when you've finalised the route, you have to pass within 100 miles of manchester...you can't miss us! I'll try and help in someway, in fact it would be both an honor and a privilege to ride a bit of the way when you're passing.
They is a good chance you're going to have company a fair bit of the way 🙂
+10234234 for Adcortyl and ulcers, the stuff is hard to get but ****ing amazing. check you can use it though...its hardcore.
keep fighting the good fight.
Donated and you're more than welcome to camp in our garden if its on your route. We live in Preston. Good luck with everything!
post up your route, if it's anywhere in Yorkshire will be on hand with whatever you need.
Mark
I've just donated. I live in Edinburgh and if you are passing through then happy to help in any way that I can, and would love to ride for a day with you.
Absolutely in awe of you and Meg. Have been following this since Day 1.
Good luck with the treatment and LEJOG.
All the best
Post up your route as soon as you have an idea so we can see where you are going to be and when. There is absolutely NO problem whatsoever with accomodation in Penrith - seriously. It would be great to meet you and yours and even better to get out for a beer or two 😀
.........oh yeah and a ride (sorry was distracted by beer thoughts)!!!
Wow impressed! Donation given since I can't do anything else! good luck and keep us posted.
From the end of Mark's intro on Just Giving...
Life is an important gift. Every minute we spend on this earth is a privilege; not a right. I gave my word when I found out that I was ill that I would do two things. I would do all I can to help those with sarcoma through fundraising. And I wouldn't give up. Ever.
Right, wipes, ahem, dust from eyes and carries on..
Mark - you and the crazy hangers on are more than welcome to stop at ours - though i think Marsden is a ways off the beaten JOGLE route..?
Once your route and itinerary are posted I'll see what else we can offer and there'll be a donation landing in Just Giving some time soon.
C&S
ygm
Thanks for the pep talk this morning Mark; perfect timing. We've just got our referral to the Royal Marsden for a 2nd opinion sorted. I think we might have sat around being victims for a few days otherwise.
I'd love it if Emily and i could join you to ride for a bit, depending on whether we're in London or Chester. Floor space could be arranged in either.
Thanks again trailblazers.
will happily donate, as im guessing you dont pass by Lausanne to put you up.. 🙂
Christ. I don't know what to say.
Thanks all of you. I'm bawling at the mo... ❗
stop the blubbering ghayboy
Mark, good to here your update, hope to see you out on the STW Surrey Hills ride this Sunday if its still going ahead.
I'm going to have a word with the boss about sorting out some kit etc for you. Can't promise anything but I'll have a chat with her when she gets back from hol's and I'll e-mail you to let you know what she says. You planning on getting press coverage etc ?
Another offer of accomodation (edinburgh) / support / company on the ride for a day or two if wanted.
Edit - if you want to raise money then press coverage is important - its the sort of story that might well get picked up in the press.
Anyone got publicity experience to help out?
donated. Best of luck.
If you pass Madrid on your travels then you're hopelessly lost 😀
Once we get a route up on here, how about we ALL try and join in! Even if it's just for a few miles. This could be big, this should be big!
I may be able to help out with a few contacts in the bike trade. Let me have a look in to it....!
In the meantime, let's see the route...! Would be great to see people from here joining you, and I'd love to be one of them!
With you on that CFH.
Tehre must be someone who can do the publicity thing on here as well
CFH - It would all help with getting press coverage. We all know how the media love an adversity success story.
Eddie Izzard, who's he 😆
donated gladly, if your travels bring you the poole/bournemouth area you'll be met with support and admiration aplenty there's a lot of riders here and we'll help you out somehow,good luck.
Free bed, beer and board in Southampton if you get a bit lost.
Hey Mr Fradgley
We are here for you anything we can do we will, we will come and cheer you on when your cycling through the north, have passed on your link to all work colleagues and friends know a couple have donated but will keep sending, love to both you and Megan.
Accommodation, food, drinks and big pats on backs in Sheffield if your route passes this way. Personally I'd avoid it though - BFO hills.... 😉
Me and J would def be up to join you all for a bit too, depending on dates.
accomodation and good food in the south lakes if you want it mate 🙂 all the best 😀
Amazing responses folks; if I get time today I'm going to cross-reference posts/emails on the route and post it.
Mornin' bump!
damn volcanic ash.. gets everywhere !!! > *wiping grit from my eye*
I'm a bit off your cycle route mark but I hope the little donation I've just made helps a lil bit.
If you get REALLY lost, theres a bed here in South London. Or you can stay at my mum and dads in Cheltenham.
Best of luck
bump?
BUMP!
Ow!
Penrith is EXACTLY half way, so you have to stop here ;-D
Mark I'm here when you need me - been ages since the South Downs saw your sorry lame a55.
Happy to join you on the ride - pick somewhere where you may be short of other riders and I'll be there.
And it's about time we came up to T Wells for that Indian- let's get it booked when you get back from NYC.
Simon
Just a quick thought...
If anyone has ideas or wants to talk face to face, I'm 95% certain I'll be out on the STW ride at Holmbury on Sunday. I'd be humbled to meet those of you that have supported Meg and I over the past months.
And I will be on the slower ride... 😳
Unable to offer accommodation but if you pass Bristol I can be on hand to top you up with supplies, put some lunch on or whatever and I'd be keen to ride out with you for a bit, maybe ride on the front and break the headwind for a few hours 🙂
Where is your route heading? Near Stirling, on the edge of the Trossachs, if you need somewhere to stop/wash yourselves/wash your clothes/lie down for a wee snooze etc then PLEASE let me know - you are all welcome to make use of the the crapbutlovingit-andnearlyfinishedthedecorating facilities! Seriously though. Just say the word.
I'm in the Scottish Borders (Lauder - 25 miles south of Edinburgh) - if you're coming this way you're all welcome to stay at mine.
Best wishes mate.
maybe ride on the front and break the headwind for a few hours
Somehow, that's far more emotional than I think you meant it to be. 🙂 A great sentiment!
Yep, route please - looking to see where I can link up.
Hullo,
What's the score with the weather? Fried like an egg yesterday on the STW Holmbury ride yesterday, but I have to say it was a fantastic few hours and I'm grateful to the group I rode out with. I had a new treatment last week - designed to strengthen my skeleton in order to prevent bone degradation - and the side-effects are fairly heavy; flu-like, with bloody awful sinus headaches. I had wondered as to whether it would hinder me, which inevitably slows everyone down and pissing everyone off. The smart thing to do would have been to take my geared rigid 29er to eat up the uphills. So I took the SS. And actually it felt pretty good.
On another thread the subject of group-rides is being debated. For me they're pretty essential - I find that an iPod is a great motivational tool for a while, but conversation and humour from like-minded individuals is far more beneficial. So thank you folks for putting up with my steady pace. It is appreciated.
Meg and I are blown away by the response to my latest post about the JOGLE. I am slowly emailing everyone who has offered financial, emotional, physical and logistical support to say thanks. Bear with me - I will get back to you asap!
I realise its the end of the month, and people are tight for cash but if you have a few pence spare and you feel like laughing at a picture of me and my dog laughing (thats right, laughing!) then get to the following link;
http://www.justgiving.com/TheBullheartJOGLE2010
Cheers m'dears!
Innerleithen - Scottish borders - accomodation , meals anything i can help with Mark. Will donate tomorrow x
Shut the f*ck up about holding the ride back.
I needed you to allow me to breathe on the climbs. The only time I found myself waiting was to hear about the JOGLE which you must be praised for.
TOP BLOKE
and self depreciating to an almost irritating level. I only hope that I could be as good as him in the same situation.
GIVE HIM MORE MONEY
This guy is ultra niche. There are only three people in the world with what he has got and one of them died in March.
GIVE HIM MORE MONEY
[url] http://www.justgiving.com/TheBullheartJOGLE2010 [/url]