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A bit like our UK summers, who knows what's around the corner! One thing we do know - is to make hay when the sun's shining and enjoy life even when it's not. We've a busy newsletter this time, and hope there's something in here that interests you.
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National Audit Report
Just to let you know, the annual 2022 National Oesophagogastric Cancer Audit (NOGCA) report has just been published, which sets out interesting facts and figures about oesophageal and stomach cancer across England and Wales. We/OOSO lead the patient advisory panel for NOGCA, and have direct influence on the report, and what we patients want to know. You can read the report here.
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Zoom Reminder
Our upcoming group zoom session is scheduled for next Tuesday 13th June at 7pm. The theme will be ‘pre and re-habilitation’ and post treatment fitness tips.
One of the Churchill Hospital's lead physiotherapists, Dane Jenner, will be giving us a short presentation about how to prepare for treatment and possible surgery, and some tips around recovery. We also have Dr Pierre Montauban joining us to tell us briefly about a novel project using smart devices designed to monitor our own fitness during treatment and recovery. And we welcome two former patients, Kathryn and Tom, who have kindly agreed to share some top tips and ideas around keeping active and well. It'll be a busy hour, full of useful stuff - try not to miss it.
If you're not already on our Zoom guest list and would like to join in just drop me a line here and I'll send you the link.
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Waterperry Lunch
We’re getting together for lunch at Waterperry Gardens next Monday 12th June at 12:30. If you'd like to join us please email me by return here so I can confirm our reserved numbers - look forward to seeing you there!
Monday 12th June 12:30 at Waterperry Gardens, OX33 1LA
Monday 10th July 12:30 at Bicester Village Garden Centre, OX25 2NY
Tuesday 8th August 12:30 at Yarnton Garden Centre, OX5 1PA
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Cycle for Maggies
Maggies Centre, as you probably know, is situated just outside the main entrance to the Churchill Hospital, and is a great place to go for general advice about cancer, emotional support and tips about claiming benefits: Maggie's Oxford. We get on well with Maggies, sharing leaflets from time to time. However, what sets us/OOSO apart is our first hand experience and knowledge of oesophageal and stomach cancer, led by former patients and clinician specialists.
Maggies have a fundraising day coming up fast on the 25th June involving a series of cycle routes and walks of 26, 50 or 75 miles, inviting individuals and teams to sign up. And in support of Maggie's, our keen cyclist and friend of OOSO Keith is offering to spin his wheels and join in, leading a small team from OOSO if we can put one together in time - so, if you'd like to enrol, please drop me a line here ASAP and I'll put you in touch with Keith.
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Top Tip - Jury Service
Former patient Deborah was recently instructed to attend Jury Service. As you know Jury Service comes to us all rather randomly and out of the blue, and is something we are duty bound to do unless special circumstances prevail. Deborah is rightly concerned that the after effects of surgery, not least fatigue, nutritional demands and onset dumping, would make it difficult for her to attend what is quite a rigorous and committed service. Deborah replied to the Online Summons questionnaire “Why you think you should be excused” with the following:
"I have had an oesophagectomy as treatment for throat cancer. As a result, I have a reduced stomach and have to eat “little and often”: – six times a day is recommended with the last meal being at about 6pm. This could cause problems if I am sitting in a jury, but I have to eat at these times as it is physically impossible to "catch up" on meals later. Also, sometimes, as a result of this surgery, I can experience a phenomenon called “dumping”, where the pancreas produces too much insulin and my blood sugar level drops, causing me to feel very drowsy. I can provide a letter from my GP or from the team at the Churchill Hospital at Oxford where I was treated to support this."
On this occasion Deborah has been excused from Jury Service without the need for a letter from her GP or the hospital. Of course, if you are summoned and are able to attend, that is good too, but it is helpful to know that the Jury Service administrators will listen to concerns.
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Sizzling Hot!
Finally, don't forget we're hosting our annual BBQ and cycle ride a bit earlier this year on Saturday 5th August, not far away now!
The BBQ will take place from 3pm at Wytham Woods near Oxford, finishing at around 6pm. We are very fortunate to be allowed to use the Oxford Universities barn facility near to the walkers car park, Post Code: OX2 8QQ
Ann Dennis, OOSO Trustee, and of 'Ann's Munchies' fame will be our Head Chef, putting on probably the best BBQ you are ever likely to have.
There's no need to book in advance, just turn up on the day, tickets on arrival are £12.50 per person and a small donation for children would be appreciated. Bring your own bottle if you wish, soft drinks will be provided. As usual there'll be a fun raffle, and if you'd like to donate a prize on the day we'd be very grateful too.
The cycle ride, led by Anne and Nick, will start earlier in the day with two distances to choose from, 25 and 50 miles, taking in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, finishing at the BBQ at around 3pm. If you would like to join in just drop me a line and I'll put you in touch with Anne.
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In the meantime, keep well and enjoy the summer while it lasts!
Best wishes
Matt Carter
Chair of the Trustees
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