Mizmoe

I have taken the liberty of adding a couple more themes here. Its all for a good cause after all - Pink October. Both of which were designed by my daughter! They are called Pink Gift 1 and Pink Gift 2, and you will find them in the theme switcher section in the sidebar.

These themes are available for download at Geek with Style :: Pink for October 

Mizmoe has gone pink!

All in support of Pink for October.

The design was created by my daughter, who owns Geek with Style [have to fit a plug in there somewhere!] .

Its also doubling as my Halloween theme - hence the witch!

Enjoy!

Last year over 1,500 sites “Went Pink” to raise awareness about Breast Cancer in both women and men, this year Pink for October will try try to at least double that number.

It is intended that websites will “Go Pink” during October 2007 to not only bring our attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month and get people talking about breast cancer but also to raise money for research.

Today I watched Jane’s funeral and was saddened particularly when listening to the Eulogy read by her widower. I hoped rather than believed that maybe there was such a thing as a miracle and Jane would be well again. Sadly it wasn’t to be.

I am amazed at the women (and men) who do not check themselves regularly for any lumps, changes in the shape of the breast and skin. It is so important to catch this disease early, preferably before it spreads.

Many men are unaware that they too can get breast cancer - my uncle (Mum’s brother) had a double mastectomy many years ago and because he checked himself regularly and found the lumps while they were still relatively small - he survived into his 80s.

It takes only a little time to get to know your breasts - and it is well worth the effort.

I have recently read a number of items on the Internet regarding cancer sufferers losing their homes (and jobs) throughout the UK. One particular post reminded me of my own problems whilst being treated for breast cancer. As a result of losing my job through no fault of my own, I found myself having to live off my savings, insurance pays out for a limited time only. With savings gone and having to live off incapacity - which I hated - I tried to get a job even though I was clearly unwell - no one wanted to know - and when I tried to get unemployment benefit which would open up better options, I was advised that I simply wasn’t well enough to sign on - the advice they gave me was invaluable, but I still wanted to work - as with many other people, it is important for me to support myself and be independent. Eventually I realised that I would have to sell my home and find somewhere I could rent - it was either that or risk repossession when I could not afford the mortgage, pay all my bills including medication, and eat! Selling my home would give me something to live on until I retired. I am not moaning or wallowing in self pity - this was the “hand” I had been dealt and I just gone on with it. As I am now retired, financially I am relatively secure, but it is sad that so many people suffering life threatening illnesses are still experiencing problems of this kind.

It is now over three years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer - January 2004, and up to now I am okay. It took a long time to recover from the Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. My health deteriorated over the next two years, no longer able to work I became depressed until one morning I said “it’s time to make the move to Spain before it’s too late”, three months later we arrived. It was hard leaving my family, but the right move for me. Since coming to Spain I have lost nearly 2 stones in weight (in 3 months) through a much healthier diet, plenty of fruit and veg - too expensive to eat like this in the UK on a basic income!

I’m fitter, can exercise and do all the daily chores that I could not do previously because of mobility and other health problems. September last year I was put on permanent incapacity benefit but I have now retired having reached 60! My health has improved and I live a relatively normal life. I still have a way to go but am getting there slowly. For me, life is good here in Spain!