Our next meeting is scheduled for Wed 7th June at the usual venue: Royal British Legion, Longton. On this occasion, one of our Speech and Language Specialists, Julie will be giving a talk on this important subject.

Treatment for Head and Neck cancer often results in long-term difficulties with speech and swallowing but there are several ways these problems can be helped. SLTs form a part of the Multi-Disciplinary Team who meet regularly behind the scenes to plan your treatment and aftercare.

We look forward to hearing what Julie has to say, and in the meantime here’s a link to the NHS site for the Royal Stoke and County hospitals. Once on the page, scroll down to the box called “Head and Neck and Thyroid Cancer”. Clicking there, then scrolling down will access a detailed page including video introductions to the various specialities, including SLT.

There are contact details for several other groups on the page as well.

Here’s the link:

Look forward to seeing you all in June…

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This group is an NHS supported activity that aims to provide support for those of us living with anxiety about recurrence of cancer after treatment. This type of anxiety is extremely common, and can affect our ability to live in the moment and get the best out of life.

Our specialist nurse, Jacqueline Miller has been enquiring about the possibility of having a visit to Headcases by the group, but unfortunately the logistics won’t allow it.

I would ask the group how they feel about getting together to visit the Bennett Centre in Hanley during office hours to attend a talk on this? It is hoped this would be sometime July 23 onwards. Please have a think, and let me know at the next meeting in June. Bear in mind that the room at the centre is quite small, so a maximum of 6-8 people would be able to attend.

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Around 18 of us were pleased to welcome back Diane Leopard who gave us a photographic presentation and talk about the emotional impacts of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Diane began her photographic career when she won a camera in a competition. Her talk is a very personal illustration of her own journey, told through a large collection of photographs.

Each picture is used to illustrate a particular aspect of the journey, and it was very interesting to see the power of this when looking around the room at the faces of our friends. Certain photos struck a chord with different individuals in a way that words alone cannot. It was a powerful presentation, and sparked quite a long discussion within the group afterwards. Our thanks to Diane for giving up her time to share this with us all.

Diane has also penned a poem, published on this site titled: “YOU” which can be accessed via the site menu.

There is an earlier post including a link for those wishing to know a little more about Diane and her work in this field.

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Headcases are very pleased to see the new chair and lamp installed in one of the SLT clinic rooms. Our fundraising activities allow us to help the Royal Stoke with new equipment like this. The chair is in use now, and features a high intensity LED examination lamp and electrically adjustable chair positions to increase efficiency and comfort for Therapist and Patient alike. We covered the full cost of both chair and lamp – approx £2700.00.

Pictured with the chair and lamp below: left to right… Fred, Jacqueline, Yvonne, Paul and Andrea. Photo by Sophie.

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We had a great turnout of 28 people for our April meetup, including two new friends coming for the first time, and three returning for the second time. We were pleased to welcome Jacqui (Clinical Nurse Specialist) and Wendy (Clinical Nurse Specialist, retired) along with our newest SLT, Julie.

The Easter Raffle raised a total of £122.00 for Headcases funds. I have since heard that those lucky enough to get their hands on a box of Fred’s home-made cakes were very happy with them. These funds are used to support the Royal Stoke and County Hospitals’ Head and Neck clinics in various ways. See separate article regarding one such purchase.

We look forward to welcoming Diane Leopard at our May meeting to talk about the emotional impacts of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Diane uses photographs to illustrate the different stages of the journey. If you’d like to preview some of her ideas, click on her photo below to visit a web article about her work in North Staffordshire.

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During my battle against Cancer, Addiction and Self-Destruction, I attached myself to three groups that would be beneficial to me.

Headcases (Head & Neck Cancer) in remission, Stoke Recovery Service (Alcohol/Drug Addiction) in recovery, Emmanuel Evangelical Church (Restoration of Faith). After 4 years, with the support of these groups, the love of a long-suffering wife, two daughters, step-son and many, many more, I am now Cancer free, alcohol free and finding virtues I never knew I had. But at the beginning of last year, 2022, I realised that there was a void in my life. Enter Mr Paul Rogerson . Paul, his wife Clare and their very close friend and associate Sarah, are the back-bone of Restoke, based in Fenton Town Hall. At one of the SRS groups, Paul visited and asked if anyone was interested in a production that he was putting together, and invited us to a forth-coming Restoke group. I had never been interested in amatuer dramatics, Greek mythology or any other Bull***t, make believe stories he was advertising. However, out of politeness, I went along and never looked back. To begin with, it was a massive jigsaw puzzle that I couldn’t get my head around. But with the patience and guidance of the afore-mentioned plus Gabriella (The writer) and 30 other strangers (who have now become very good friends) I started putting the pieces together.

“The Odyssey” is a story that is told and performed in 5 chapters. Restoke danced and orated Chapter 1 “The Lotus Eaters” beautifully under the guidance of Clare, Sarah, Paul and a couple of professional dancers, the rest of the cast aged between 5 yrs to 75 yrs were amateurs.
The story is all about Resilience and Hope. Something that everyone of us need in the World we live in today. We performed 6 shows at Fenton Town Hall, of which I can proudly say I was part of. What an exceptional and wonderful way to get a message to the people we brush shoulders with every day.

Thank you to Restoke for filling the void. Roll on chapters 2 (Doncaster), 3 (Trowbridge), 4 (Sunderland) and 5 is performed at The National Theatre in London (of which 12 of us from Restoke will be performing in, including me!)

THE SHOW MUST GO ON !!!

Scottish John

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WELCOME!

First of all let me welcome our new friends to Headcases. Fifteen of us gathered for the meeting, and since we hadn’t shared our stories for a while we had a quick round-the-table update mainly for the benefit of our new friends, some of whom have only just finished treatment.

It always amazes me how differently each person reacts to the various aspects of treatment for head and neck cancer. It’s also true to say that discovering the problem in the first place happens in many different ways.

LOTUS EATERS SHOW

We were hoping to decide on a day to go and see this show being put on by Restoke, to support our very own John, who plays a key role in the production. Unfortunately, after checking during the meeting, all dates are now sold out. This is great news for Restoke, but sadly not for us. We wish John all the best with it.

Examination Chair

Some of you will know that we have purchased an examination chair for the department at the Royal Stoke, together with a high intensity examination lamp. The chair has now been delivered to the Hospital, but due to the usual red tape it hasn’t made it to it’s final position yet. The lamp is still on order. I’ll post pictures as soon as possible, so we can all see where the funds went. You can be assured it will be put to good use.

EASTER RAFFLE

We decided to hold a raffle at the April meeting, due to take place on Wednesday 5th April. Please, please gather up some prizes and bring them along on the night to make this into a fun evening. We’ll probably hold the meeting in the larger room, so we can make use of the stage.

See you all then!

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Hi folks, just a quick note to confirm our normal meeting takes place at the Longton British Legion this Wednesday. Hope to see you all there. Everyone welcome – patients, friends and family members.

New friends might be feeling a bit nervous turning up for the first time. Don’t be! It’s a nice, social evening where there’s no pressure. You can take over the evening, sit in a corner and watch, or anything in between.

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Hi everyone. This post is unlikely to be seen by John, so please don’t discuss it around him

John is in a National Theatre production at Fenton town hall ballroom at the end of March –  beginning of April this year. Lisa was wondering if we could get Headcases folk to come along and support him. It would be great if we could agree which date to target. The dates are:

Thursday 30th March 7pm, Friday 31st March 7pm, Saturday 1st April 4pm (BSL interpreted and audio described), Saturday 1st April 7pm, Sunday 2nd April 7pm.

John plays the drunk…once you read it, you will understand why he was chosen to play it! This is the Restoke link explaining all the details…

The Lotus Eaters production

It would be great if it was a surprise for him to see you all there.

What to expect from this show

Expect Restoke’s trademark blend of dance, music, storytelling and animation. An intense and wholehearted performance blending the darkness and light of our real lived experiences with an epic tale of resilience from Ancient Greece.

The show takes place in the Ballroom at Fenton Town Hall, there are two viewing options:

Standing – on a raised balcony area with handrails overlooking the performance area.

Seated – on ground level on blocks (cushions available)

We have spaces for wheelchair users.

The show lasts 1 hour

Recommended it is suitable for audiences aged 13+

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Hi folks, just a quick reminder that our first meeting of 2023 is Wednesday 1st February at 19.30.

Venue, as always is the Longton British Legion Club. Everyone welcome – hope to see you all there.

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