WHAT I'VE LEARNT FROM CANCER

On the 17th February my family received the news that Mum had another primary Cancer. We had been expecting something to arise around Christmas as something always does, but Christmas had passed and we thought we'd made it. I suppose we're in a better position than many due to this being the fifth time of hearing news like this however it was more serious than we first thought and this time it was terminal. I thought I would write this post for those of you who may be in a similar position for the first time and don't know what to expect or for others who may feel alone or confused. If I can help others in similar situations or those who want to learn more I will in any way possible.

1) It's okay to be scared

It's probably one of the scariest things you could ever experience but you can't let that stop you from carrying on. One of the best things I've ever heard my Dad say is 'Instead of dying, you've got to start living'. I now live by this and it really helps to make a positive out of every scenario.

2) The word Cancer doesn't always mean death

Take my mum for example, she's beat it 4 times! It's the luck of the draw. Doctors and Nurses work their hardest to ensure you'll get the best and most personalised treatment. I only learnt recently that chemo has a shelf life of only a couple of hours and each bag is individual to that person, made from blood tests the day before.

3) Every case is different

Every time someone is diagnosed whether it's the same diagnosis or not, it's different. The speed of its growth, side effects, treatment etc. There's no way one can compare to another so just because someone else lost their fight from the same diagnosis, doesn't mean another will.

4) You realise the real priorities in life

I've come to learn that people have very different priorities. I would like to be at every appointment but my parents priority is to make sure me and my sister go to school. But family must always come first and in some cases it takes something like this to realise that. When it all comes to it school isn't important, grades aren't important, nothing is. It's the people you love who are important. Don't take anything for granted.

5) Friends matter

Friends always matter but times like this they really do. I've seen how much support my mum has received and I really believe this helps her stay positive. Sometimes it's easier to talk to people that aren't in the family but just because they're not as forward doesn't mean they're any less of a friend. Some people aren't good when talking about emotions or they may not understand.

I hope this helps and if there are any questions comment them below or send an email to amyhall1998@hotmail.com


'Instead of dying, you've got to start living'.
Amy x

June Restaurant Review

Last week was such a busy week as it was my birthday so I only had time to write a quick post and decided this week would be a longer one. I had such an amazing day and would like to thank everyone who made it so great. There was so much food and this is the reason for this post. I thought I would use this as inspiration to review places I've been to eat over the last month. I hardly ever eat out so this month has been a shock to the system haha.

So first up is FIVE GUYS. My sister had visited with her friend and said I had to go, so the next time we went to London with mum we went there for dinner. The portions are massive! I ordered a little burger and small fries and still had a bag full after. The fries are the best I have ever had (maybe the same as sweet potato fries). They're cooked in peanut oil and that must be the magic ingredient. They don't just taste of potato or salt, they have such a nice taste. I really can't describe it so just go and try them. They also have a station where you can pick up peanuts and take them to your table and a station to refill drinks. It has nearly every flavour you can think of from strawberry lemonade, peach lemonade to orange coke. I do, however much I love this place, recommend avoiding here if you're allergic to nuts for obvious reasons.

Secondly my boyfriend took me to Buddies in Northampton. If you like american food you'll love this place. They have about 70 burgers on the menu so there'll definitely be something you like. The portions were massive and the service was amazing, our food was out within about 10 mins. You do genuinely feel as though you're in America as it was just like a diner with the traditional seats, decoration and music. 

Me and my sister have wanted to go to Spaghetti Johns for ages and were lucky enough to be taken for our birthday meal. I loved the food and had lobster ravioli which was soo good. I would definitely go there again. Due to the fact it was an italian restaurant they had a huge range of gellato. This is where my new found love of praline gellato comes from. It tastes exactly like the guylian chocolate shells which are my absolute fave! 

Lastly there's the Harvester. I went there with my friends and had such a good night. I love going to the harvester because it's so affordable, I always enjoy my meal and always leave full. They also do my fave chips (sweet potato fries). I would most definitely consider myself a sweet person because I always look at the dessert menu first. So I'd already decided I was going to have the oreo cheesecake mmm. 

Amy x