One year on from FCR - and I feel great

[MattGGibson]

Teachers in the UK return to work this week after our summer holiday. For me, a teacher returning to his 23rd 'Start of the year' this year I am reminded that this time a year ago I was having the last of my 6 cycles of FCR. Since then, I've led my school through an OFSTED inspection, travelled to Italy and Australia, returned to playing cricket every week this summer, run the London 10k in under an hour and raised £1000 in the process as well as lived a totally normal life; only the daily antibiotics would give a clue to my illness.

I post this not for any other reason other than to urge people to be positive and see the things you can do and not the things you can't. My doctor is convinced that that positive mindset is aiding me in my situation.

With September also being Blood cancer awareness month in the UK, here's to 'Living Well With CLL'

Best wishes to everyone

Matt

[gardening-girl]

Matt, What an inspirational story! Thank you for sharing!

gardening-girl

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

Have a great year, Matt! Thanks for the update!

[UK-Sparky]

Wise words Matt and good luck with new school year demands!

UK Sparky

[Jm954 Administrator]

Matt, you were inspirational with your mindset going through your treatment and you continue to inspire me with this post. I’m so glad you’re living the best life you can.

Jackie

[Gailandbert]

Hi Matt

Such a great post . Totally brilliant.

Good to meet you at the 10k. We raised £23,000 !!!

That will pay for 2 /3 extra conferences . We will hopefully have 1 on a Saturday or in the school holidays so you can come if possible.

Best

Gail

[charliegirl]

Dear Matt

How lovely to read such a positive post. I think a bit of your sunshine has touched me - and others too. It is so easy to post when things are not going well. Making the effort to post such a happy post when life is so busy, is harder.

Thank you for sharing it

Charlie Girl

[Quarry]

Great story and dedication to teaching. Whilst walking the dog this morning, my daughter was (again) mulling over what A-level choice to do.....and she came out with, 'I need to see Mr Gimson to ask advice' (an outstanding teacher at her school: he taught my son, but has never taught her)...I said, not Mr Gimson, but GOD Gimson! She agreed! A great teacher is totally invaluable. Enjoy the term!

[lucyjack]

Love this post matt! So good and positive. You have tne right attitude to inspire others.

thankyou x

[Senecio]

I managed 34 years as a teacher. I was diagnosed the year after I retired. I now know that the then undiagnosed CLL impacted on my work for the last several years. I'm glad you are in the positive post FCR zone (also like me at the moment), and as I once said to another colleague: go out there and make a difference! It's a great job and I wish you all the best.

John

[JustAGuy]

Great time for your 10k! Last year I did a half marathon and was super happy with 2:06. I loved passing younger runners thinking "I bet they don't have leukemia"... It was a huge confidence booster for me and when I start feeling down, I mentally return to that run!

[GMa27]

Awesome! Doing FCR now and doing good.

So good to hear!!

[Ohannie236]

So glad you're doing well, Matt! Very inspiring to hear all of your doings. I'm due to finish my last round of FCR next week if my numbers have improved enough, so I take lots of courage from your words. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your good news, and I hope you and your family have a wonderful year! Prayers from Ohio.

[casanova]

Great post. Have a good year and keep that positive attitude, an attitude I also try to maintain.

Maureen UK