Hi I am currently on a train to the Penny Brohn Centre in Bristol for their 3 day introductory course. Hoping it’s not to strenuous as I’m exhausted from chemo on Friday? Has anyone done this course before - or maybe someone is coming to this one!? (2-5 August) It’s free now… Funded by donation.
hi
I was thinking about going on a course from there soon. I have an onc visit on thursday when I will have a clearer picture of the direction my treatment will go. Let me know what the course is like, it looks good on their site. I reckon when you get there you will be able to relax big time!How far do you have to travel?
x
I would also be very interested to hear how you get on - good luck, hope it is useful for you.
finty xx
Hi Finty! I fancied going down at one point in the Summer, although when I went to their site the page for the calendar was down.
Hi cromercrab - a friend of mine had a week there a few years ago, and found it very inspiring. I think a week would probably be too long for me and too difficult to arrange, but I fancied a couple days at some stage. How are you getting on with your treatment?
I am coming from Brighton, bit of a trek! Am on super sweaty train with no windows or air con. I’ll keep you posted on how I get on, as i have my trusty iPad with me! X
Have a wonderful time.
I have heard so many great things about the centre. I never made time for it during my treatment, but am considering going just to keep me on the right track for the future.
Keep us posted!
Hi there,
A friend of mine went last year and was totally inspired by their methods, particularly the cooking, she came back very relaxed. I have thought about going a few times but our dates never managed to sync with their availability. Hope you enjoy it and get some well deserved relaxation in. Let us know how it goes. Debs x
Hi all.
Finty, I think my treatment may be going ok. I am cautious cos I am going to see onc on thursday and he will say if things are going to plan. Have you started your Zometa yet? I shall have my second IV friday, and hope it goes as well as last time.
I shall definately be going to the Penny centre soon, sounds too good to pass up. 3 days is enough for me also, the 5 dayer is if you have been to the shorter one first. It would be lovely if we ladies could somehow meet up, what do you guys think? x
Hi cromercrab
Hope all goes well on Thursday - fingers crossed for you. I’ve been on Zometa since February - only had a reaction to the first one, plain sailing since. I have just got back from the dentists though - first time since dx, and he explained the issue about the jaw bones and Zometa, and what to look out for - but was reassuring that problems are rare.
When were you thinking of going to the Penny centre? I was thinking about the October half term and it would be lovely to go with someone.
finty x
Hi Finty
I will enquire what dates they have, calendar page is still down so will try in a few days. Will then pm you the dates available. Glad the Zometa is going ok. x
Hi,
Although I haven’t been on a residential at the Penny Centre, I use CancerPoint one of their services available if you live within easy distance.
It really is a wonderful centre. Everyone is so supportive, and they care so much. Really recommend it to everyone if you live close enough.
Dotty 2 xx
Thanks Dotty - I’ve heard only good things about it.
Cromercrab - I’m away from Saturday for two weeks, and not expecting any internet access - so may not be able to get back to you for a while, but am very interested in pursuing this. The 3 day course looked exactly what I am after.
finty x
Well I made it to the Penny Brohn centre, despite being completely exhausted from the new chemo. It was a hellish journey on a stuffy train to get here, followed by 2 expensive taxi rides, but I arrived and the place is like an oasis of calm. It’s like a 5 star hotel here! Beautiful grounds, decor, comfy seats everywhere. I was welcomed and taken to my room with a huge white bed, radio, selection of teas and en suite. All immaculate. Despite all this I didn’t sleep too well, kept waking up to appreciate the luxury I think!
Yesterday we had a series of sessions including talks on visualisation, healing, PNI, etc, in-between super healthy meals, it was so lovely to not have to think about preparing food! Today it’s individual sessions, I’m off to see a nutritionist shortly. I had a very relaxing healing session earlier, and we’ve done lots of guided meditations/relaxations. The library is great too… I can’t recommend this place enough, it is exactly what I needed (and probably what we all need!) and will certainly be coming back asap for the 5 day retreat. Maybe see some of you here!
Sounds wonderful - enjoy the rest of your stay.
finty xx
Hi Scaryfox
So pleased you are relaxed and enjoying the break it sounds absolutely wonderful. Have a great time.
Anne x x
Scaryfox would love to hear how it all went. I have just booked into a course for October half term with another poster here - really looking forward to it (but not as much as my holiday tomorrow!).
finty x
Great Finty - are you doing the 3 day Bristol Approach that I did?
If you want to know anything about the course or just have a chat feel free to PM me… I couldn’t fault it myself though might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Most people on the course seemed to benefit from it though.
There is a lot of ‘group sharing’ which doesn’t bother me now - though when i was younger and shyer I would have found it a little more difficult talking to a group etc. A few people did get very emotional, which not everyone wants to do in public.
I will certainly be booking myself on the 5 day retreat ASAP!
Anyway have a great holiday in the meantime! x
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hello ladies,
just had to add on this, i have just come back from a 3 day taste of bristol/open programme and it has opened my eyes to so many new things. it is a super luxourious place to stay, i had a room with a view to die for and a waterfeature gently trickling away in the background. i learnt how to meditate, something that i have never managed before, had a super cookery demo, but the best thing was the way the staff there made you feel so very special, and i think we forget that we are special on this cancer yourney. i would recommend a trip to penny brohn to all of you, i know i will certainly be going back.