That sounds amazing @Lababe. When I’ve finished my day’s work and it’s quieter out I’ll be doing the same. I completely understand people who don’t feel that they want to do even this and it is sensible to take advice from medical professionals rather than trust Boris but I feel the time is right for me to make a very small step back to normal.
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Can we walk once a day safely? If we go early maybe!
My first walk in over ten weeks shielding for bloodcancer Drove early to a big open space with wide paths (not a narrow forest walk!) Hoped people would still be in bed. We were ready to go home if we didnt feel safe. Priceless. I can recommend this if you feel safe to do so. If you have any concerns do discuss this with your team. Nobody should feel pressure to do something they dont feel comfortable with. If you have concerns do also consider calling the Blood Cancer UK or Leukaemia Care support helpline. Click here to watch a video of my adventure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3d5qGG3XGQ
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Sounds like bliss 
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Dear Erica,
Treatment well thanks, because of the bank holiday last Monday I had to go the clinic today for day 5 of my chemotherapy.
Back again on 18/6 for pre chemo blood test.
Whilst at the clinic I spoke to the Operational Matron who said the government’s decision is disastrous.
He also said infections will peak again, that’s a forgone conclusion!!
As far as I’m concerned I’ll carry on shielding.
I’ve got a very small flat and I do get cabin fever so I walk round the block close by (mile and half). It’s a quiet residential area and rarely see anyone.
I read on the internet news today that my MP broke the lockdown rules last week.
Seems to me that it’s a case of one law for the powers that be and another for the rest of us!!
Best wishes
Anthony
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Hi Anthony
Pleased that your treatment is going well. I think someone suddenly reminded the Government about the shielded group, and they are different from those who are self-isolating (because of virus) and being in lockdown. The initial comment on Saturday came across as a sudden afterthought, and that they must show that we weren’t forgotten. A pity they couldn’t make a statement about the shielding, what it meant to individuals and families, and how important it was that, even though lockdown is easing, social distancing etc is important so that there isn’t a 2nd wave, but still say that we are safest at home.
Like many who are shielding, while there is contempt for the advice!!! and littering and gatherings abound I am in no rush to go beyond my bubble. I feel so sorry for those living in areas where they would normally be safe to go out but now can’t.
Stay safe, stay calm, and keep smiling! Louise
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Thanks Louise,
I’ve not been getting too close to people since I was diagnosed in 2014, now I keep my distance even more.
I’m staying in my bubble too. I’m used to being on my own so it’s no real hardship really.
I’ve no confidence in any politician, labour or Tory.
I’ve stopped watching the daily briefings too, the questions put to whoever is doing them are obviously rehearsed beforehand. The answers are just too glib.
Best wishes and keep safe
Anthony
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Hi @Jilly20 It’s completely understandable that you have concerns about the changing guidance. As you pointed out, it’s so important for us to better understand the evidence that has led to this decision being made by the Government. In the meantime, don’t feel any obligation to go out if don’t feel comfortable, it is certainly a personal choice as to how you manage this situation. It’s good to hear you’re going to follow the advice on your consultant around this, something we would always advise!
Really hope you’re doing well?
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It’s completely understandable that you have concerns about the changing guidance @Dyslexicprof. As you pointed out, it’s important for us to better understand the evidence that has led to this decision being made by the Government and we will keep our social media and web-pages updated as soon as we learn more. In the meantime, don’t feel any obligation to stop shielding if you don’t feel comfortable, it is certainly a personal choice as to how you manage this situation and as you know, seeking the tailored advice of your own medical team is key. Hope you’re doing well Peter.
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@Lababe it’s so good to hear that you felt your spirits were lifted doing this. Great advice for others too to stay alert and take care if you do go out and only do what you feel safe. Thank you for sharing this and hope you’re doing okay!
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Hi Anthony, How are you doing? It’s completely understandable that you have concerns about the changing guidance and don’t yet feel comfortable to leave the house. It’s really important for us to better understand the evidence that has led to this decision being made by the Government. Apart from the option to spend time outdoors once a day, the guidance remains that shielded individuals should stay at home and avoid face to face contact. And that the (English) Government will consider the next steps for shielding beyond 30 June.
No one should feel any obligation to stop shielding if they don’t feel comfortable, it is certainly a personal choice as to how people manage this situation, and as with any concern about your health, we’d always recommend speaking to your treating team or GP for advice around your individual circumstances.
As always, we will be monitoring the situation and updating our information as and when we learn more.
Hope you’re doing OK Anthony, take good care
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Thanks Alice - we all so appreciate all the support and input from BC UK - I consider us all being in a very fortunate position to have had that in recent times - its feels like the “voice of sense” in a far from sensible scenario! As for me I continue my early morning walk at 5am as originally suggested by my consultant and despite the early hour me and my doggie have a good walk with a lot of beautiful sights that would normally be missed - and I do have a snooze in the afternoon!! Thanks for all your help
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Thanks Alice,
I still adhere to the advice my haematologist gave me in November 2014 “ any disease you catch will kill you before the cancer does”
I have spoken to my clinical team and the Senior Chemotherapy Matron said the government’s advice was b*******, and to be as careful as I always have been.
Best wishes
Anthony
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I can completely understand where people like Anthony are coming from. It’s all a bit chaotic. Whilst I did go out for a walk last night, I didn’t entirely feel comfortable. Because of the shambolic way this has been handled, it took the edge off my first walk. I’d imagined that once I stopped quarantining I’d feel really happy and a sense of achievement but that’s not what happened. I couldn’t rid myself of the unease that somehow it’s wrong even though I want to do and I’ll probably go out for regular “safe” walks.
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That makes total sense @Franko. I imagine it was quite an odd feeling, and that it must be difficult not feeling informed and confident around the reasons for the guidance change. For many people, these changes will be welcome, but for many they have also caused confusion and worry. We are urgently seeking clarity from the government on the evidence behind recent changes.
In case it’s helpful to know, we have updated our web-page to include the adaption to government guidance - https://bloodcancer.org.uk/support-for-you/coronavirus-covid-19/looking-after-yourself-staying-home-shielding/
As you know though, this is general information and your treatment team would be best placed to offer you tailored information and advice. If you’re feeling uneasy if you choose to go out for a walk, you might find chatting it through with your healthcare team helps to reassure you or clarify things for you.
All the very best to you!
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Oh, @Blackhat, I love your Senior Chemotherapy Matron, straight to the point. I’ll go with that.
Actually, @Franko, you are right I imagine that once I stop quarantining I will feel really happy that it is the right time and a sense of achievement.
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To my mind nothing has changed, Covid is still with us and will be, for how long, no one knows.
Until there is a vaccine there will always be a risk.
I think the easing of restrictions has little to do with science more to do with politics.
Personally I have been going for a walk early in the morning in a local park for about a month now, I did it for my sanity. I was getting to the stage where I thought I would become fearful of going out at all.I figured that as long as I kept my eyes peeled and kept my distance away from others the risk would be negligible.
I did feel a bit like a criminal at first and was worried about meeting other people but all has been well and I feel oh so much better.
Yes I did meet other people but managed the situation and now I feel more in charge of what is happening around me.
I do feel more concerned now there will be more people out and about and I’m sure we are all hoping it won’t lead to a second wave.
Despite the differing opinions around the wearing of masks I will certainly wear one in situations where I feel it would warranted.
There’s no guarantee that a vaccine will ever be found so we are probably going to have to live with Covid for a long time.
Unless we are going to shut ourselves away we are going to have to find a way to live with it and deal with day to day situations. eg. going to the dentist, having workman come in to your property.
It will be up to us as individuals to do what we are most comfortable with.
In the meantime I’m going to go out and just enjoy my walks.
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Hi Ann. I think you’ve summed things up nicely and I completely understand your misgivings about the messages being given out. Without a vaccine there won’t be that safety net that everyone wants. I think your approach to going out is very sensible and I completely agree about the sanity aspect which is why I’m going out. We’ve got a long way to go yet but hopefully bit by bit we’ll start to see things get more positive. Hope you’re keeping safe.
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Hi everyone,
We hope you are all doing okay? With everything that has gone on in the last week especially, we can understand what a concerning time this is likely to be for many of our members.
Please do keep reaching out on here for support. There is also our support line which can be reached on 0808 2080 888 Monday-Friday 10am-7pm and on weekends between 10am-1pm or you can also reach us via support@bloodcancer.org.uk.
We would also encourage for everyone to reach out to their treatment teams, in no way are you taking up anyone’s time, they will be in a position to give more specific advice to your individual circumstances.
Take care and keep safe everyone,
lots of best wishes from the Blood Cancer UK support team
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Dear Alice,
WHO now advise that anyone with underlying health conditions should wear surgical grade face masks.
That would apply to all of us on this site.
Where can these be obtained?
I’ve checked online on many suppliers including Boots,
but in all cases the suppliers state that masks available are not medical grade and will not offer protection against COVID-19
Hospitals are now insisting that outpatients( that’s me when I go for chemotherapy and blood tests every month) wear a face covering and all staff in all areas wear surgical grade masks.
I have a non surgical re usable mask that I wear on hospital visits but I’m greatly concerned that this is not adequate.
I do venture outside twice a day walking the back streets where social distancing is not a problem as there are very few others where I go.
All of us on this site would appreciate your advice
Best wishes
Anthony
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