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News - Tumour diary: Family life

Posted on October 31, 2007
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BBC News Online science and technology writer Ivan Noble was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour in August last year.

Since then he has been sharing his experiences in a weekly online diary.

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My treatment is over, even though it does not quite feel it yet.

I finished the last of the chemotherapy tablets on Sunday and I have been pretty tired ever since.

But if the last three months are anything to go by, I should feel better by the weekend.

I have become a lot more careful about how I spend my time

I will have to do, because by the time this is published I will be landing in Hong Kong to see my brother, sister-in-law and their new baby.

The only drugs I am taking now are some very mild ones which are intended to prevent the epileptic fits which sometimes affect people with brain tumours.

But every day I still take a whole handful of vitamin supplements which are intended for people who have problems with their immune systems.

People keep telling me how well I look. I feel it, too.

Half of me feels like rushing ahead to make plans and the other half feels like taking the doctor’s advice and waiting until the scan results in early March.

There is plenty to be getting on with right now, though.

Our little girl managed her first steps at the weekend, or at least the first ones either of us was there to witness.

I am sure she has been practising at her nursery.

She slowly and carefully tottered six steps across her bedroom floor towards me before giving up and sitting down again.

She can tell that I am especially proud of her and has now learnt to say “two” whenever I hold up a finger and say “one”.

A big part of me does not want to go away at all, because it means not seeing her for six days.

I have become a lot more careful about how I spend my time and without totally giving up on a social life, I try to spend as much of it as possible at home with her and her mother.

Computer addiction

Dealing with my decades-old computer addiction can be tricky, though.

We first had a computer at home when I was about 15 and ever since then I have been utterly fascinated with the little worlds inside them.

I must have spend years of my life by now taking computers apart, putting them back together, reconfiguring them and trying to connect them together in various ways.

Without all that tinkering, I would not have the job I have today, but I can quite understand that most people would view it as a waste of time.

I made a promise to myself after I was diagnosed not to buy any more computer games and especially not to buy a games console.

If life does turn out to be too short for me, then I do not want my final achievement to be a high score on Halo.

I do wish I could figure out how to get file sharing working between my Mac and my PC, though.

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Your e-mails to Ivan

Looking forward will become easier, but no-one can ever take tomorrow for granted. I try to remember the wise words in the last verse of “Fare Well” by W. de la Mare whenever “real-life” doesn’t get in the way. I was diagnosed with cancer in Nov 2001, but I’m fine now, thanks to some pretty aggressive treatment. Being able to write your column shows that you are a strong and positive man. Give yourself permission to take time to heal emotionally as well as physically. Good luck for March - my next check-up is then too.
Chris C, UK

Your writings are a true inspiration for many. I am confident you can plan months in advance. We are definitely not going to let you stop writing. Not now, and not in years.

If you want to make a visit to Vietnam, let me know - it will be my honour.

Jordi Carrasco-Munoz,
Spain (now in Vietnam)

Your honesty, courage and clarity of thought and expression help me to realise how beautiful life is and to value the things that are important. I pray for you and think positive thoughts for you. I hope that may be in some tiny way a payback for all that you have given me.
Colin Keyser, England

God Bless you, Ivan. Hang on in there and keep fighting. Everyone here is rooting for you and if good wishes alone could cure this then you’d be cured right now.

You’re in my thoughts.


S. Cohen,
UK

Well done - you’ve made it this far. Now life is a new ‘normal’. I am a six-year breast cancer survivor and live by my mother’s philosophy (she was a 19-year survivor) - “I live with this and every now and then I just kick it out of the way.” Sounds to me like you’re on the right track. The medical profession doesn’t know the word “cure” - but we do. Check out the Chicken Soup series of books for a good read and putting things in perspective. Be well.


AP,
Canada

I work in a hospital complaints office and enjoy reading your tumour diary as it reminds me that it is possible to stay positive despite all the odds. I also work as a volunteer in a cancer support centre and you have been an inspiration to me on a personal as well as a professional level. My prayers are with you. Can’t help with the Mac problem, sorry! Enjoy your time, whatever you do.


Paula,
Salford, UK

I wonder if you have ever thought the radiation from the computer has had anything to do with the tumour after spending so many years on it? Good luck in the future and a speedy recovery; God bless.


Mick Jones,
West Yorkshire

Hope you have a great time in Hong Kong. We are awaiting scan results at the moment; my boyfriend had a big op last November for pancreatic cancer.
I find that Celebdaq at the BBC Choice website is a great distraction!!!


Helen Druce,
UK

He never spoke about it and I can understand that too Phyllis McQuillan, UK

I am amazed at you, what a positive spirit you have. You have helped me considerably to come to terms with my brother who had a tumour, I can now understand more of how he felt, he never spoke about it and I can understand that too. However, I am very happy you have a lovely little girl and no doubt a beautiful wife. Have a good holiday in Hong Kong, wish I could go with you.


Phyllis McQuillan,
UK

All the best with everything - you deserve to be happy and healthy. For more inspiration and guidance, try reading A Shadow in Tiger Country by Tim and Louise Arthur - another real eye-opener!


Jo Sharp,
UK

I have been reading your column with great interest from the start. Have you seen the information available on the web concerning vitamin B17? I have had breast cancer and am going to try the recommendations - I have a local doctor who is promoting B17.


Karen Mills,
UK

Desert the keyboard!! Craig, England

Well done, Ivan… A little closer each week to being back in the “real” world with the rest of us. Your column is priceless encouragement and confidence in the midst of a sad world. But being a longstanding computer techie, I can say with conviction that they are nothing more than a tedious, badly designed, unreliable waste of time and effort, so although I know you will reach a ripe old age, I think you should still desert the keyboard, and spend every available minute with the people who really matter!! Time passes too quickly for every one of us!! All the very best…


Craig,
England

I have read your column and would like you to know that I will hold you and your family in my prayers for continued health. In my church there is a healing ministry and I will be asking others to pray for complete health for you. You really are an inspiration to other people. I have suffered health scares in the past and know what the waiting can do.


Linda Warren,
Scotland

Have read almost every week. Glad to hear you are feeling better. Enjoy every minute you can with your two girls. Have a good trip with your brother. Take care. Sorry can’t help with computer. Can only just turn mine on.


Jen Worswick,
Cumbria UK

Re: A high score in Halo - if you have thoroughly enjoyed yourself getting it, then why deny yourself the pleasure? Keep flipping those Warthogs…
From a lady gamer who ought to know better!


Emma,
UK

You don’t have to fill the rest of your life with virtue An admirer, England

I can well understand your unwillingness to spend as much time playing on the computer, but I hope you don’t feel that because you are a survivor of a terrible illness, that you have to fill the rest of your life with virtue? Why not buy some more computer games?! Allow yourself some little indulgences! Life is a gift which you are enjoying and nothing you can do can take back the past.

Personally, I am amazed by my husband’s pleasure at playing computer games but he enjoys it! Enjoy your daughter, enjoy your wife but also, enjoy yourself! Good luck with “Halo” (whatever that is!)


An admirer,
England

I have read your column every week and I’ve never written before because there wasn’t much of use that I could say. Now I can happily tell you that if you get Mac OS X 10.2, your Mac and PC will work together seamlessly. It costs 99 and is available in most places that sell Macs. You have to have a relatively new Mac for it to work on though.

Keep going, I’m impressed every Thursday!

Rupert Chesman,
UK

Have a fantastic trip to Hong Kong to see your brother and his family. Congratulations on becoming an uncle and good luck with everything. I love your column. A real inspiration.


Catherine Tryfona,
UK/Greece

You are doing an excellent one-man job of providing waiting room-type support and camaraderie Deborah, UK

I had medical insurance when I suffered multiple benign breast cysts so saw the specialist at a local private hospital. Each time I would wait in the deep pile carpeted waiting room anxiously watching the other patients sitting there looking so composed in their smart clothes reading their posh newspapers (how they could read newspapers if they were feeling as anxious as I was I could never understand), and talking in hushed tones. Eventually I reached the limit on my insurance and became an NHS patient.

I now found myself waiting in tatty overcrowded waiting rooms with ordinary, unintimidating women who would TALK to me! It made SUCH a difference. I had been apprehensive about using NHS facilities but wouldn’t go back to those hushed tones and deep pile carpets. Put me in a crowd of women, all in the same boat, and I am a lot, lot happier. You are doing an excellent one-man job of providing NHS waiting room-type support and camaraderie for I guess thousands of patients across the world. Thank you!


Deborah,
UK

Will you continue with your diary after your scan in March? I had a tumour cut out of my nose in September 2001. I was fortunate I did not have any further treatment after the surgery but I still have regular hospital check-ups. I am already fed up with having to visit the hospital so often, although my appointments are getting further apart and the future looks a little more solid after each visit.

I hope you too now only have boring check-ups to worry about in the future and be sent away each time with a smile on your face. Having nothing more serious to whinge about than how long you were kept waiting is quite nice really.


Liz,
UK

I have followed your column for a while and you are an inspiration. I am a computer addict too, and having long battled with the problem of Macs talking to PCs for some time, I came across some software called DAVE from www.thursby.com (no I don’t work for them!) which works perfectly, Macs appearing in network neighbourhood on the PCs and vice versa. Highly recommended.


John Murray,
Chester UK

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News - Flood defences ‘need extra cash’

Posted on October 30, 2007
Filed Under Property insurance | Leave a Comment

Spending on flood defences needs to increase by 10% a year to 750m by 2011, the government has been told.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) said the extra government spending was needed to counter an increased risk of flood.

The group added that nearly 600,000 UK homes were at risk of flood.

Insurers will only continue to offer flood insurance to consumers if “defences are kept up to an adequate standard”, the ABI warned.

The most recent estimate of the number of homes at risk of flood is much higher than the government’s original estimate of 220,000.

Future government expenditure on flood defences is based on this lower estimate, set in 2002.

The ABI argues that because many more homes are at risk of flood than were estimated in 2002, then government expenditure needs to rise at a faster pace.

“The new, higher estimates of homes and businesses at risk means that the government needs to invest more in flood defences,” Stephen Sklaroff, ABI deputy director general, said.

“This makes good economic sense for home owners, businesses, and the taxpayer.”

In 2005, insurers promised they would continue to insure at-risk properties where new flood defences would be in place within five years, the ABI said.

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News - Tornado-hit homes to be bulldozed

Posted on October 29, 2007
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Up to 20 homes may have to be bulldozed following the tornado which struck south Birmingham on Thursday.

The sudden storm damaged buildings and cars, uprooted trees, and took entire roofs off some homes in an area south of the city centre.

At least 150 residents are still being housed by the council and various roads remain closed because of the damage.

The council has stressed to the government that there is an urgent need for financial aid.

Natural disaster

City council leader Mike Whitby called it an “unprecedented natural disaster” and said the council was doing everything it could to help residents.

On Sunday, he met local government minister Phil Woolas to show him the work which needs to be done.

He said: “The situation is constantly changing but at the moment an estimated 20 properties my have to be wholly or partly demolished.

“Any action taken will be done in consultation with the owners and insurers.”

Residents of 34 properties in Birchwood Road and another 20 in Taunton Road were allowed home over the weekend.

Ladypool Road is expected to be closed for several days as is Alder Road, Birchwood Road, Brunswick Road, Woodstock Road, Church Road, Woodhurst Road, Clifton Road, Roshven Road, Kensington Avenue, Dennis Road and Chesterton Road.

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News - Flood defence trial is a success

Posted on October 28, 2007
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The first trial in the UK of a new flood defence system, along the River Severn, has proved successful.

A 200m section of the K system barrier was put up in Shrewsbury, between Coton Hill and Chester Street.

After drainage work is completed, the portable system will be ready to be used at the site of flooding risk.

The barrier should enable local properties to get insurance and keep two main roads open in a flood, said an Environment Agency spokesman.

The temporary and demountable barrier, made of steel and aluminium, differs from other flood defences as it does not need any foundation work and can be put up elsewhere.

‘Reduce impact’

“The trial went really well, the system was easy to handle, we expected to put it up in five hours and we got it up in three,” said Environment Agency engineer Anthony Crowther.

“This should reduced the risk of flooding for 20-30 homes and businesses in the area, which means they should be able to get insurance.

“And it should mean we can keep two main roads open in to Shrewsbury in flooding,” he said.

“That will keep traffic coming in to town so the town centre keeps operating as normal, reducing the impact of flooding on businesses.”

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News - Q&A: Olympics security

Posted on October 27, 2007
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As a police station in Athens is bombed exactly 100 days before the start of the Olympics, BBC News Online examines what is being done to provide security for athletes and the public attending the world&39;s Scotland Yard will also help police the Games.

A Greek delegation is currently in Washington, for talks on efforts to safeguard the games, amid US concern that construction delays at Olympic venues could undercut efforts for advance security testing and other procedures.

What measures are the authorities taking?

More than 45,000 security staff will guard the Games and escort teams to and from sports venues - three times as many as in Sydney.

 

American, British and Israeli athletes are to be given 24-hour armed guards. Competitors from the three countries are considered to be among the most likely potential terrorism targets. Guards will travel on athletes' buses, which could also be protected by armoured vehicles and police helicopters.

Athletes from other countries which have sent troops to Iraq may also receive similar protection.

In March, Athens held a two-week exercise to test security involving 1,500 Greek security personnel and several hundred US soldiers. The drill included a simulated chemical attack, a plane hijacking and an outbreak of an epidemic.

Next week, Olympic plans will be tested in a four-day simulation of an attack on the Games.

What reaction has there been to the latest attack?

Many countries are carefully monitoring the security situation in the run-up to the Games. France and Australia say they are reviewing security in the wake of the police station bombings. New Zealand said it was too early to say how the bombings would affect its participation.

 

The head of the Australian Olympic Committee confirmed Australia would send a team to Athens, but noted it was possible some individual athletes might pull out.

In the US, Mark Spitz, the seven times swimming gold medallist, said recently that security concerns could see the US withdraw from the Athens Games.

The US Olympic Committee denies a withdrawal is on the cards, but Spitz said any US decision to pull out of the Games would come at a late stage, and could trigger a “snowball effect” as other countries follow suit.

Have the Olympics been targeted before?

Munich in 1972 is infamous for an attack by Palestinian guerrillas that killed 11 Israeli athletes. But that attack came out of the blue, rather than from a climate of concern over international terrorism.

Consequently, Montreal in 1976 was one of the most heavily militarised Games on record.

A bomb attack at the Olympic Park in Atlanta Games in 1996, also killed one person.

 

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News - Pensioner admits killing wife

Posted on October 26, 2007
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A former insurance broker has admitted killing his 70-year-old wife during a hearing at Swansea Crown Court.

Graham Glover, 73, denied murder but admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

His plea was accepted by the prosecution and his case was adjourned until December when he is expected to be sentenced.

Mr Glover was charged after police found the body of his wife in the kitchen of the couple’s home in the Sketty area of the city on 12 May.

A post mortem examination found that Marjorie Glover, a former hairdresser, had died from “pressure to the neck”.

During the hearing on Monday Glover was remanded in custody.

Judge John Diehl said he should be given a bed at a secure psychiatric unit in Bridgend as soon as one became available.

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News - Eyewitness: ‘You cannot breathe’

Posted on October 24, 2007
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At least 15 people have been killed in the most severe wildfires to hit southern California for half a century.

Tony Murphy, a British man living in Simi Valley, in Ventura County, one of the worst hit regions, told his story to BBC News Online:

“We have simply been told to stay inside as it is too bad to go outside. Everything is closed, the schools are out and we are just sitting inside the house, waiting.

The sky is black from the smoke and there is ash and debris filling the air, covering absolutely everything. You cannot breathe and your eyes get clogged. It is just not healthy to be outside.

At present we can’t see the fire directly, but we know it is moving in a south-westerly direction and we are rather worried as it is encircling us from the north.

We will take our computers and we have two drawers filled with personal documents and our insurance details etc and beyond that we will be piling on top as many clothes as we can so we aren’t left with just the clothes on our backs

Simi Valley is about 11 miles (18 kilometres) long and the fires are about five miles away at the Santa Sussana Pass.

Yesterday we went to a DIY store Home Depot and the smoke was so bad that the staff were all wearing masks. There was no power at the store and even the traffic lights were out and the 118 Freeway was closed.

They have already evacuated two tracks of homes in Simi Valley that are closer to the fires and we are watching CBS news for more information.

Dousing the roof

Beyond waiting there is not much we can do. We have hosepipes ready to dampen down the roof of the house.

But one of the problems we’ve been told of is that some of the houses in the valley have wooden shingle roofs, which are basically made of wooden tiles, and that when the fire comes near sparks of it jump and land on these roofs setting them on fire.

These kinds of roofs are now banned in Simi Valley and no new houses are built with them, but these houses predate the ban.

We have got some things ready in case we have to evacuate. We will take our computers and we have two drawers filled with personal documents and our insurance details etc and beyond that we will be piling on top as many clothes as we can so we aren’t left with just the clothes on our backs.

Tinder box

The problem is that there are so few ways out of Simi Valley if we do have to evacuate - I think we’d have to go out through the south.

The glow of the fires can be clearly seen in the sky above Simi Valley

It is very unpleasant at the moment. We have been told to wait inside, if we have air conditioning to turn it on and keep all of the doors and windows closed.

Outside there is dust everywhere - all of the cars are covered in a layer of ash.

The temperature is about 93 degrees (34C) and it has been in the hundreds before that. The valley is flat for about four miles and then its sides rise steeply upwards and basically it is desert. We have had no rain for 90 days and everything is as dry as a tinder box.

Anxious children

In the east you’ve got Susanna Pass and Rocky Peak, which is on the head of the 118 freeway and the fires are directly above it, then in the west you’ve got Moor Park, which was badly hit at the weekend.

Click below to see a detailed map of affected areas Enlarge Map

The sky is black from the clouds but there is an orange glow from the fires themselves. When I was speaking to my daughter on the phone earlier today I opened the window and it just hits you in the back of the throat.

The kids are off because the schools are closed and they are a mixture of nervous and bored, but they simply don’t realise how close the fires are - they are just five miles away.

But the TV has been saying that the temperatures are going to drop and that the winds will start coming in from the sea.

Even so, 85,000 acres have already gone.”

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News - The other side of Heathrow story

Posted on October 23, 2007
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Heathrow catering firm Gate Gourmet dismissed 600 staff after unofficial strike action over restructuring plans it says are necessary to save the business.

Here, one of those dismissed tells his story.

The employee says he was sacked by Gate Gourmet in a letter delivered to his home while he was at home after twisting his back loading an aircraft.

“It’s disgusting. We’ve all got mortgages and credit cards. It’s just a shock.”

Gate Gourmet will not comment on his case, but has said that all workers can appeal against their dismissal.

The employee has two children living at home and says most of his colleagues also have families.

“At the end of this month we’re going to struggle with mortgage payments, credit card payments, everything.

“And we can’t claim on the insurance because we’ve all been sacked. If we go to another employer they’ll say, well, no, you’ve been sacked.

“It just makes life hard… it’s just a shock.”

Workers on holiday

The man said he had always enjoyed his job, saying it was a friendly environment, and has not decided what to do next.

“I’m 39, I could always go out and drive a lorry. I’m not sure I want to go back.”

His wife told the BBC News website: “Our lives have been turned upside down and those of friends at Gate Gourmet who are on holiday abroad.

“They have to face the fact that they will not be returning to work when they get back.

“My heart goes out to the people at Rover. I felt so sorry for them and now can wish them well from the heart.

“Yesterday we put in an offer on a house and today have to notify everyone about what has happened. We are totally devastated.

“The tears have stopped and now it is the fear for the future.”

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News - Choosing a personal loan

Posted on October 22, 2007
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BBC News explains the ins and outs of choosing a personal loan.

Taking out a personal loan is the standard way of borrowing money from a bank, building society or specialist loan company.

You can usually borrow up to 15,000 for anywhere between six months and 10 years depending on the health of your finances.

Loans can be secured or unsecured. A secured loan is one that is tied to your house - which means you might have to sell your home if you can’t keep up with repayments.

Unsecured loans are not tied into anything, but if you default on your repayments you could end up being credit blacklisted. This could prevent you taking out new credit cards, a mortgage or even taking advantage of an interest-free deal in a shop.

Making comparisons

To get the best deal, shop around. In general, the more you borrow, the lower the interest rate will be, but rates vary from around 7% up to 20%.

Finding the best loan Shorter loans = less interest Only apply for one at a time Check the small print for penalties Consider loan insurance in case you fall ill

You don’t have to go to a traditional bank or building society, many good deals are offered through supermarkets, so shop around.

Be careful when comparing products as lenders calculate the annual percentage rate (APR) in different ways. Loans for specific items such as new cars are also available, often with lower interest rates.

When comparing APRs, make sure that you’re comparing like with like. Don’t pay attention to the monthly interest rates advertised by shops - these are always lower than the annual rate and can mislead you into thinking you’ve got a better deal than you really have.

Repayments

If you are refused credit you could check your credit history to make sure no mistakes have been made How lenders decide whether or not to make a loan

Loans are repaid in monthly instalments over an agreed period. This amount of time is usually fixed and if you want to pay off the loan earlier you might have to pay a penalty. The longer the repayment period, the more interest you will pay, so go for the shortest one you can manage.

Flexible loans, which let you pay back the money whenever you want, are becoming more common but the interest rate charged is often higher.

The most important thing is to make sure you know exactly what the monthly payments will be, and how much you will pay back in total.

Remember that if your bank or building society turns down your loan application, it is obliged to explain the main reasons for doing so.

The opinions expressed are those of the author and are not held by the BBC unless specifically stated. The material is for general information only and does not constitute investment, tax, legal or other form of advice. You should not rely on this information to make (or refrain from making) any decisions. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your own particular situation.

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News - Legal threat over art fire loss

Posted on October 14, 2007
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The owners of some artworks destroyed in a fire are considering legal action against the art storage firm whose warehouse went up in flames.

Author Shirley Conran and artist Gillian Ayres had 2m of art at the Momart facility in Leyton, east London.

Their lawyer Razi Mireskandari said he was looking into legal action on the grounds that Momart’s safety procedures were not stringent enough.

A Momart spokesperson insisted the company had not been negligent.

“Some of the reports I have heard so far have been dismaying,” Mr Mireskandari told BBC News Online.

Would you expect the Tate gallery to be next to a welder’s yard? Razi Mireskandari Lawyer

“But we have to get confirmation of how the fire started and what processes were in place,” he said.

“Only then can we ascertain whether they were reasonable given the standards one would expect for such priceless and invaluable artworks.”

Mr Mireskandari said he would be looking into details of the property’s lease and what limits were set for other leaseholders’ activities or equipment.

“Would you expect the Tate gallery to be next to a welder’s yard?” he asked.

The fire, which is thought to have destroyed more than 50m of art, broke out at the storage facility, part of an industrial estate in Leyton on Monday.

We had all the necessary safety and security processes in place to provide adequate protection Momart

Many of the items were owned by collector Charles Saatchi, and included work by artists including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin.

Momart have said the fire started at the other end of the estate and there are reports it broke out in a car repair yard.

But a London Fire Brigade spokesman declined to comment on the cause or origins of the fire and they are currently carrying out an investigation.

A Momart spokeswoman said: “We have had our loss adjusters and insurers confirm we had all the necessary safety and security processes in place to provide adequate protection.”

“We take security and safety very seriously and have enjoyed a blemish-free record since we were founded in 1971,” Momart said on Thursday.

Damien Hirst’s 22ft (6.7m) Charity, based on the old Spastic Society collection boxes, was one of the artworks thought destroyed later found to have been saved.

Loss assessors and forensic investigators had found it leaning against a “precarious wall” on Thursday.

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