Management Accounting Services

Well, I’m about to start my third and final cycle of chemotherapy.

We are almost at mile 18 of this challenge, which as many of you London Marathon runners know that means we’ve reached Canary Wharf.

Canary Wharf certainly wasn’t my favourite part of the marathon.  The rising temperatures were beginning to take their toll, the seemingly narrow streets, the towering buildings reflecting sunlight in all directions, the noisy crowds and the start of twinging calves all made running through Canary Wharf an unforgettably painful few miles.  But, I made it through, breathed a huge sigh of relief as I ran down the exit road, composed myself and pushed on towards the finish.

Don’t misunderstand me, the last 8 miles were far from plain sailing BUT I chose not to listen to pre-race advice telling me “the first 20 miles of a marathon are easy, it’s the last 6 you need to worry about” – indeed I was at mile 24 before I realise I’d exceeded my “20 mile barrier”.

I’m sure, at times, the next three weeks of chemotherapy are going to have their tuppence say and add to the mounting side effects.  When they do, it’s best to try and breathe a sigh of relief, compose myself and never forget though that chemotherapy is pushing me one step closer to the finish line.

I’ve been overwhelmed by the support from current, and new, clients, from business associates, from old friends re-connecting on facebook, and from newer friends on Twitter.

And of course, from the support of my family, all of whom must find it so difficult to see me facing this challenge on my own – just as they did on marathon day – hopefully realising that it’s precisely because they’re supporting me every step of the way I’m able to eat up the miles so easily.

Boy, am I looking forward to a post-race stout!

Thank you all for your continued support.

….before I head into the unknown.

Yes, I know my chemo doesn’t start until Monday, but I wanted to post this update during the working week.  It’s when most of the people I want to read this are online.

The support and encouragement I’ve received, both before and since I published the previous blog, has been overwhelming.

I’ve had fantastic support from clients, and prospective clients alike.  2012 is shaping up to be a busy, and productive year for all of us.  I can’t wait for it to start!

I’ve always believed in being a collaborator with, rather than competitor to, other accountants.  From the offers of help I’ve had, it seems others share my way of thinking.  The same goes for other businesses – I will not forget the gesture, regardless of whether I do or don’t accept the offers.

My twitter time line has been on fire!  Whether from the charity sector, business community or the fantastic twitter running club.  All 140 character messages are greatly received.  And it’s been nice to finally speak to some of you this week!

And of course, the support I’ve received from my family and friends – local, national and international – has been as it always is, and that just makes me

I am in no doubt that when I start my treatment on Monday there will be plenty of people willing me on.  Together, we’ll kick this cancer in the balls.  Pun intended.

As most of you know, earlier this year I completed one of my ambitions by finishing the London Marathon.

I knew at the time what “made the marathon” was the training.   The training was the true challenge.  The 5am starts, the sub-zero temperatures, the alsatians & barb wire and the resulting trip to A&E!  It was those long solitary runs which put a smile on face, and if I’m honest, a little tear in my eye as I waited in the starting pens on that April morning.

However, on the day itself knowing I had so many supporters – sponsors, the twitter running family, that woman on the Embankment that gave me her banana – giving up was something that just didn’t occur to me.

Of course, like all the other runners I had aches & pains, but they were instantly forgotten when I reached Buckingham Palace, turned the corner and saw the finish line.  A photographer captured that moment perfectly, and it’s that photo that sits on my bedside table reminding me of what I can achieve when I my mind and body face a challenge.

And for the best part of the last six months I believed that was it.  Job done, earned the medal, raised some money, next challenge please……..

Well, now I really understand the true value that marathon success has given me.

You see, a few weeks ago I found a “lump”, and making a very long story short which ignores ultrasound, consultation, surgery, further scans and multiple blood tests, in a few days time I start nine weeks of chemotherapy.

The positive news is there’s a 90% cure rate after treatment.

The analogy is simple.  I don’t need to spell it out.

I want to thank those of you who already knew this “news”.  Family, friends, clients, business associates, and twitter friends.  Your discretion, advice, support & friendship over the last few weeks has been a great help to me and my family.

If you didn’t already know it’s simply because the opportunity hadn’t arisen for me to tell you.  Now is the right time to share this with all of my good friends.

I have big plans for 2012, both personally and for My Management Accountant.  I know I don’t have to ask for your support over the next few weeks to help make sure I put those plans into place.

I just need to remember to take the photo to hospital with me.