say hello to chemo man

Richard "Wildman" Wildman has been an innocent institution ever since he started working here (and especially after his legendary performance in the panto at our Christmas party.) So we were stunned to find out that Rich has been diagnosed with cancer (a form of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, which is a form of cancer of the lymphatic system).

In true Wildman style, he has met his illness head on. For one thing, he has created an alter ego – Chemo Man (pictured above). You can buy Chemo Man t-shirts, beer mugs and other gear right here. Rich is also blogging the ups and downs of his treatment - definitely worth a read.

It was tough to know whether this post was relevant to our blog, and tough to write about something that's very personal for Rich and his family. But Rich was up for us talking about his exploits and linking to his blog (he's up for having a few more readers), and we hope that all innocent drinkers and blog visitors join us in giving Rich plenty of support for the rest of his treatment, which he's halfway through.

Comments

[Jen]

It sucks, and there are tough times ahead, but if you've got the right outlook and know how to have a laugh then it needn't be all bad.

My Mum was diagnosed with NHL December before last. We're just coming up on the first anniversary of her last chemo session and the first actual anniversary is just around the corner. My family spent eight months on a rollercoaster but the main thing that we all stuck to was that we tried to have some fun along the way. My Dad said that he hoped Mum lost her hair (which she did) because it meant when he rolled over in bed to cuddle her he didn't get a mouthful of it. My brother and I went with her to a couple of chemo sessions and we upset the nurse by asking for an ingredients list for her chemo so we could continue to poison her at home...

And I fed Mum smoothies so she could get lots of nice fruit inside her on the days when she didn't feel like eating. ;o) I used my own smoothie maker for some; she really likes kiwis so a bunch had them in. Maybe an idea for a new recipe?

I will be following Rich's blog - and wish him all the best. To all at Innocent I would advise that you keep your spirits up too. If you're not depressed and maudlin all the time, if you're actually having fun with him in whatever you're doing, then it'll be the best medicine for him.

Except I'd advise against choosing that over chemo...!

Mum's doing good now, sure this time next year we'll be saying the same thing about Richard.

{{hugs to all}}

[Alex UK]

Hi Richard

I just wanted to send you my best wishes for a quick recovery. I have read your blog and will continue to keep an eye on you from down here in sunny Kent. You are facing this very positively which is great news!

Take care, lots of love
Alex
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