If you have a terminal illness with a prognosis of less than 2 years, you are now AUTOMATICALLY entitled to a
@HSELive
Medical Card.
โช๏ธNot means tested
โช๏ธNever reviewed
Please message me if you encounter any difficulties with the above.
#medicalcardscandal
Santa has come early this year. Asked him for some good news & the big man has delivered ๐
Just met my oncologist & all is good, very very good ๐
#Cancer
won't be taking me any time soon. Next appointment in 3 months!
#CarpeDiem
๐
Want some good news?
Met my oncologist earlier.
In a nutshell, I'm doing great, not conforming to expectations & doesn't want to see me again for 6 months!
Just monitor bloods, stay on hormone treatment & enjoy life ๐
Best news ever ๐
#Cancer
#CarpeDiem
Just had a call from Minister
@DonnellyStephen
, who this morning brought my proposal to cabinet, where it was accepted.
Very emotional & proud right now. Thank you so much for all your support. Together, we've achieved this ๐
#medicalcardscandal
My prognosis gave me 4 1/2 year's & today marks that milestone. Happy to report that I'm no closer to meeting my maker than I was on that fateful day ๐
#Cancer
has taught me to cherish life as best you can & those that you share it with.
#CarpeDiem
๐
Vicky passed away peacefully surrounded by her beloved family & friends shortly after midnight last night.
A statement will follow later via Vicky's social media channels.
This day 3 years ago I was diagnosed with terminal
#cancer
. My family & I were devastated, but never could we have envisaged the quality of life I enjoy today.
To my wife, family, friends & medical team
#ThankYou
Never ever give up hope, Sometimes it's all we got ๐
#CarpeDiem
Bit of news.
Bone scan is clear!
After a few bumps over last several months, life's looking mighty fine for the next several.
#Cancer
has knocked, but no one's at home.
Much love out there & I'm genuinely so grateful โค๏ธ
Perfect end to an unbelievable few days ๐ค
#CarpeDiem
We don't let animals suffer at end of life, yet society expects those of us with a terminal illness to endure whatever is thrown at us, as we approach our departure from this world to the next
All we seek is a dignified death.
I fully support
@PhelanVicky
Absolutely heartbroken.
My deepest sympathies to Jim, Amelia, Darragh, extended family & friends.
Until we meet again, farewell my good friend. Will miss you beyond belief...our chats...our laughs...our tears ๐
Hello Tweeps ๐
4 short years ago,
#cancer
entered our lives & tried to take me with it.
4 short years later, and my sis & I are today celebrating our 50th birthday ๐ค
Life is what you make of it my friends & don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise ๐
#CarpeDiem
#birthday
#twins
Today my wife (who took day off work) & I, travelled from Co Clare to
@stjamesdublin
for a PSMA scan that I've waited nearly 12 months for. Paid โฌ300 for the privilege to be told "Sorry Mr Wall your scan is cancelled, you may go home."
Gutted ๐ข
@SimonHarrisTD
#cancer
#disgrace
What the hell were you thinking
@Independent_ie
?
To put his name in the same sentence as
@PhelanVicky
is a gross insult & one which merits an editorial apology, something incidentally which Dr Holohan has yet to give the victims of the
#cervicalcheck
scandal.
Made it to the top! So damn happy right now.
One of the most difficult things I've ever done, but absolutely one of the most rewarding.
This one's for you
@PhelanVicky
&
@brianlynchpain1
โค๏ธ๐ค
#ClimbwithCharlie
Been quite the afternoon. Oncologist just told me to enjoy the summer & come back in 3 months ๐ค
Phone rang leaving the clinic. Was
@ClassicHitsRdio
telling me I'd just won tickets to
@westlifemusic
๐
Must do the lotto tonight!
#CarpeDiem
This is our Minister for Health
@SimonHarrisTD
at his desk this
#StPatricksDay
Damn proud to be Irish today ๐ฎ๐ช
To all our politicians across all parties, Thank You for all you're doing. Together we'll see this through ๐
#COVID2019
#StrongerTogether
Last night I cried in pain & tonight I'm in hospital trying to get it under control. Not looking for sympathy, but I am looking to ensure no man gets a diagnosis which could have been avoided by a simple blood test.
If you don't know you PSA, find out!
#ProstateCancer
#Cancer
Minister
@DonnellyStephen
,
I've lay in a bed in UHL since Monday last & have had plenty of time to think about the
#medicalcardscandal
. Am doing fine thanks, but perhaps you might get in touch with me whilst I'm still alive. That would be preferable.
Yours sincerely,
John.
Ain't no better feeling than a chance meeting with your oncologist & being told a couple of weeks ahead of schedule, that your last scan was all good ๐
Didn't hug him, but 'twas a damn good handshake ๐ค
#NationalHugDay
#Cancer
#NationalHuggingDay
To see any woman, any family, still having to pursue this state through the courts, is truly harrowing & unforgivably wrong.
Despite a public apology, a
#cervicalcheck
tribunal & many broken promises, Lynsey Bennett still had to endure this ๐ช
I'm angry tonight, very angry.
2 years & 4 vaccines later, I have finally tested positive for
#COVID19
A reminder if it's needed that
#CovidIsNotOver
& the vulnerable still need to protect themselves.
Symptoms are fairly mild thankfully, so all good ๐
Been a very long time in the making, but went back into work today. There was a point when I honestly thought this would never happen. Delighted to be proven wrong & extremely grateful to a very understanding employer.
Took this pic this evening. A good day for sure ๐
#CarpeDiem
Just read a letter from a surgeon I visited in Aug 2017, in which I was described as "unfortunate" & that surgery was not an option as my
#cancer
was too far advanced.
I had that surgery in March 2018, am very much still alive & living life to the full ๐
#CarpeDiem
#LifeGoesOn
This is going to sound nuts, but I'll tell ye anyway!
Coming back from Budapest last night, I took a single pic. No clue where it was, just looked nice ๐ธ
Turns out it was Leuven, the very place where I had my life saving surgery back in 2018.
What are the chances ๐ค
#CarpeDiem
This night 3 years ago I lay on a hospital bed in Belgium, after having had surgery that saved my life.
My wife was by my side & to this day I've no idea how she coped, but I do know without her, I wouldn't have โค๏ธ
#Cancer
tried to take me, but me wasn't ready!
#CarpeDiem
๐
One year ago today, I tweeted about how I was refused a terminal illness medical card as I was not dying quick enough
A year later & although I have a card, many with a terminal illness do not & are struggling
Minister
@DonnellyStephen
, until resolved I'm not going away!
#Cancer
So the man made a mistake about how
#COVID__19
got its name.
Here Minister
@SimonHarrisTD
explains he just got it wrong. None of us are perfect & I for one accept his explanation.
It's been 2 years since my
#ProstateCancer
diagnosis. I'm 48 & living with stage 4. Am doing great. If there are any men out there struggling & want to chat just message me. I'm not a doc but can relay my own experience & hope it helps. Don't be shy!
#MensHealth
#cancersurvivor
I won't lie, the going is very tough at the moment.
Cancer & Covid is not a good mix. Trying to remain upbeat but damn this is dragging on. Maybe when I wake up tomorrow, it will all have been just a bad dream.... ๐ค
1) As most are aware at this stage, I was diagnosed with terminal
#cancer
almost 3 years ago. Since then I have been campaigning for enhanced
@HSELive
Medical Card access for the terminally ill.
Once again, I NEED YOUR HELP ๐
Just had the nicest & most unexpected call from Minister
@SimonHarrisTD
, wishing us the best for Christmas & beyond!
It's the little things that make a big difference & this has certainly meant a lot to us.
#ThankYou
#ChristmasEve
๐
After terminal diagnosis I received an emergency medical card valid for 18 mths.
@HSELive
cancelled it after 6. Keep asking me to confirm terminal?
Asking a dying man to confirm he's dying!
UNACCEPTABLE ๐ฅ
#DYK
the
#HSE
also recently altered card validity times?
@SimonHarrisTD
As promised, Minister
@SimonHarrisTD
called me this evening. Significant progress in the background, with another call scheduled for tomorrow. Sorry can't say more but sufficeth to say I'll sleep well tonight ๐
#ThankYou
If there was ever a person that deserves a break, then this lady is that person.
@PhelanVicky
, I wish you nothing but good vibes from here on in.
See ya soon. x
Some good news!
Had Lymph treatment this morning & for first time in nearly 5 year's, little or no signs of swelling ๐
Huge thank you to The
@HSELive
Lymphoedema Clinic in Ennis. Fabulous service & a public service worth shouting about ๐
Minister
@DonnellyStephen
,
Your office told me I was to receive a full brief last week on medical card reform for the terminally ill. I'm still waiting.
I dont need to remind you that
time is a precious commodity in my life. Stop wasting it.
Regards, John
#medicalcardscandal
I was informed last night by a representative of Minister
@DonnellyStephen
, that because I've not endorsed his attempts to resolve the
#medicalcardscandal
, it was assumed I did not want any progress reports! Couldn't make this up if you tried.
(1/3)
I am outraged.
As CMO
@DrTonyHolohan
stood over a decision to withold smear test results as part of the
#cervicalcheck
scandal.
Lest we forget, women died & lives destroyed as a result, the fallout of which continues to this very day.
And now this....
This is a clip from a few short months ago of
@MichealMartinTD
expressing his outrage that terminal patients have to fight to get a medical card.
We're still fighting, we're still dying & I'm sill waiting for a response from
@DonnellyStephen
.
Time is running out, call me.
#Cancer
Life is full of surprises.
I've just had a lengthy conversation with Minister
@SimonHarrisTD
& have received an update on timeline for enhanced medical card access for the terminally ill.
My campaign like myself is still very much alive! Please bear with me, updates when able.
6 guests allowed at a wedding,
25 at a funeral from Monday,
No visitors in our gardens,
Mandatory hotel quarantine,
Beaches today - packed.
Carlsberg don't do pandemic management, but if they did...
Minister
@DonnellyStephen
,
I'm appealing to you on behalf of all the terminally ill, not to forget us in
#Budget2021
.
This may be my last opportunity to see terminal illness medical card reform implemented. My illness must count for something.
Regards, John.
#medicalcardscandal
25k steps today. Feeling damn good about life right now ๐ค
#Cancer
might have come knocking, but was told to take a hike.
When I'm ready, I'll answer that door & not a second before ๐
I am delighted to say that Minister
@SimonHarrisTD
has contacted me directly & will be engaging on all outstanding issues. On behalf of all those I've been advocating for, I very much welcome the Ministers intervention. Will update in due course. Thank You ๐
#medicalcardscandal
This day 5 year's ago I started a journey that has pushed me to the limits, but has also opened a chapter in life which I now embrace.
My prognosis was bleak but with support of family & friends, the odds continue to be defied & life continues to be lived ๐
#CarpeDiem
#Cancer
It has taken longer than expected, but I'm finally due to meet with Minister
@DonnellyStephen
later this evening to discuss the
#medicalcardscandal
.
I guess this is it. Whatever happens next is down to The Minister. One things for sure though, I'm not leaving empty handed ๐
I've written to Minister
@DonnellyStephen
seeking implementation of the reform, which he himself supported in opposition.
The
@HSELive
Terminal Illness Medical Card must be automatically granted to those of us that are dying, without further delay.
#Cancer
I had a 3.45pm appointment today with my oncologist in
@ULHospitals
& 40 mins later was on my way home ๐
Incredible efficiency & super friendly staff. Thank You ๐
PS All good on the health front too!
#CarpeDiem
Was just thinking....
A lot of us living with an advanced
#cancer
diagnosis, look at life through a slightly different lens.
When mortality stares you in the face, it gives you an incredible appreciation for life itself.
Make the most of it my friends ๐
#CarpeDiem
My mam passed away 6 years ago today. She was a little devil & taught me all the things in life, that have gotten me into so much trouble ๐
Here's me, Mam & my twin sis.
Miss you x
#memories
#family
#smiles
How on earth a pay award of this magnitude can be deemed appropriate is staggering.
A โฌ90k pay hike by a Dept that is still refusing many terminal patients access to a medical card.
Minister
@DonnellyStephen
, you need to contact me.
#medicalcardscandal
My emergency medical card was reinstated without prejudice & with an apology HOWEVER
Cards now limited to 6 mths, reviewed after 3 & you must be receiving end of life care (6-12 mths life remaining)
HOW DARE THEY define how "terminal" a
#cancer
patient is
Incurable is incurable.
Today's the day, come what may,
We wave goodbye, as you sail away.
A nation behind you, beside you as well,
It's people they love you, as you can tell.
Travel safely my friend, to the U S of A,
See you back soon, can't wait for that day........
Big Hugs
@PhelanVicky
๐ค
Tweeps, would really appreciate it if you could share this ๐
Daire McDonnell is gravely ill & "Outnumbered" by
@DermotKennedy
has been the soundtrack of his brave battle. His family are desperately trying to reach out to Dermot.
Let's make it happen ๐
Bit of news.
Genuine mixed bag of emotions. Thoroughly grateful to be receiving my
#vaccine
on Friday, but only because I spoke up.
My thoughts are with all the medically vulnerable, who still don't know if they're even on a list
#Vaccines4Vulnerable
#V4V
Discharged from
@ULHospitals
earlier & whatever The
@HSELive
are paying their staff, it's not enough.
Having spent the last 5 nights there, I can't praise all those who looked after me highly enough.
Onwards & upwards ๐
#CarpeDiem
After 18 months of campaigning, negotiating, persuading, travelling, coaxing, promising, talking, listening...it's disheartening.
No response yet from Minister
@DonnellyStephen
on his decision not to implement reform in the short term.
#medicalcardscandal
My thoughts,
@PhelanVicky
has selflessly spent her formative years campaigning for others, uncovering the truth & ensuring others don't suffer.
Vicky is also my friend, a person I've come to know & love. She deserves better, a lot better.
#vicky
#respect
Back in for check-up today. Still surpassing all initial expectations & apart from monitoring bloods, next appointment not until November.
#Cancer
has taken so much from me, but I'll be damned if I'm giving it any more.
#CarpeDiem
๐
I've worked in aviation all my life & this is one of the coolest things I've seen to date ๐ฒ
This is the view from the cockpit of the
#Antonov225
landing at
@ShannonAirport
today with a nice clip of the crew included.
#AN225
#shannonairport
Full video โฌ๏ธ
I've been overwhelmed by the public support & good wishes over the last few days.
My family & I would like to say a huge
#ThankYou
As for those in government reading this, I'm going absolutely nowhere until the
#medicalcardscandal
is resolved.
@DonnellyStephen
@MichealMartinTD
I saw my Dad yesterday for the first time since lockdown began. He's a damn good man whom I've enormous respect for. He's also a retired Guard from Charlestown & the last few days have been difficult for him also.
Happy
#FathersDay
Dad,
My world's a better one with you in it โค๏ธ
Life's a collection of milestones & today marks another for me.
4 year's ago today, I walked into surgery a dying man & emerged several hours later with a renewed sense of hope.
Still here, still living, thanks to my incredible surgeon Prof Steven
@joniau
๐
#CarpeDiem
#Cancer
My better half
@DeirdreWall16
has a significant birthday today.
She keeps telling me she's 34, but I'm not so sure ๐ค
I am sure though that I'd be nothing without her.
Happy Birthday Dee โค๏ธ
#birthday
#birthdaygirl
As Ireland kick starts itself back to normality, remember there are many of us out here who remain susceptible.
Don't get me wrong, I'm feckin delighted, but my diagnosis hasn't magically disappeared because
#restrictions
are lifting.
Happy Saturday &
#CarpeDiem
๐
.
@Paschald
, this salary top-up would provide the equivalent of 13
@HSELive
Terminal Illness Medical Card's.
I'm a dying man that has had to fight at every juncture for something so basic.
You're damn right I'm annoyed & angry. Wouldn't you be?
It's not often I tweet about my family but there are times when I'm bursting with so much pride, I just can't help myself ๐.
Our son's
#LeavingCert
result was upgraded on appeal. He's heading to University, starting Monday.
#ProudDad
#LifeIsGood
This is Milly, who's been by my side for several years ๐ถ๐
She makes me smile.... hope she does the same for you ๐
Love her to bits ๐ค
#dogsoftwitter
#friends
#mondaythoughts
Met oncologist today. For the first time in quite a while, left feeling good ๐
Really engaging conversation about where we're at & where we're going.
Thanks
@ULHospitals
. Super staff, super service.
#Cancer
#CancerAwareness
2021 has been a difficult year for many, and I for one will be happy to see the back of it.
Please join with me in raising a glass to health & happiness, whom I hope we'll see a lot more of in 2022 ๐ฅ
#HappyNewYear
&
#CarpeDiem
to you all ๐
So, last day on
#Inishmore
with this lady, my wife Dee.
She's my rock, my soulmate & has stood by my side through thick & thin. Love you Dee โค๏ธ
#ThankYou
#CarpeDiem
No amount of explaining will ever justify or rationalise this decision for me.
For our government to sanction these payments, whilst some terminally ill patients are still waiting for medical cards is scandalous.
#medicalcardscandal
Too many rumours flying around that the next NPHET advice will include more lockdowns.
Government leadership is lacking at present, with little faith in it's management of the
#COVID19
pandemic.
It's approach should be far more proactive & far less reactive.
Feb 4th meant little to me a few years ago, but
#cancer
will now dictate my time on this earth.
I'm comfortable with that, but this
#WorldCancerDay
, I'd urge you NEVER take your good health for granted.
Regular health checks saves lives - Fact
#WorldCancerDay2022
#CancerAwareness
It's been 10 weeks since that infamous tweet of mine that opened the hornets nest, & tomorrow I get the opportunity to meet with Minister
@SimonHarrisTD
to discuss the
#medicalcardscandal
. Couldn't have happened without all your support.
THANK YOU ๐. This is only the beginning.
We said goodbye 12 months ago to one of the most amazing people I've ever known, one of the best friends I've ever had. The impact this young lady had on my life & the lives of so many others is immeasurable.
#ThankYouLaura
โค๏ธ
Morning all. It's been a very up & down few weeks. Said goodbye to a friend getting treatment abroad, a few personal issues to deal with & back to oncologist next week. I'm with good buddies on the beautiful island of InisOirr.
That helps ๐
#CarpeDiem
Just back from an overnight in
@ULHospitals
. A touch of pneumonia I'm told.
Gotta say, nurses need a level of patience like no other. Christ they have to put up with some crap. Lack of respect from some patients was astounding.
Became aware earlier of a stalled medical card application, because
@HSELive
has queried 2 cent worth of expenditure. I am fuming.
Despite having both Oesophageal & Lung
#Cancer
, this man now has to waste precious time & energy dealing with this.
We're better than this surely.
So Maeve & myself are after taking a sneaky trip to
#Budapest
for a few days โ๏ธ
Fab festive vibes over here ๐
Even had some snow today ๐จ๏ธ
#CarpeDiem