On the 28th July 2011, my life changed in one phone call with the simple words - 'yes - it's cancer'. I've created this blog, for the benefit of my wonderful close and extended family; and for my amazing friends around the globe, so I can keep you abreast (!) of my journey.

My diagnosis of 2 x grade 3 (fast growing) tumours - type - 'Triple-Negative' - so called
because it doesn’t
have receptors (proteins on the surface
of cells) for the hormones oestrogen and
progesterone, or a protein called HER2, was shocking. This rare aggressive sub-type of breast cancer, therefore, doesn't respond to common
hormonal treatments, such as tamoxifen or
anastrozole (Arimidex®
) or
trastuzumab (Herceptin®
). Survival rates are considerably lower, than for more common types of breast cancer, especially in years 0 - 5, but on a par 5+ years post treatment.

Fast forward to December 2020. Secondary cancer . Triple negative again but the tumour localised to the scar of the primary cancer. The prognosis is weaker. I am buying myself time - with chemo currency.

This will not be a sad tale - but I hope it will amuse you, inspire you, and most of all allow me to lean on you from afar, as you guide me through what looks like a rocky road ahead.

I can't guarantee a happy ending, but hope to make you laugh to the end.

Sunday, 28 August 2011

Actions speak louder than words

Sometimes people do things which leave you feeling very humble.
This weekend has been no exception and I am truly glad for our friends, old and new.

We have very close friends with two little girls, who despite just returning from a holiday touring France, quite probably skint, dropped everything at short notice, drove 220 miles, checked into a local holiday caravan site - just to spend the weekend with us. Being with us, supporting us, drinking beer, making us laugh. Just like old times...

Another family with two little girls, very old friends of Gary (& me now of course), hired a private jet (no, I'm not kidding), flew into Exeter airport, and spent 24 hours with us. Being with us, supporting us, drinking beer, making us laugh. Just like old times...

And an very shy Mum, who's little boy goes to school with Lily, came to my door with fresh cut roses from her garden, offering me a hug, her phone number & any help she could give me with Lily or otherwise.

And my sister Becky and family are on their way. They want to be with us, support us, drink beer with us & make us laugh. Just as always....
And my big brother. Who sent me a card. The words he'd written made me cry. But that his wife is away & he'd bought the card & posted it himself (!) - means everything to me.....

I am reminded of the Brenda Russell song:
"You can reach me by railway, you can reach me by trailway
 You can reach me on an airplane, you can reach me with your mind
 You can reach me by caravan, cross the desert like an Arab man
 I don't care how you get here, just- get here if you can......"
Thank you.
All of you out there.
And I love all of your words too xx



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