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.

Friday, 12 August 2011

How it all began...

I'm three weeks into this silly adventure, so I guess you need to be brought up to speed.


I found a lump in my breast a couple of weeks ago, while showering. All the bumf I've ever read on this subject, suggest you look out for some juicy Birds Eye peas in your boob. What happens when it resembles a golf ball? Does that count as a worrisome thing? Anyway - how on earth did it get there without me noticing?
I thought about the little blighter for a few hours & later on that day, got Gaz to have a quick fumble. Yep. He could feel it too.
I went to the GP's the next day. "I don't want to make a fuss" - I reassured my lovely GP, "its probably nothing"..
I'm referred to the local hospital & I was fairly surprised to get an immediate response. An appointment had been arranged for Monday 25th July, 2011. Allow 4 hours.
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)