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.

Thursday, 18 August 2011

Recovery

It's lovely to be home.
Lily is being extra cautious, not to hurt my poorly boob. After an hour, I put my jim-jams on & retire to bed. Lily joins me later for a bed-time cuddle - bliss.
Then Gary joins us - heaven.


Before I left hospital yesterday my BCN told me not to waste this year trying to look too far ahead and looking for answers. It scared me. I cried for only the second time. I don't know if there was a hidden message in there - but I don't intend to waste each special moment, or even each ordinary moment. And I promise to tell those I love - that I do love them.


I know I'm supposed to be resting, but I can't resist stripping the bed - one handed of course. Put some washing in - get told off - ask Gary to carry it in for me. Everyone is being very kind.
Flowers arrive everyday - not any old flowers - some of the most beautiful arrangements I've seen - thank you my friends. And cards, and amazing messages, and texts and calls - I feel un-deserving.


It's a lovely weekend, my gang of three back together again.


One of Lily's friend's Mum offers me a life line for Monday & Tuesday. Gary wants to be off with me, but is presenting to his bosses - a preplanned event & I think he should do it. So a wonderful Mum - who I've asked to join my posse of girls (vacancies do still exist) who I may call on for help in the coming months, has Lily for a sleepover Monday & Tuesday. Another adventure for my little one - she has an amazing time. I am hugely grateful - you know who you are - thank you.
Mum & Dad come on a daily basis. My ironing's been done, and my every need catered for. Dad even pops round to put my ASDA online order away - i beat him to it of course. No goat yet - I must be ok!
I feel a fraud...I'm healing well & have excellent mobility. I'm sorted.
Roll on Friday...I want those results. I want to know which shitty path I'm destined for. And I want to know if that shitty path comes with a sticky stick too.
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)