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, 4 September 2011

Chicken Soup

Some quiet time this week.
I say quiet - what I really mean is no procedures, poking, prodding, or waiting in for results. I do have some pretty important results to come - what sub-type of breast cancer do I actually have - curable (HER2) or treatable (triple negative) - but I'm not expecting those until this week coming. We need to know, of course because I see the oncologist - whom I shall call Dr Scratch-card - on Thursday 8th. She'll need to know so she can organise the appropriate chemotherapy.
Our postie didn't think it was quiet...a big thanks goes to everybody again, for flowers, cards and uplifting messages of support.

My nieces Lauren & Sarah sent me a survival kit.
No - not a Swiss army knife or firelighters but a wonderful bag of goodies, accompanied by stunning flowers & tear-jerking words. In the goody bag:
A beautiful handtied head-scarf - to make me look beautiful (still!)
Chocolate and fudge face masks - to make Lily laugh at me
Refreshing organic peppermint tea - to revive my palette, post chemo
Green & Blacks organic chocolate - it's well known that choccie is a cure-all
And a book.
A special book.
Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor's Soul.
I want to be a survivor.
For you, Lauren & Sarah.

And then, yesterday, Saturday, leaving Lily with Granny-Mo & Grandad, Gary and I had to put our brave hats on.
You know that my dear father-in-law Bill, is terminally ill. We drove the 220 miles to see him.
In his last day at home.
And for a few moments at a time, we were able to say our final goodbyes. He knew we were there and we were grateful for that, because today - Sunday - he has lost consciousness and has almost completed his final furlong.
The finishing line beckons.....
Safe journey Bill - I love you. x

From there, shattered, distraught and sad, we drove an hour south & sought solace at my Very Best Friends (VBF), Julie & Marc - whom I've known for almost 30 years.
We needed their warmth, understanding, hugs and love.
We got it in abundance.
And we were fed and watered.
With chicken soup.
To soothe our souls.
With love x




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