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.

Monday, 5 September 2011

Days like these

My father in law Bill, reached the finishing post today.
He passed away late morning. At peace after a courageous fight.
We knew it was coming, but we are still shocked.
Bereft.
And we need to tell Lily. We need to tell her that her beloved Grandad Bill has died. Of cancer.
But not the same as Mummy's cancer. Mummy won't die.

Gary is traumatised. He lost his Mum, and now his Dad to cancer. And his wife has cancer. I don't know how to comfort him, beyond the obvious. He is hurting.

And then. After telling Lily that Grandad Bill had gone to Heaven to be with Granny Gladys, Barney (dog), and Billy (her brother, the baby we lost), my last results came in.

Triple negative.

I'm neither upset nor surprised. I just knew it. From the start, this cancer has behaved badly.
And today it is just taking the p*ss.
But you've picked the wrong person this time. You won't win. You bugger.

Days like these.....who'd have 'em?

See www.breastcancercare.org.ukfor more info on triple negative breast cancer (look under types) 
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