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, 22 September 2011

KBO!

Stop the world - I want to get off!
Have you ever had that feeling, when you've volunteered for something really wacky - then when it comes to it - you think - 'why on earth did I say yes?'. It feels a bit like that now...after my visit to the chemo unit. I was greeted by friendly staff, who were clearly understanding & caring and was taken into a side room. I'm  given the facts & figures of the chemotherapy treatment. We go through the pros & cons, the physical side effects (of which there are many )and emotional side effects (more still). It's daunting.
Being a swot/mixing with the right crowd in my teenage years(!)...I never did drugs - not once...well I'm going to make up for it now! It's been decided I'm having a PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central venous Catheter) line put in. Its a long thin hollow tube, put into a vein into the crook of my arm, threaded up until it reaches a large vein near my heart. Chemo/steroids/antibiotics in / blood out.  It will stay there for several months. I can bathe/shower but not swim...no issue there then.
All my obs were done & more bloods taken - I'm 100% healthy - oh... discounting the cancer of course!
I get written permission to get my eyebrows tattooed on - and that in itself raises a few eyebrows! This is Barnstaple, Devon - not Harley Street, London - I'm not from round 'ere - I still wear make-up to go to the shops or to see the sheep...well one has to keep one's 'townie' standards up. I know everyone thinks I'm bonkers...who cares....it's just for me. And it's being done tomorrow...thanks to my favourite beauty salon (Peach) - who have organised it by bringing a special 'townie' lady in - especially for me - thanks girls!
So, I'm on countdown to Friday 30th September. PICC line in & steroids/chemo/anti-sickness drugs all administered.
And I guess I'll be ready....
3 wigs - check,
Semi-permanent eyebrows - check,
Silk pillow - check,
Sick bowl - check,
Day-time telly - check
Offer to do my ironing - check
Loads of offers of help with Lily - check
And chocolate - check, check, check, check (thank you Sharon & Alan, Kate & Mick)

And if all else fails....I'll do a Winston Churchill
On days when nothing seemed to be going his way, he would start the day off by saying out loud: "KBO - Keep Buggering On!"
Check!
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