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, 27 October 2011

♫ "Oh I do like to be beside the seaside...."

I've spent a wonderful week by the sea.
Literally by the sea - the breaking waves some 10 metres from the front door.
Pure sea air - filling our lungs.
Seals peeping out of the water - laughing at us as we try to photograph them. 
Bliss.
My relaxing haven has now been interrupted by the call for more chemo tomorrow (Friday 28th).
How rude!
Leaving Lily by the sea with Granny-Mo & Grandad - Gary has just driven the 3 hours required to get me back to reality.
10.30am bloods to be taken & analysed. If my neutrophil count is up to an acceptable standard - the next stage can go ahead. We get to see another oncology consultant whom I shall call Martini - (Scratch-card is away). We'll discuss the side-effects of the last round, and a plan for another drug she wants to give me along-side the chemo to boost my immune system up to more acceptable levels. And something for the head & eye pain.
If all goes well - we'll be done by tea-time.
And then back to the sea....
Another 3 hours...
To my Lily...
And my Gang of Three..
Bliss....x
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