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, 17 November 2011

Cancer is so limited...

Cancer is so limited...
It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot eat away peace.
It cannot destroy confidence.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot shut out memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot reduce eternal life.
It cannot quench the Spirit.

Chemo round 3 tomorrow.
A few days to get to the top of the mountain.
Then down again.
I'm ready.
To go 'Wheeeeeee'
Think of me.
The champagne's going in the fridge.
Ready for my descent.
To the foot of the mountain...
And round 6.
But one day at a time - eh.
No point rushing it.
The chemo has to work
Cos there's nowt else for me
No preventative drug.
No Tamoxifen or Herceptin
Just chemo, radio and a wing & a prayer.
And champagne of course!
Cheers! x
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1 comment:

Jo Parkine said...

Thinking of you today and always. Love you xxxx

18 November 2011 at 16:40

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