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.

Tuesday, 29 November 2011

The summit

What a lovely view.
Breathtaking.
I see the blue sea and pearly white sand of St Lucia on one side
On the other; crisp white snow, an elf waiting to greet me to go & find Santa. Lapland.
Where am I?
On top of my mountain of course!
I've got through chemo round 3. And here I am.
Halfway.
Top of the mountain.
Three giant steps left.
And surely this stage will be over.
Let it be.

I have recovered from my mini-meltdown last week.
Bound to happen some might say. And rightly so. Nurse Gladys Emmanuel - who did bear the brunt of my burst dam of tears and excess snivelling - was concerned enough to get another specialist involved. I have a cancer specialist nurse from the Hospice coming to visit me tomorrow. Now I've already signed up for Reiki massage and some counselling at the hospice - so I'm unsure what tomorrow will entail. However, services are being offered - and I'm not too proud to refuse. Basket weaving here we come.

I realise my previous post sounded like a rallying call - although its not what I had intended. But boy - did you respond! Many messages of support. Many friends helping with Lily. Lots of hugs. Chocolate. Magazines. Thank you.
Thank you for not tiring of me. Thank you for your continued support of Lily. Thank you for caring about Gary.
So. I'm OK. No, really I am. No fibs.
Just a couple of sherries from sober. Tired. Very tired. But functioning. Just.
Except when I went out for the first time in 11 days today. To Tesco's (Oooooh). I spot a HUGE shoulder of lamb on offer. £3.99. Absolute bargain. I think of the fabulous luxury James Martin pot-roasted Shepherds Pie http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/potroastedlambshephe_92551.
I seemed to have spent a lot on a few bits.
It was only when I got home that I realised.
£3.99 per kilo.
Doh!
£15 for a Shepherds Pie!!!!!
So much for my austerity measures....
It had better be good....
Chemo brain....
Doh!
Safer to do basket weaving me thinks.
Or origami....
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