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.

Sunday, 25 December 2011

Merry Christmas!

Of course, it gives me great pleasure to say Merry Christmas to you!
I'm so very, very glad.
It's been a wonderful day.
And I'm here, and well enough to enjoy it.

We started the day at a very reasonable (when you have a six year old!) 8am.
The front door had been sellotaped up, as had the lounge door. Lily wanted to be very sure that despite his girth, and the size of wished for gifts, that Santa would actually come down the chimney. She left a black bin liner in front of the fire - to capture any evidence - footprints and the like - of Santa, Rudolph, and her new best friend, Alfie the Elf. She's been corresponding with Alfie since November. Letters, pictures, cookies left on the fire, for Alfie. Believe me it's been exhausting to remember to ensure the return correspondence was a) written by next morning and b) covered in snow for authenticity. But it's been a joy.
So, with forensics appropriately applied - snow footprints on the black bin liner of Santa, Rudolph & Alfie, and the downing of the large glass of port, half chewed carrot, half-eaten apple & crumbs from yet more cookies - the scene was set this morning for Miss Lily Marple.
And it was perfect.
Santa had definitely been!
Our little girl was delighted.
And I was glad to be alive.
Breakfast of Bucks Fizz, croissants & home-baked ham, was followed by a right good Christmas lunch, courtesy of Mum & Dad. Proper job! Thanks!
Back by 5.30pm - it was right to let Lily come back home to a room full of toys & gifts.
Some play time & a rest for me.
Dr Who.
Bath-time & bed for a happy little girl.
Downton Abbey (Oh yes - love it!)
And a reflection now, of how lucky I am.
I love Christmas. I love giving gifts. I love the look on my little one's face when the sellotape barricade hasn't been breached. And I love the fact that I'm here.
Five months ago, in the BCN's office, there were no guarantees. I had to get to Christmas.
It was my first major goal.
Well here I am.
And I'm giving myself a pat on the back.
And sending BIG thanks to everyone who has helped me, thought about me, prayed for me, messaged me, pep-talked me and pushed me through the mire.
Have a very Merry Christmas.
Enjoy every minute.
I am!
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