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, 18 December 2011

Splendid Moriarty!

I decide to check out the emergency Chemotherapy Out of Hours Service at the North Devon District Hospital this weekend.
I choose my timing well.
3am, Friday night/Saturday morning.
Nightclub chucking out time.
I view the special yellow 'Emergency Chemo' card to ensure I fit one or more of the categories. Temp above 38ºC (not quite), feel very unwell (check),  difficulty breathing (check), chest pains (check) etc.
Waking Gary first - well I wouldn't want him to miss out - I proceed.
The bleeped number is answered by a bright cheery voice.
With laboured breathing, I whisper, hoarsely, my name, DOB, and symptoms. Hope she takes me seriously because I sound like a nuisance heavy breather call.
And I stress the fact that 'I don't want to make a fuss'.
Cheery voice will ring me back when she's located my notes.
Cheery voice does ring back.
She's already spoken to the doctor & I am to go in.
A bed in a side room has been made available.
They are waiting for me.
Speed of light.
This is the NHS.
Gary doesn't complain that he's only just flown in from a business trip & had 4 hours sleep, and kindly takes me on the 10 minute journey to the hospital. Our arrival wakes up the sleeping security. 
There's not another soul in sight.
Where's all the loutish Friday night drunks, still wearing Christmas party hats, picking fights with each other? Where's the girls in short skirts, no coats (you'll catch your death going out like that) a pair of impossible killer heels in one hand & a vomit filled handbag in the other? 
Where's the worried parent of the 13 year old, who's being pumped out with salt water, after drinking the entire contents of their best friend's Mum & Dad's drinks cupboard?
No.
This is Devon
And Devon is asleep.
On arrival, we are shown to my little side room.
We are treated with kindness and efficiency. And a fresh hot cup of tea.
Obs are done.
A doctor does a very thorough examination of me (well I am a unique specimen after all!)
Lots of blood taken.
ECG
Chest Xray.
Breakfast. For me & Gary.
Sleep.
More Obs.
A consultant & team arrive.
Bloods are permissible at this stage of the chemo cycle (day 8).
Chest XRay - clear.
I've got viral tracheitis. Just like the majority population in this area.
Just like Gary.
Just like lovely Lily.
Bacteria cultures are being grown over the next 48hours - just to be certain.
Hurrah! I think.
I am normal.
And I can go home.
Splendid Moriarty!
Splendid!
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1 comment:

Jackie R said...

Sorry to read that you have succombed to the North Devon flu - Colin has still lost his voice and isn't 100%, and I well imagine it must be much worse for you. Thoughts are with you, Gary and Lily. Hoping you are all better for Christmas and have a very special time together. Jackie xxx

19 December 2011 at 17:01

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