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.

Wednesday, 21 March 2012

They think it's all over......it is now!

That's it.
All done.
20 sessions of radiotherapy, including 5 intensive electron therapies.
Finished.
Completed.
Endured.
I know I should be skipping round the room with a bottle of bolly, celebrating. But somehow I can't. Because with the completion of my last treatment, came the appointment card for my next trip to hospital.....in just three weeks time. 
See, I want to say 'Hurrah! It's all over'. 
But in reality it's not. 
It'll never be 'over'. 
This morning, Lily said, "Ooooh Mummy. No radiotherapy today. You can spend all day in your pyjamas." and yes - it was one of the loveliest things that have been said recently. And yes - it is a joy, not to travel the daily 101 miles for treatment - I am relieved and happy that part is over. And I want to thank everybody especially LeeM, Dad & Gary for providing such an excellent taxi service.
And while you're asking...I won't be told I'm in 'remission' nor will I be given the 'all-clear'. Apparently it doesn't work like that.
I shall be 'living with cancer'.
Well, let's look on the bright side...it's better than 'dying with cancer'. :-)
So. What next?
Well - the site of the radiotherapy is likely to react in around 7 - 10days. Blistering sunburn. Watch out for skin breakage & infection. Mmmmm. Nice! Internally in that area - it is a little painful. And hot. But nothing worth shouting too loudly about. I am to rest and rest some more. 'Put your feet up' - they said. Oh Lordy....not again! Ignoring all advice today - I went to get my nails done - nothing new there! And raided Holland & Barrett for some healthy gloop. Oh, didn't I mention? I've been juicing for the last few days. The chemo has really affected my digestive system and I find it really hard to eat salads, plates of vegetables, lots of fruit. In fact I struggle with anything bigger than a baby-sized portion. Chicken & meat are off the menu. Though I still have a thing for sausages..I know - not the healthiest thing on the list. So - after researching & chatting to my friend JoeyP (who has the said juicer) - I've splashed out & bought one. It's fantastic. And boy, don't I feel smug! You throw in whole unpeeled apples, chunks of pineapple, spinach, carrots, lemons, limes, oranges, broccoli, kale, cucumber, avocado. Sounds revolting..(actually it usually looks revolting - like something Shrek might drink) - but incredibly tasty. And it's jammed packed full of good stuff. So, to make it even healthier, I went to H&B for spirulina and wheat grass powder. Now I'm not suggesting this Shrek juice will keep the cancer at bay alone - but at least alongside the conventional chemical medicine, I am getting lots of vitamins, minerals & antioxidants. It cant be a bad thing. Can it? Perhaps I'll throw an aspirin in for good measure (see the press today).
And I've cooked a 10 bean & red lentil chilli for tonight. Heeheehee. Gary, the carnivore, will be SO impressed (not!). Check out the methane gas levels tonight. Nice & cheap tho. And tasty!
We've not had any takers for the house yet. But that's OK. The key time to sell is Easter - so we're ready. We lost the bungalow we put an offer on. As we hadn't sold ours - we couldn't begin the completion process. Oh well. Never mind. We'll see what comes up when ours sells. And it will. 
So the next couple of days?
I'm taking Lily's advice.
A pyjama day is definitely called for.
Bliss.
With champagne?
Maybe.
Definitely maybe.....
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