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.

Friday, 21 September 2012

BBQ's and the DWP

So.
According to the new St John's Ambulance advert, I am going to:
Find out I've got cancer - tick.
Have to tell loved ones including young daughter - tick.
Have surgery - tick.
Have gruelling chemo/radiotherapy & get really sick - tick.
Work hard on my road to recovery - tick.
Have a barbeque to celebrate....
Choke on a sausage.....
Die....
Well - bloody marvellous!
That REALLY cheered up my viewing of the TV recently and reminded me not to attend barbeques in the coming months unless I want to double my odds of not seeing in my 50th birthday. Such fun!

 On that happy note - the DWP (Dept Work & Pensions) have declared me fit enough to start looking for work. Based on a computer programme, that didn't have any boxes to fill in for post chemo chronic fatigue / pain management / dysfunctional chemo brain / poor cognitive skills and oh....what was it now.....oh, forgetfulness - the computer said noooo - or in this case yes!
Strange one that - because my GP and hospital consultants have not declared me fit for work yet. Bizarre.
So, Ros, from Macmillan CAB, if you are reading this - I'll be in touch very soon for your help.

 But it got me thinking. What jobs could I do in this current state?
a) Bed tester...an hours kip on all beds available in store.
b) TV program assessor - give reviews on Home under the Hammer & my new favourite the Renovation Game (CH4 11am) or the Great British Bake Off......you, Paul Hollywood, can test my buns anytime!
c) Early night organiser. Is it natural to go to bed before my 7 year old?
d) Kindle book reviewer. I'm a Kindle addict....click, click, click
e) Expert DIY thinker. Having always been the DIY doo-er in our homes (Gary's the technical/mechanical wizard) - I haven't quite got the energy to tackle any projects yet - but do like to think of them & dream up new colour schemes or renovation projects. They're all in my head - so I might just go & live in a virtual world.
f) Professional malingerer. After all - that's what the DWP think.....

 Well damn them.......perhaps I'll invite them to a BBQ........

 Sausage anyone?
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