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.

Thursday, 6 September 2012

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to me!
I know. Crazy isn't it?
Birthdays are just so......annual!
47
And I keep being told - with my pixie Annie Lennox haircut - that I look so much younger than I did...goodness. Must have looked 100...

 Had some news on my digital mammogram.
Left-side naughty, wonky boob - fine.
Right side - never had a mention before - two tiny benign tumours - whooaaaa - what?? Where did they come from? When did they arrive? How long they been there? Did the chemo kill 'em off? And anyway - how do you know they are benign? I was so shocked - I only got to ask the last question - to which the response was 'well that's what the consultant radiologist gets paid £100k+ a year for - to make that judgement'. Well I hope he's made the right call - for all our sakes. Next appointment will be with the oncologist (chemo doctor) - such fun!

 In my previous post, it wasn't my intention to make you 
a) sad  
b) feel sorry for me  
c) feel guilty 
d) think I'm depressed. 
None of those apply. 
It's hard being honest with yourself when generally you have a more positive outlook on life than some. 
I've not done, (and have no intention of doing), the 'pity me', 'poor me' 'why me' routine. Had a belly-full of that from Mrs Bouquet whom we visited with the rest of Gary's family at the weekend, in memorium of my father-in-law Bill's passing (a year ago). Got to get my own chuckle tho - she's only gone and spelt Bill's name wrong on the expensive stone in the cemetery....honestly! Well that'll teach her to run things by the family (especially when we are paying) and not do things off her own back. LOL

 And my precious Lily...the same day I published the last post - gave me Loveheart sweets saying...'for you' 'love you' & 'hug me'. And thanks to my hospice counselling - I now understand that when she won't get dressed by herself (which she's perfectly capable) - it's so she can really close to me. Intimate moments with her Mummy. And when I respond with 'Oh for goodness sake Lil you can do this' - it's a rejection by me - making her even sadder. And angrier. I'm learning Lily. Forgive me. But I'm still learning.

 So a spiffing day today so far.
Tea, hugs, cards & pressies...West End Lion King tickets for the Gang of Three, a new pet by way of a Venus Fly Trap...just watching it squeeze a wasp as we speak, Chanel Allure etc. 
An 'offical' day off (also know as a 'can't be arsed day' or a 'riffy day'). 
M&S Chinese & hot choc pud with cream & wine tonight.
Lovely....
Happy Birthday
To me!

Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)