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.

Tuesday, 25 December 2012

Merry Christmas - again!

Would you believe it?
Here I am, celebrating another Christmas.......awesome.
Unlike last Christmas - where I was simply petrified of not making it to the Big Day - I have embraced Christmas this year with joy and a vengeance!
I've thrown myself into anything & everything going on.
Said 'No' to nothing!
Over done it?
You bet!
Over done the Christmas lights on the house - Coca Cola....take note
Over done the pressie buying - worth every penny on seeing my Lily's face this morning...
And Gary's for that matter!
Over done the feasting - too right!
And the Baileys
And the chocs.
I cried at the Queen's speech - I know, I know- I need to get out more
Had Christmas songs on the go all day - a juxtaposition when your 7 year old daughter says "Mum - can't we turn this DOWN a bit??".
When Lily was having a moment around Dinnertime - I found myself saying "Lily - come back to the table please, for Mummy, I want us all together, we just don't know how many more we have".
I'm on borrowed time.
There.
I've said it.
Out loud.
Oncologist in 2 weeks.
So on that note:

 Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be,
The last of life, for which the first was made:
Our times are in His hand
Who saith "A whole I planned,
Youth shows but half; trust God: see all, nor be afraid!"

 Embrace life dear friends...enjoy your Christmases
And if anyone wants to lend me a few more  - you know where to find me....
Under the tree
Where else?
Merry Christmas!
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