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, 16 February 2021

Chemo Cocktail

 When I was ill before, that is back in 2011 when I was first diagnosed with cancer, several friends did mad things. Things like 10k runs, ran marathons, and jumping out of aeroplanes, all in the name of charity. They wanted to raise funds in my name for my chosen charities. I split the funds between my local hospice and a new cancer unit about to be built at North Devon Hospital. It was with some irony that I entered the Seamoor Unit on Thursday. Set away from the main hospital building, I admired its sense of calm, its newness and seemingly cheerful staff. I raised a virtual glass to those friends who had selflessly faced their own fears and raised funds for such a unit. At least I'll get my monies' worth!

After initial checks, height, weight, BP, pulse, oxygen levels I a called in to see Dr Stephens the Oncologist. I was surprised to be greeted at the door by Stephen Merhant wearing a mask. I suppressed a giggle wondering where his sidekick Ricky Gervais was hiding. Come on Jane, this is serious. A matter of fact type of doctor, we discussed my previous experience with chemotherapy. I had tolerated it quite well. That's not to say it was easy. It wasn't. It was bloody hard. It got harder and harder each round you had but I never failed at it. My bloods each time were good enough for more and I never abandoned nor postponed any of the treatments. Dr Merchant, sorry, Stephens explained that the evidence for chemotherapy in recurrent cancer is much weaker than primary cancer. Mmmm. That's not brilliant then. But its the only tool in their toolbox. Furthermore I can't have the chemo combo (FEC100) I had before because I've reached my lifetimes' limit. So my chemo cocktail this time is TC (Docetaxel and Cyclophosphamide). Four rounds with 3 week intervals. We went through the side effects. Nausea, hair loss, sores, bone-marrow suppression, bleeding, anaemia. And yes I was made aware of the important risk of chemo related toxic death. On that cheery note - I signed my life away.

So Saturday 27th Feb Covid Swab

Monday March 1st Pre-chemo appointment

Tuesday March 2nd PICC line inserted

Wednesday March 3rd First round of chemo

Bring it on......I love a cocktail.....cheers! 





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