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, 14 April 2021

Brutal

 It's week three, day 19. I get ready. False boobie in, new wig on, makeup applied. The salons are open and I'm delighted to get an early appointment to have may nails manicured and polished. A toe tidy and very fetching purple polish. A girly chat with Anne, my long time beauty therapist. I feel almost human again. In fact I feel brilliant! We call in to see Mum (she's in our covid bubble). At 84 she's had a new knee. As she demonstrates how well she can walk with crutches - I'm in awe of her. She's walked like a crooked old lady for the best part of 18 months - and there she is  - walking tall, upright and pain free. I'm so proud of her.

It's blood week, and it serves as a reminder that I'm about to embark on another round of chemo. I can hardly believe it. I don't want it but what can I do? Before I do - I plan to take to take Lily to the hairdressers for a Mum and daughter treat. She may as well use my hair allowance for the next year - I wont be needing it! While I'm feeling well, this is when I do stuff. Make meals for the freezer, scrub the shower, clean the floors. Oh the joy! But it's good the get things done. Because I'm about to embark on one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. Chemo Round 3. It's going to be brutal.

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