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

Discharged

 Hooked up to intravenous antibiotics, I'm kept in hospital for 3 days. It's strange in these Covid times as there's no visiting, no TV, no locker by your bed to store your things. I'm living out of my overnight bag, feeling thankful that I've got my phone, charger and Kindle. A lady in the bay keeps putting her coat on and disappearing. 'Just going for a fag' she declares. I wonder what the matter with her is - she can't be that ill if she can walk out of the hospital grounds - its a fair walk.

I'm discharged with 7 days double dose of antibiotics. Glad to be home; in my own bed. 

There's one piece of chocolate cake left.

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