Some friends have asked for an update. I wanted to wait with my next post until I could be a bit more upbeat, but somehow I haven’t experienced a euphoric boost after the cancer-free diagnosis. The days are gray and stormy; my hair is gray and thinning; and my mood is gray and gloomy. There … More Grey, grey, grey
Thursday was the American holiday Thanksgiving. Obviously, it is not observed in Britain, but I had my own special day of giving thanks: my oncologist told me that according to the PET scan, I am free of cancer! The months of chemo torture have paid off: the cancer is gone from the lymph node! Dr … More A Day of Thanksgiving
I had my last round of chemo on Tuesday. Thank you for the words of encouragement because it was indeed the worst. First, the cold cap was more painful than usual and gave me a terrible headache. I also felt nauseous during the therapy, which hasn’t happened before. There was nothing I could do, but … More Saving the worst for lastl
As several of you have noted, my last blog posting was 20th September. It has been a long pause, but firstly, I didn’t want to bore everyone with my same old side-effect stories, and secondly, we have had to deal with more challenges – and heartbreak. The fourth round of chemo was in fact more … More Taking things one step at a time
Apologies for another long break between blogs. I’ve been busy finishing the Soroptimist magazine, which will be printed next week. I plan to begin the last issue immediately. I have enjoyed the work over the years, but now it is time for change – and retirement for me! I saw my oncologist on Thursday, and … More Keeping my feet on the ground
I apologise for the long silence, but this was clearly a case of no news is good news. I have been very busy with the magazine I produce for the Soroptimists and felt I should carry on with that rather than write my blog. In terms of my physical well-being, the past three weeks since … More It’s the sum of little things
Thankfully, I was able to resume my chemo today. With the exception of a lower level of platelets than normal, my blood tests results were sufficient to allow us to go ahead. The oncology nurse would have preferred to wait a few more days, as she is concerned about my new wound after my recent … More Two down, four to go
I wrote my blog yesterday, but sadly, it got lost because I didn’t save it in time. The news is that I will be discharged today and can leave at about 2pm. It has been 11 days! And I’m ready for Christopher, Ginger and Lundsford Farm! It is long overdue, but I would like to … More Let’s give a hand to family and friends
This quote from Macbeth has been swirling around my brain for days. If matters had worsened, you might have had “Out, out brief candle…”, but thankfully, that finality was not necessary. Yes, the spot is out. The implant was removed yesterday in an emergency operation, performed by my surgeon. However, I am not so sure … More “Out, damned spot! Out, I say”
I have hesitated to write another post because all I can do is list my woes without providing a plan to resolve them. The main reason for this dilemma is that the surgeon who performed the mastectomy and placed the implant has been on holiday all week. As he appears to be the senior consultant, … More One frustration after another
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