Well. thats the treatment over and done with. The radio was a breeze compared to everything else. I have started to blister a bit and they say that the effects won't kick in for a week or so. I'm obviously hoping they aren't too bad. The hair is growing back nicely but my nails are still pretty bad.
I went to the feeling great make up session at the Christie yesterday, it was lovely. I got loads of free samples of very expensive cosmetics and a bottle of SJP perfume, Twilight. Its gorgeous! So, anyone reading this blog who is going through treatment ( or just finished), get along to one of the workshops.!!
I have to go back to the hospital in 6 weeks for a check up and then my mammogram in June. Its odd to be honest. Although the doctor and my surgeon have confirmed that there was no cancer in the margins after my last op, nobody has said " Ok, thats great, you no longer have cancer" So it kind of feels unfinished. I know they don't say you are clear until 5 years has passed but I just expected someone to say its in remission or something. Oh well. maybe the doc will say something at my check up. It's going to be strange not having my life ruled by hospital and doctors appointments. In the past 8 months, there hasn't been a week gone by without an appointment somewhere! Hopefully, I can go back to what I started 8 months ago and do my teacher training....fingers crossed. Looking for a job is my priority now though.
I will decide about reconstruction later in the year. I'm fairly certain I will go for a reconstruction. Its not quite the way I would have envisaged getting a boob job, but hey, if its on offer......
Before I had cancer, it was a word, that I said in a hushed tone. A word that people still seem to hate to say out loud, because to most people cancer = dying. That is so not the case any more.
Cancer can beaten if it is caught early enough and we are vigilant, get to know our own bodies and not be afraid to go and see the doctor if something is worrying you. It is scary to be told you have cancer and your first thought is that you are going to die, and your second is, shit, I'm gonna be bald, but if you get an early diagnosis, chances are it won't kill you. I think it probably makes us a little stronger. Plus, your hair will grow back to be in better condition than it has for years!!
I have met some lovely people on this journey. Most of them breast cancer patients.All of them have the same positive outlook. Some have just had it ,like me and others have been clear for 10, 15 and 2o years. I am sure they will be friends always.The hospital staff at Wythenshawe and The Christie have been incredible, so sensitive and caring.
The next part of my journey is starting now. Hopefully, the fight is over and I can start planning and living again.
My gorgeous girl is getting ready to go off to university. She has been there every step of the way. She has held me while we cried together and she has made me smile when I was down. Don't get me wrong, she has been a pain in the ass sometimes too, but that keeps things normal and normal is good. My lovely bloke Mike has been my stable rock throughout it all. He must be soooo sick of hospitals!! Never once has he accepted that I could die, and his positivity has helped me stay positive. He was there when I woke from operations, rushing me to A &E with pains, giving me injections every day. They should have Mikeys available on the national health!!!
My family have kept me sane this past 8 months. Thank you all.
Will keep my blog posted with events that happen over the next few months. Until then..........KEEP CHECKING!!!!!
