Fabulous

I think that word nicely sums up this last week – fabulous.

Monday we met up with my dad and step-mum And exchanged presents. We had planned to do it the week before Christmas but obviously as I was in hospital we had to postpone. We went out for a lovely meal and all the kiddies behaved – result!

Tuesday was my planning meeting for my radiotherapy. This was at a different hospital, around 40/45 minutes away, depending on traffic.

I was given a list of my times that I’ll be going. It starts this Thursday and then every week day for four weeks. It did say ‘end of treatment’ after 15 days but apparently I’m having 15 ‘normal’ sessions on my whole breast tissue the I’m to have five ‘boosts’ just to zap the area where they removed the tumour.

They said I had to have a CT scan where they would take all my measurements. I didn’t hear anything else, I was just worried I had to have a canuela; thankfully not.

I was taken into the CT room and the bed looked like it had a medieval contraction on it, although in hard plastic! There was somewhere to put my feet, my knees and my neck. I had to hold my hands above my head (that was the worst bit- history of dodgy shoulders). This is the position I’m going to have to be in for every session. They took all their measurements and did my three ‘tattoos’, this is done by marking my skin with a marker pen then putting a needle through it – they are still there.

I then saw my oncologist after. Both my scans were clear which is amazing. It really is a huge relief and absolutely brilliant. Although it did show I have arthritis in my hip. I do feel I should be more excited but getting the all clear for cancer hasn’t stopped or even eased the pain in my hip or allowed me to walk again. I’ve been referred to rheumatology and should see the pain clinic soon (appointment they sent has been cancelled and I’m awaiting a new date – long story). I’m sure I’ll be celebrating very soon.

Wednesday after weeks of not really seeing anyone I had two lovely visitors. Rob picked up his new bike – he’s now signed up to do the London to Brighton bike ride so will be looking for sponsors very soon. He did want to do something for breast cancer but to me the Heart Foundation is close to my heart (no pun intended). The ride is 4 days before what would have been my grandson’s 9th birthday, so it felt right.

To celebrate the good news we were very lucky to have been given some money towards a holiday. We are off to Gran Canaria a few weeks after my radiotherapy. I did say we could use the money as a deposit for a family holiday in the summer but then we thought about it. These past few months have been such a strain on us as a couple. Will be nice to go away as husband and wife, rather than patient and carer. I am excited beyond words!

Friday I had more lovely visitors and Saturday I actually went shopping with my friend as she needed some boots. She pushed me in the wheelchair, couldn’t find any boots but I came home with a nice pair! To end the day I went to the pub and actually had a few ciders – back in the game!

The perfect end to the week was our Christmas dinner – missmass. Next time I arrange for our friends to come over I must check the football fixtures! Rob was supposed to cook but his team were on telly so all he did was cut the veg. I did struggle but was worth it. Great day of food and games with some of our favourite people.

I am still in so much pain with my leg but I’m hoping now we know what it is we can deal with it. Hot flushes regularly. I laid in bed last night thinking I hadn’t had a night sweat for a while. Woke up at 2am feeling like someone was standing over me with a water hose – slept on a towel for the rest of the night, the duvet was soaked. I don’t get the service at home like I did in hospital. I just had to buzz and they’d come and change my sheets – Rob doesn’t even flinch!

So I start radiotherapy on Thursday, will obviously keep you updated as to how that goes xxx