15 years of Christmas!

15 years of Christmas!

15 Christmas celebrations since diagnosis. A thankful statement My Facebook memories today are full of Christmas activities including my first Christmas following diagnosis of advanced Neuroendocrine Cancer.  I had been out of hospital for only 4 weeks following major surgery in 2010. I remember the whole of my own family attended, my son and daughter's families and 3 grandsons (.... since diagnosis, I now have 4 💜).  Since last Christmas, I celebrated my eldest Grandson's 21st birthday on 3rd Jan 2025, he was only 6 when I was diagnosed.  I also enjoyed celebrating Chris's 70th birthday on 11th December 2024,…
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I’m still here

I’m still here

I wasn't supposed to be here but I am. I was diagnosed with metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) on 26th July 2010.  Until I arrived at my 5th anniversary, I hadn't thought much about how (or if) I should mark these occasions.  I never thought I would dwell on such things as 'Cancerversaries' but I now totally get why many patients and survivors do. There are several types of 'Cancerversary' that for some, could trigger a mix or range of emotions including gratitude, relief and fear of cancer recurrence or growth. These milestones could be the date of a cancer diagnosis,…
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Piss off cancer – I’m 68

Piss off cancer – I’m 68

I started doing the “Piss off cancer” series when I got to 65, mainly because I initially thought I wouldn’t make that age. I was 54 years and 9 months old at diagnosis on 26th July 2010.  For the first few months, I had no idea what the outcome would be.  What I did know at the time, given the final staging, grading, and other damage that was accumulated via various tests, checks, and scans; is that my body had been slowly dying. Without intervention I may not be here now to tell you this tale and who knows what…
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Piss off cancer – I’m 67.5

Piss off cancer – I’m 67.5

I started doing the “Piss off cancer” series when I got to 65, mainly because I initially thought I wouldn’t make that age. I was 54 years and 9 months old at diagnosis on 26th July 2010.  For the first few months, I had no idea what the outcome would be.  What I did know at the time, given the final staging, grading, and other damage that was accumulated via various tests, checks, and scans; is that my body had been slowly dying. Without intervention I may not be here now to tell you this tale and who knows what…
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