Yes, still here!

Well, I've made it past the few months to a year prognosis of my terminal cervical cancer, not that anyone ever reads this blog. I still look much too healthy for some people and can still function reasonably well! 

Have an MRI scan next Tuesday to see what's going on down there. Definitely something, as I'm getting more bloated and my innards are more erratic, though not in any great pain, more discomfort really.

 Not sure if extra weight I've put on is the tumour expanding or just me pigging out. Difficult to say as always had a bit of a belly, but scan will reveal all. I feel this might be the beginning of the end for me and its a bit scary to think how bad I might get if cancer has spread elswhere. I suspect it has.

On a lighter note I had a lovely week in Cornwall recently with friends. Tiring, as we packed a lot in, visiting Padstow, Land's End and the Eden Project, Fowey and lots of pretty places in between.  Also a lovely pub in Lostwithiel where we stayed. Had a few Cornish ciders and a great steak meal there. Local fish n chip shop and Chinese takeaway were great too. Another item crossed off my "things to do before I croak" bucket list, as never been to Cornwall.

Paid deposit for my solo trip to Isle of Man in October. Whether I make it or not remains to be seen. I will pay balance depending on scan results. I'll only lose £125 if I have to cancel. 

I've just realised I've been living with this disease since June 2021 though reckon it's probably a lot longer, as I had bloating symptoms for years, but various ultrasounds never showed up any concerns, so I just assumed it was IBS. Maybe if it had been investigated more at the start with an internal...!

Perhaps my 2 covid jabs triggered cancer that was already there, when I started bleeding? 

 I will never know.

Holiday pics. Tuscany.

Holiday in Tuscany

My holiday in Tuscany with my good friends was wonderful. As a first time flyer, I wasn't nervous at all and thoroughly enjoyed the flight and my lugholes didn't suffer too much!

We visited some beautiful cities, including Pisa, with its famous Leaning tower, Cathedral and Baptistry. It really has the "Wow" factor as you pass through that archway.

I enjoyed Florence with all its beautiful architecture and statues. Unfortunately the queues to the Accademia Gallery where the beautiful marble statue of David now stands  were too long, but I took a pic of the fine replica, where the original once stood. 

The highlight of the week was the wine tasting on Thursday  accompanied by some tasty treats.

The last night was great too with a performance by 3 tenors and a pianist at the beautiful venue in the Spa park in Montecatini Terme where our hotel was situated.

Lovely hotel, nice staff and though I wasn't keen on some of the food, I coped OK - made up for it with the delicious ice creams, pastries and savouries  when we were out and about! 

We met some lovely people there and whatever time I have left I will remember this fantastic holiday forever.

Heathrow airport was a bit of a nightmare though!

Re. phone consultation.

Regarding my phone consultation with a doctor I've never actually seen, it appears there is no more treatment available for my cervical cancer. Palliative care team were supposed to have contacted me but I've not heard yet. I feel reasonably well still, so not that bothered. My new prognosis is from few months, to 1 to 2 years,  but outcome unpredictable. Nice to know anyway. Hopefully I'll make my holiday to Italy. My friends can always take my ashes with them if not -   and say I actually went!

I find dark, gallows type humour helps, so I'll probably publish more of it, as I get nearer the clog popping experience.

My Cancer Prognosis

 It's a while since I posted on here, not that anyone reads it very often.

I was diagnosed with the big C, (cervical cancer) last summer and after various tests at my local hospital I was referred to Addenbrookes in Cambridge for light chemo, radiotherapy and also brachytherapy. After initial promising results, it unfortunately came back aggressively and my condition is now terminal.

A big, up to 18 hour op, was deemed out of the question due to my age. They may be able to delay the inevitable with treatment and I'm waiting to speak to consultant on Friday to discuss options.

I'm feeling quite well considering and intend to enjoy what time I have left, so Italy here I come next month! I might even get my bum pinched!

I bought some new anti-wrinke firming face cream the other day. Hopefully, by the time I pop my clogs, I'll look "dead" good in my coffin!

 

To Mow or not to Mow (with apologies to Will Shakespeare)

To mow or not to mow the back lawn? That is the question

Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous backache.

Or  take a sea of paracetamol and just get on with it?

Or by opposing them,  just work through the pain? 

St George's Day

It's St George's day, today

But at home we have to stay.

No celebrations at the pub. 

Or visit restaurants for grub.

We may think its such a drag

But we still can fly the flag.

Let us show that we are strong.

As this lockdown could be long.

We are British,  have great resilience

We love our NHS in all their brilliance.

Working hard to keep us well

In conditions of pure hell.

We may be bored and scream and shout

But unless you need to, don't go out.

Read a book or watch the telly. 

Bake a cake or make some jelly.

Play some music, text a friend.

To stop you going round the bend!

The sun is shining, such a boon.

Birds are singing, nesting soon.

The seasons pass, then come once more.

Nature's timeless beauty at our door.

We can still stroll, go for a jog

Or walk to exercise the dog.

Keep our distance on that mile. 

And don't forget to wear a smile! 😁