Day Thirty Two (New Year's Eve)

It's hard to believe that today is the last day of 2009! This time last year I was in Switzerland skiing and contemplating a very busy year ahead with lots of change - planning our wedding, getting used to married life, moving country, changing name....

2009 certainly has been a very eventful year for us, with lots of highs (friends getting married, new arrivals and most especially our wedding) and also lots of lows (Dave in hospital, Andrea in hospital, friends being ill, losing loved ones and my recent diagnosis).

This year has taught me a lot about where I put my time and priorities and how it's so easy to get caught up in things that don't really matter. The thing I have learned more than anything this year is how blessed we are to have such amazing families, friends & work colleagues. We learned that so much through the never ending help and support we got during the wedding preparations and even more so in the last two months. We appreciate every one of you and thank you so much for all your love, care, support & thoughtfulness.

We have no idea what 2010 will hold but we are thankful that we are have so many incredible people in our lives to help us through and I am so thankful that I have an amazing, loving husband right beside me through everything. Above all that we are thankful that God is by our side every minute of every day and He is in control of everything....the news of my cancer was not a surprise to Him, and nothing that can happen in the year ahead will be either.

Wishing you all a VERY happy 2010!

Day Thirty One

I've been feeling pretty full of cold all day so I spent the morning chilling out, reading & taking plenty of lemsip!

The day was really brightened up by a visit from Steve & Ruth this afternoon on their way home from Christmas up North. It was great to see them and we spent most of the evening playing Buzz (PS2 Sports Quiz) - hence, the "staged" photo of "Fabio" (Cappello) showing his disgust at being beaten by two girls :)


We had a good time catching up and chatting, and are grateful for them stopping by to spend time with us.

Thankfully Dave is feeling better today and getting back to eating normally. Can't believe how quickly time has gone since my family left on Monday, and I haven't been outside the front door since then.

I hope everyone is having a restful time with your family and friends while people are off, and enjoying the break from work.

Day Thirty

Today has been a visit from Colin - lunch, dinner, mince pies, cheese and biscuits and lots of time on the sofa watching DVDs....

I've been feeling better than yesterday and have more energy but I haven't left the house all day! My sore throat has developed into a cough but is improving. Thankfully, Dave is feeling a bit better and had his first proper meal since Saturday :) It's been good for both of us to have some down time and take things very easy & it's been great to catch up with Colin as we haven't seen him for so long.

Day Twenty Nine

It's been a very special Christmas time with my family and I still can't quite believe they all came over to spend Christmas with us. We had a lovely, restful few days spending time together and will always remember this as the most amazing Christmas. Andrew & Orla left at lunchtime yesterday and the others left this morning.....and are still on their way home.

We went to Dave's Mum's place in Swindon on Saturday and had a lovely day - with the most amazing food! Ashley & Nicky also came up to join us. It was lovely for everyone to see each other again for the first time since the wedding. Thank you Marilyn!

Health wise I've been doing quite well - just very tired. I feel so tired sometimes it feels like I'm jetlagged....I'm aware of everything going on but just not quite with it! Today I've had a sore throat and feel a little bit under the weather but I've just been lying on the sofa all day, sleeping and watching dvds.

Dave has been sick since Saturday evening and spent the whole day in bed yesterday. Thankfully, he's feeling a bit better today but still not eating a lot. It's been nice to be able to relax and do nothing and we're really looking forward to relaxing and taking things easy for the rest of this week.

THANK YOU Heather, Tommy, Lauren, Isabel, Leah, Roger, Andrew & Orla for being here and for making this Christmas time so special. We so appreciate everything you did and will have so many very happy memories of our first Christmas together.

Christmas Day (Day Twenty-Six)

We had a VERY special day today and hope you all enjoyed a lovely Christmas Day with your families.

Christmas Eve (Day Twenty-Five)

Sharon's little helper here as she has had to head to bed..... last night was a tough time with watching the clock and being unable to sleep (probably due to some of the steroids which form part of the anti-sickness medication). Hence, this morning was spent trying to catch up on some sleep (with not much success), while I headed down to Swindon to pick up some things. Sharon is still doing well, and we are very thankful for this level of health under the circumstances.

We have spent a fantastic afternoon and evening with our family from Ireland. We continue to pinch ourselves that they are really here and have been prepared to organise this trip and travel so far (under less than ideal weather conditions).

Needless to say, we are so unbelievably thankful for all our family and friends who have shown simply outrageous acts of kindness. We are humbled to think that people care so much, and we try to thank God together at the end of each day so that we do not take this support for granted.


Sharon has asked me to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and we both pray that this will be a special time for each person reading this blog in whatever circumstance you find yourself in at this time. It is wonderful to know that there is a most amazing reason to celebrate tomorrow, as we remember God's ultimate gift to all of us. Not just Jesus the baby, but as God Himself coming to help those who will accept Him.

Happy Christmas!

Love,
David & Sharon

Day Twenty Four

I got the most amazing Christmas present this evening! Some very familiar looking carol singers turned up at the doorstep singing Jingle Bells :) My family got up at the crack of dawn and travelled all day to surprise me and be here with us for Christmas. I was so stunned I just burst into tears! I'm so touched that they all travelled so far to be here and still can't quite take it in!

And on the health front.....I've been feeling really well today - a little bit quesy this morning but nothing very bad. I'm on anti-sickness drugs until Christmas day and they seem to be working really well so far. I've been able to eat well today and have just been resting on the sofa by the fire, watching TV, on the phone and the internet!
I also went to the GP's surgery for my vaccine to boost my white blood cells, which should kick in within 5 to 7 days. The staff there are so friendly and helpful it's lovely to be treated by such kind people.

Meanwhile, my husband was busy all day doing all the cooking, washing up, cleaning & ironing....and preparing for the guests I had no idea were coming. As well as threatening to break my legs if I moved from the sofa!!

What an amazing day - I am so overwhelmed by the love of all my family and so look forward to spending Christmas with them, and especially my first Christmas with my new husband.

Day Twenty Three (Chemotherapy 2)

We got some great news today! When we saw the consultant, he examined me and announced that the tumor has started to shrink already :) We couldn't believe it was working already but we could tell my the huge smile on the Professor's face that he was really pleased with the progress.

We left really early this morning as the roads were so bad - I slept in the back seat for most of the journey but Dave said the roads were really icy, even some of the motorways were down to one ice free lane but he still managed to get us there over an hour early!

The treatment went well and very easy (apart from the first 10 minutes of the ice cap!). I'm feeling really well so far and very glad of all the anti-sickness medications. I will need to take them for the next 3 days and hopefully they will have the same effect as last time. I was exhausted afterwards but am already tucked up on the sofa with a duvet & hotwater bottle and dinner, thanks to my amazing husband :) I think he's lot more tired than me and looking forward to a long lie in tomorrow morning.

Thank you SO much to everyone for your texts, voicemails, blogs and mails but especially for your prayers...they really are making a difference! Above all we are grateful to God for this amazing news, and while we know that I still face some tough times ahead, that things are moving in the right direction, and we are really encouraged by this.

Day Twenty-Two

As we were "snowed" in last night, we returned home today. It was great to see Alan and Ann briefly before we left Swindon. Andrea has come with us as she has taken a day off work and volunteered to come to London with us tomorrow. We returned to a very festive scene, with snow in the driveway and rushed in to turn the heat up full blast.

Been feeling quite tired today and just wondering how much more tired I will feel this time tomorrow. But Dave is making me sit down and rest this evening - he's making tea, washing dishes and making Andrea do the ironing!

We are heading to London very early tomorrow morning given the weather conditions and the early appointment - just hoping that the roads aren't too icy first thing. Thank you to all the people who have told us they are thinking and praying for us over this particular day. I can't say we are looking forward to it.....especially 3 hours of -6 headwear :)

Also, just to say we were touched by the news of a very special person in our lives who called us this afternoon and turns out he has been very unwell. We love you and your family very much and will be praying for you to get well soon.

Day Twenty One

It's been so cold and icy here this weekend so it's been nice to stay indoors and stay in bed longer. Dave made me breakfast in bed again this morning....I'm getting use to this :)

We came down to Swindon this afternoon to see Dave's family and watch his cousin Thomas beat me at Elf Bowling....not that hard as I only scored 12 - but he's only 6!!

It was lovely to go to the Christmas Carol service in Swindon this evening and it really feels like Christmas now! When we came out the roads were so icy we decided to stay in Swindon tonight and travel home tomorrow afternoon instead.

I also got to chat to Heather, Tommy and the girls this evening.....they're just back from a week in the sunshine of Gran Canaria and are having to adjust to the cold and ice back home!

Sorry I don't have a photo today but the camera is at home in Bicester so I'll update it tomorrow instead. Claire, hope you're feeling better and recovering from your time in hospital and that you find somewhere nice and warm to live really quickly.

Day Twenty

I've been feeling so much better today - it seems like the flu symptoms have worn off at last. Just need to get lots of rest now before my next treatment on Tuesday. I will get to see the consultant as well, find out more about the treatment plan and ask him questions.

Marilyn & Andrea left this morning & drove back to Swindon - thank you both so much for visiting us :) We went out and bought some more discounted Christmas decorations today, so the house is turning more and more into a home.

Orla, the books you sent arrived today - thank you so much....they're great! They will definitely make me put my feet up, rest and stay in the warm for the remainder of the week & over Christmas.

Day Nineteen

It's hard to believe only five months ago today we got married. We had no idea then what would lie ahead this year but Dave has been the most amazing husband and friend to me, especially over the last few weeks. He has looked after me and encouraged in so many ways and I thank God every day that he is by my side through all of this. Thank you Dave for everything - I really don't know how I would cope without you .

It's been really cold today and we woke up to snow in the garden this morning. I still feel a little fluey but much better than yesterday and I was able to get out for a bit this afternoon. Marilyn & Andrea came up to visit this evening and we all went out for tea. It's lovely to have them visit & stay here tonight.

Day Eighteen

I have been feeling the effects of the swine flu vacination today. I didn't have a great night last night and felt feverish and fluey and had a bad headache. It improved when I got up this morning but I spent most of the day lying on the sofa, watching day time tv as I didn't feel like doing anything else. I still have some flu pains this evening but it's a lot better than it was.

It's a big difference to the first time I got the injection 3 weeks ago when I had no reaction or side affects but my immune system is lower now. Hopefully it will just last a couple of days and I'll be fit & well again for my second chemotherapy on Tuesday.

Thank you again to everyone for your encouragement, texts, mails & cards - it means so much to us.

Day Seventeen

Thank you so much to Laura & everyone at Avis for the lovely flowers you sent- they are beautiful :)

I've been feeling a little tired today but really good apart from that. I went to the GP this morning for my second swine flu jab and a general check up and everything went well...just a slightly stiff arm!

It's been great to have Charis here the last two days and I really enjoyed spending time with her and catching up. I saw her off this afternoon and she's on her way home at the moment .

It's lovely to have my husband back home this evening as he has been down in Swindon for a couple of nights.

Day Sixteen

Thank you SO much Bryce, Carolyn, Nathan, Abi & Jonothan for the absolutely amazing fruit basket that arrived today :) Melon, pineapple, oranges, kiwis, plums, blueberries and so much more..... I can't wait to start tasting it but I'm sorry we can't share any with you Abi!

It's been so good to catch up with Charis today and laugh a lot! Claire, we really miss you and hope all those anti-biotics work and you get better quickly. Charis did try to take me to see Santa but it was too late by the time we got there...unfortunately! but she did get me to wear a Santa hat!

It's getting really cold over here at the moment. Dave is in Swindon tonight and says its been snowing there this evening......we may have a white Christmas after all :)

I've been feeling really well this week and no headaches for the last few days. Thank you again to everyone for your cards, texts, emails & blog messages - I really appreciate them all.

Charis looking festive!

Day Fifteen

Just a quick update for today.

Goodbye to Peta and thank you so much for coming over this past weekend. Now it's hello to Charis, and looking forward to spending the next couple of days with you. Get well soon Claire!

As for myself, other than feeling tired, another good day healthwise. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Day Fourteen

We had a lovely relaxing day today - stayed in bed late and relaxed at home for most of the day. It's the first morning in at least a week that I woke up without a headache so I am very thankful for that.

Peta helped me to decorate the Christmas tree (at last!) & it looks amazing! It's so nice to have our very first Christmas tree & I'm really looking forward to spending my first Christmas with my husband :)

Ashley came up to visit this afternoon and we went out for a walk into the town and back. It was so good to wrap up and get out in the fresh air.

Currently wrapped up on the sofa watching the X-Factor final with the tree lit up, candles burning and the fire lighting.....very cosy :)

Peta leaves tomorrow afternoon but it has been so good to have her here this weekend.....I really miss all my friends from home but am delighted they're able to come to the UK to visit and we get to spend a lot more time together. Charis is coming to visit tomorrow for two days but I'm really sorry Claire can't make it as she has got pleurisy. Get well soon Claire & look forward to seeing you in the new year instead!

Day Thirteen

Tucked up on the sofa at the moment watching the X Factor final......come on Joe!

It's been so lovely to have Peta here today....and so exciting to think she'll be a Mum in a few months time :)

We braved the shops in Oxford for a few hours today. It was very busy but nice to get out for a breath of fresh air. I do get tired more easily than normal but, being with a pregnant woman, we had about the same energy levels so we didn't overdo it and made sure to stop for a coffee break (for at least an hour)!

Dave has been amazing as always - he brought me breakfast in bed this morning and he put up icicle lights outside the house this afternoon. They look fantastic!

Day Twelve

A huge Thank you to Alan & Lai Shan for the fabulous roses and chocolates that arrived today. The house is beginning to look and smell like a florists - it's amazing!!

We really are overwhelmed by the generosity and thoughtfulness of all our friends and family over the last few weeks. It has brought a tear to my eye more than once and we have realised again and again how fortunate we are to have so many amazing people in our lives.

Claire, your dancing Santas made me laugh so much! You, Peta, Charis & Carolyn look great in Santa suits & I could just imagine you doing that dance in real life!!

I had a very relaxing morning reading - thanks to Roger for the book..... it really made me put my feet up & I finished it in two days :)

I also washed my hair today which doesn't sounds like a big thing but it feels amazing.! I'm trying not to wash it very often while I'm going through treatment but it feels awful after a few days :(

I went to the airport with Dave to pick up Peta - it's so good to see her & look forward to spending time with her this weekend.

Day Eleven

We are amazed by the number of people who are reading this blog and want to thank you all so much for your concern and support. We are truly blessed to have so many amazing friends supporting us and we are very thankful for all your mails, texts, cards and best wishes.

Since yesterday's blog I have had lots of offers of housework! but not sure I'm quite up to that yet - sorry Steve & Ruth! I have been feeling quite tired today and although I was awake early I didn't have much energy to get up and about. I got out to the shops at lunchtime and started wrapping Christmas presents this afternoon but was quite tired by 5pm.

This is the time in the chemotherapy cycle where my immunity is at it lowest so I need to be careful not to pick up infections (thankfully Dave's cold is almost gone!). The injection to boost my white blood cells is also taking effect around now and I can feel a twinge in my back, which I was told to expect as it reaches the bone marrow.

A belated Thank you to Lily and the girls for the flowers you sent via Roger - they are blooming now and smell beautiful!

Can't wait to see Peta tomorrow and have a relaxing weekend catching up with her....and see how much her bump has grown!!

Day Ten

What a lovely treat we got in the post today!! Thank you so much Ashley & Nicky for the fab cup cakes :) Sorry girls - I'm not sure if there will be any left by the time you get here!!

Physically I've been doing really well this week but, as most people who know me predicted, mentally I have been struggling to adjust to the slower pace of life! I'm really not used to sitting around so much and doing so little and have found it difficult to cope with. I did get stuck into some housework today and feel much better.... I know it sounds sad but cleaning always helps!

Really looking forward to Peta coming to visit at the weekend and Charis & Claire next week :)

Day Nine

No major updates from today really..... I still feel really well and apart from feeling tired and sleeping more than normal, I am doing a lot, lot better than I could ever have imagined just over a week ago.

Day Eight

It's amazing to think just one week ago today I was just finishing my first chemotherapy session. I am so thankful for how everything has gone this week and that I'm feeling back to full health already :)

Just waiting to see whether the injection to boost my white blood cells has any affect this week and then two weeks to go until the next session on Dec 22nd.

Day Seven

I am SO thankful that I feel back to full health today, apart from a headache, which is probably just a result of the medication! I slept in until 10am this morning - the latest I've slept since I can't remember when! and woke up to coffee in bed followed by a cooked breakfast :)

Dave & Roger put up the Christmas tree and lights - it looks amazing already and we haven't even decorated it yet!

My two minders took me out for a drive through the Cotswolds this afternoon. We passed through lots of really pretty little villages and stopped for a walk around Bourton on the Water (where they even dress the ice cream cones with tinsel!) and stopped off for tea on the way home....it was lovely to get out and about for so long and feel normal again :)

Day Six

It's SO good to have Roger here today :)

I've been feeling really well today, just a little tired but not sick or in any pain.

Dave and Roger went out this afternoon & came back with a Christmas tree - really looking forward to putting it up & watching them decorate it!

We had a nice tea tonight and I certainly do not appear to have lost my appetite so far. But looking at the amount that Roger & Dave packed away, neither have they!

Sitting here watching X Factor and contemplating the fact that it is coming up to one week since I started my treatment. It was one month ago to this date that I first heard the news about my condition. Chatting to Dave about it this morning, it's really encouraging that so much has happened since first getting that news, and now God-willing, I am already one week along the road towards my recovery.

Thank you again for your calls, texts and prayers. We are humbled by the love that is being shown to us.

Day Five

My first day without anti-sickness drugs.... and I'm actually feeling better! Still feeling a bit more tired than I usually am, but other than that, certainly can't complain.

Have spent the day down in Swindon and even popped out for a short while - it felt very surreal being outside again.

Staying in Swindon tonight and then we drive to Birmingham in the morning to collect my little bro who's coming over for the weekend.

Thank you SO much to everyone who has sent cards and to everyone at work for the beautiful flowers :) They all mean so much and really brighten up my day.

Day Four

I've been feeling a little bit more tired and shivery today but still doing really well.

Dave went back to work today so I travelled down to Swindon with him this morning and have been looked after so well by his Mum all day - thank you Marilyn!

We had a trip out to the shops at lunchtime & it was lovely to get out and about for an hour or so and pick up some Christmas decorations for the tree. Other than that I've just been resting & relaxing all day....never thought I could do this :)

Today is the last day of anti-sickness drugs so hopefully the effects of the chemotherapy will be out of my system by now and won't cause a delayed reaction tomorrow!

Looking forward to seeing Gino win 'I'm a Celebrity tomorrow' night! & really looking forward to Roger coming to visit at the weekend :)

Day Three

I've been feeling even better today praise God. The anti-sickness drugs are amazing - I haven't felt sick at all and have eaten really well today...thanks to Heather's cooking again!

Steve & Ruth came to visit today and it was lovely to see their smiling faces and spend some time with them.

I also went to the local nurse for an injection and even stayed out for an hour or so to do some shopping. Since then I've just been home relaxing on the sofa :)

Heather left this evening but it was amazing to have her here the last few days and we so appreciate her leaving the kids & work commitments to be with us and Tommy for looking after everything at home ..... Dave is on cooking duty from tomorrow :)

Thank you again to everyone for your texts, calls and emails - it means so much to know there are so many people thinking & praying for us.

Day Two

Did they actually give me the medication yesterday?? ;-)

So far, apart from feeling a little sea-sick and a few "fluey" type pains in my legs, I'm feeling fairly well right now. It's good just to get the first day out of the way and have ventured no further than the kitchen and living room in my dressing gown today.....Dave made sure I didn't move from the sofa all day! I've been waited on by Heather who made us a fab chilli con carne for tea (I haven't lost my appetite), and has also been ironing and shopping.

We also got our Christmas lights today, so looking forward to getting a Christmas tree & putting them up soon ( Dave's job!). We got to see and speak to my nieces on Skype this evening, so that was a lovely way to end the day.

Off to get an important injection tomorrow at the doctor's tomorrow to boost my white blood cell count - can't wait :-) Just as well I have plenty of fat on my stomach!

I'm amazed and so thankful that the effects of my first chemotherapy session have been so mild - so far! I'm on 5 different anti-sickness drugs for the first 3 days and they are working amazingly. Just hoping & praying it continues for the next few days.

Thank you again to everyone for your texts, emails and calls and for the beautiful flowers Ash & Nicky :)

Day One

So here it is - 30th November and the first day of my chemotherapy treatment. For those of you who don't know, I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. It was quite a shock to my family, friends and me. However, with God's help we are determined to overcome this hurdle quickly and are grateful to the skill and kindness of the staff at the hospitals in Cork and London who have been involved in my treatment.

My first chemo session kicked off late in the day as there was a problem with the machine that analyses blood tests, so the treatment was delayed until late afternoon. I also chose to try a "cool cap" treatment which attempts to reduce hairloss by freezing the scalp to -6C before and after the actual treatment. To be honest, this was probably the most uncomfortable part of the treatment.

We headed straight home from London and have spent a comfortable few hours since then with the anti-sickness drugs working well. So far. so good.

Thank you to our many friends and family who have sent us messages and assured us of their support. We are so grateful. We will try and update this blog as often as possible for those who are interested. Please forgive us if we don't get to respond to every text that Dave and I are being sent. Please know that we so appreciate them.