Day One Hundred & Eighty-Three

Sharon's little helper here for today's entry. I travelled back to Swindon today, but a very recent change of plans meant that Sharon is staying in Ireland for a few extra days and thankfully avoided the quick turnaround and a long trip back today via the ferry.

The weekend was fantastic and speaking for both of us, we had a great time catching up with family and friends prior to the next stage of Sharon's treatment which kicks-off a week tomorrow. We spent some of Saturday with Lauren, Isabel & Leah, and enjoyed a picnic at Fota.

On Sunday morning, we were able to meet up with some friends from the church in Youghal. It was a real highlight to catch up with friends we haven't seen for a while. Again, it was amazing to hear so many stories of people who have been praying about this situation over the past few months. It still remains an incredibly humbling experience to know that people are so concerned, and as a result, that prayers have definitely been answered.

Day One Hundred & Eighty

We have made it to the emerald isle - tired but well! Dave drove the whole way - 175 miles from Swindon to Fishguard & 109 more from Rosslare to Midleton, as well as an overnight ferry.

It's been so lovely to see Dad, Heather & the girls and spend some time with them today. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the family over the weekend too. It's been great to get to see some friends very briefly today too.... Happy Birthday Carolyn :)

Right now, about ready to get to bed & catch up on some sleep :)

Day One Hundred & Seventy Eight

I drove today for the first time since my surgery and went to Cirencester to meet Ann for lunch. We had a lovely time catching up and looking around the shops. It was great to be out and about and felling like I'm getting back to normal again.

This weekend is a bank holiday in the UK so we've decided to go back to Cork for a couple of days....we're taking the ferry (to avoid any ash cloud issues) and leaving tomorrow evening. Really looking forward to seeing my family, especially as Dave hasn't been there since November.

Huge congratulations to David & Peta who have just had a baby daughter - Rebekah Louise Joyce was born in the early hours of this morning :)

Day One Hundred & Seventy Seven

I've been resting a lot over the last few days, especially sitting in the garden reading a book & enjoying the sunshine...although it seems to have disappeared again today :(

This morning we went to visit a friend of Marilyn's who has been going through chemotherapy over the last few months. As a consequence of the drugs, she had a blood clot and was seriously ill a couple of weeks ago. She's now recovering well at home and we had a lovely time with her. But I realised yet again how fortunate I was that my chemotherapy went so well and I didn't have any severe reactions. I am very thankful for that :)

Day One Hundred & Seventy Five

We've had a great few days, making the most of this fabulous sunshine....sitting in the sun, reading, having BBQs - it feels like Summer is here at last :) We spent the day on the south coast yesterday & the beaches were crowded!

Healthwise, it's 3 weeks since my surgery & I've been feeling really well. My arm is still a little stiff & sore at times, especially when I stretch it so I don't have full movement yet but it's getting better all the time.

Day One Hundred & Seventy Two

It's been a really good two days!! It was so good to see Charis and Sandra over to visit on their way to the Isle of Wight. We made the most of the fabulous weather on Tuesday & had a BBQ :)

On Tuesday I went to see the oncologist in London and he was really pleased with the surgery & all my progress up to now. He was very positive about everything and said that the likelihood of the cancer coming back is low and that he's very optimistic about the future. He wants to see me for my next check up....in Feb 2011!!

I was being given the most amazing news all over again and it is really starting to sink in :)

It was really nice to see some of the doctors & nurses that treated me during chemotherapy....and more importantly it felt so good not to be going in there for treatment this time :)

Yesterday Charis & Sandra took me to Oxford for my radiotherapy appointment. It was great to have Charis there as she's a qualified radiographer and was able to talk me through everything.

They put me on a simulator scanning machine, pulled me round to get me into the right position for radiotherapy, took some scans, took photos, drew on me with black marker & even gave me some little tatoos!

I will start radiotherapy on 8th June and finish on 5th July. I need to go there everyday Monday to Friday but the actual treatment will only take 5 or 10 minutes. The main side effects are red / sore skin & tiredness but this is definitely the easiest bit of all the treatment!

Day One Hundred & Seventy

This afternoon I'm off to London to see my consultant (the oncologist rather than the surgeon). Although I'm not expecting him to say anything new it will be good to see him and get his views on the surgery & radiotherapy and to ask about the next steps / check-ups etc.

Then, I have an appointment in Oxford tomorrow afternoon for radiotherapy planning so I'll hopefully have a better idea of when they will start treatment after that.

In the meanwhile, I can't wait to see Charis & Sandra this evening - they're coming to see us & staying in Swindon for a night on their way to the Isle of Wight!

Day One Hundred & Sixty Eight

The meeting with the oncologist in Oxford went well on Thursday evening - she's a really lovely lady. I've been so impressed by all the medical staff I've met over the last few months and she is no exception.

I will have a four week course of radiotherapy; it only takes a few minutes to receive treatment but I need to go every day from Monday to Friday for 4 weeks. It will be in Oxford as there's no radiotherapy centre in Swindon so it means an hour's journey there and an hour back each day. I'm not sure when it will start yet as I'm waiting to hear from the radiotherapy department but they usually start about 4 - 6 weeks after surgery, provided the wound is healed enough.

I am continuing to feel better each day and I've got more movement in my arm the last few days but I've still been taking things easy. Poor Dave is feeling sick today with headache & sinuses so we've both been on the sofa all day :(

We got to see lots of Dave's family this weekend (Aunts, Uncles & cousins) and also had a great BBQ at Ashley & Nicky's last night - trying to convince ourselves that Summer is here :)

Day One Hundred & Sixty Five

I've been improving every day this week and feeling less swollen and sore each day. The physiotherapy exercises are helping me to get more movement in my arm & it feels a lot less stiff the last few days. I have an appointment with the oncologist in Oxford this evening to discuss radiotherapy dates and timelines.

I have been getting out and about more and walked into town & back yesterday. It was great to catch up with Andrea back from Portugal & to see Alan, Lai Shan and the kids last night :)

I have so many Thank You's to say - Thank you to Duncan & Andrea for the amazing flowers, Thank You to Claire for the fabulous arm pillow - it is such a great idea! Thank you once again to Leslie & Grace for the beautiful flowers & hope you are having a fabulous time in South Africa! And Thank You again to Marilyn who has been looking after us for the last week - cooking, washing, ironing and driving me places!

Also want to say Happy Birthday Heather!!

Day One Hundred & Sixty Two

I've been feeling better today & less swollen but I've still been taking things easy and resting....I've read three books in the last week or so which means I have slowed down a lot! I did get out to see Dave's Aunt & Uncle this afternoon which was great! Thank you again for all your encouraging texts & messages about the good news!

Day One Hundred & Sixty One

Ralph, Cherie, Christopher & Kalena came to visit yesterday on their way back from their trip to Kosovo. It was SO lovely to see them all - thank you for coming all the way out to Swindon to see us and for the Krispy Kremes.....we would put up a photo but there's not many left!! It was great to see Sue this afternoon and thank you so much to Sue & Julie for the beautiful flowers :)

I've been feeling a bit sore & swollen the last couple of days but that's only to be expected as it's only been a week since the surgery. Just planning to rest up and recover over the next few days and I have an appointment to see the Oncologist in Oxford on Thursday to plan the radiotherapy.

It's just beginning to sink in that the cancer is now completely gone....it's such an amazing feeling :)

Day One Hundred & Sixty

Smiles all round - Celebrating in Starbucks (last night)

Fantastic News!! We saw the surgeon last night and he gave us the best news we could have hoped for....the tumour has been fully removed and no disease is left and the tests on the lymph nodes were negative so I don't need any further surgery or chemotherapy! There was some indication that the lymph nodes may have been diseased in the past but six months after being diagnosed with breast cancer - it's now completely clear :)

The journey is still not over as I still need to recover from surgery and then have a course of radiotherapy for 4 to 6 weeks but this is a huge milestone and we are so delighted & thankful to God for this amazing answer to prayer. Thank you again to each of you for your tremendous support over the last few months.

Day One Hundred & Fifty Nine

Thank you again to everyone who has been sending cards, messages & calling. We so appreciate your support & apologise that I haven't been able to respond to everyone as yet. Thank you to Ashley & Nicky for the fabulous flowers you sent yesterday :)

I have been feeling well since I got back from hospital and have been resting lots! The feeling is starting to come back now but I'm thankful that I still don't have much pain. I have physiotherapy exercises to do and I have almost full movement in my arm already.

We're going to London this afternoon to meet the surgeon, get my dressings changed and to get the all important results from surgery & subsequent lab tests. We are hoping & praying that this will be good news & that all the cancerous cells have been removed.

Day One Hundred & Fifty Seven

I'm home!! It feels good to be rid of the drain and to be able to move around properly again. It was amazing to actually go outdoors and get some fresh air for the first time in a few days :) I'm continuing to feel well and haven't had much pain so I'm just resting and taking things easy - and I'm not allowed to do anything!!

It was so lovely to come back to a welcome home banner and balloons & lots of cards from people thinking of us...Thank you again to everyone - we are continually humbled by your thoughtfulness & concern.

We got back just in time to spend some time with Dave's sister on her birthday - Happy Birthday Andrea!

Day One Hundred & Fifty Six

I'm still at the hospital, relaxing & enjoying my 5 star treatment! Breakfast in bed (panckaes!), watching tv, reading, coffee, lunch, dinner, more coffee....and most importantly spending time with Dave, who has has sat by my side for another whole day (apart from when he was bumping into celebrities!). He has been such a huge support the last few months but especially this weekend.

I'm getting up and about more and walking around the corridors & stairs as well as doing physiotherapy exercises. I still don't have much pain but I'm quite stiff and the feeling is starting to come back now. I didn't see the consultant today but it looks like all the fluid has drained off so I'm expecting to be allowed home tomorrow morning :)

Day One Hundred & Fifty Five

I have never stayed in hospital before but I know enough to know that this is not a normal hospital. First of all, the food is great - I've eaten so much the last few days, I'll be a stone heavier by the time I leave! The staff are amazing - the nurses come in and chat for ages and just can't do enough for me....they keep asking me to buzz them for any little thing. I really am thankful for the most amazing care here.

And then there's the fact that a famous face is somewhere on this corridor too!!

Apart from feeling a bit stiff, I've been doing well today and haven't had any pain. The surgeon called in to see me today with his 6 year old twins... they're very cute :) He said there is a chance I can go home tomorrow if the fluid has all drained but it's more likely to be Wednesday. Then I need to come back to London to see him on Friday for the surgery results.

Roger left this afternoon but it was so good to have him here the last few days - thank you for everything Rog & for giving up your birthday weekend to spend it sitting in a hospital room with me!! Dave is staying in London for the next two nights & he has been such an amazing support :)

Once again, thank you SO much to everyone for your cards, texts, calls & messages not just to us but to both of our families - it is a huge support for all of us and we are so grateful to you all.

Day One Hundred & Fifty-Four

Just a quick update to let everyone know that I'm doing well. I was quite dozy yesterday after the anaesthetic but had a good sleep last night and am feeling good today. I haven't had much pain but am quite stiff.

I saw the surgeon today and he was pleased with the surgery - he removed some extra lymph nodes yesterday to test in the lab and has put in a drain to take away the fluid. It may take a few days to drain off so he said I could be here until Wednesday. But I am being treated like royalty here - it is an amazing hospital (actually it's more like a hotel), the staff are fantastic, food is great and I have two private nurses (Dave & Roger) looking after me SO well :) Thank you to both of them for being by my side for the last two days & for the beautiful flowers.

A huge thank you to Michelle & Niamh for the beautiful flowers you sent on Friday and to Charis for the fabulous balloon. Thank you too to all of you for your messages, texts & cards over the last few days - apologies I haven't been able to respond to them all but each one of them means so much.

Day One Hundred & Fifty-Three (Surgery)

Quick update to let you know that Sharon had her operation today as planned and had the tumour removed. Sharon has come through the procedure well and is currently sat up in bed having just had something to eat for the first time today.

As Sharon has had to have a drain inserted during the op, it looks as though we will be staying in London for at least a few more days. There are also some lab results to come back on the removed tissue as well as the additional lymph nodes that were removed. The surgeon seemed very confident and pleased with the operation. We are extremely grateful to him for his skill today.

Thank you for all the text messages and calls today.... we are very grateful!