December 25th

Happy Christmas to all!

Hope you all had a very special Christmas time with families and friends. We travelled to Ireland and had a really lovely few days with my family. It was amazing to look back to this time last year and the lovely surprise to see everyone turn up at our doorstep but I'm so thankful to have had a very happy and healthy Christmas this year :)

December 10th

It's great to have Dave back home after his two weeks in Kuwait. I did get to go back to Cork for a few days while he was away and it was lovely to see family and friends again. I was able to work from Cork for a couple of days so really made the most of the time over there.

I have been given a compression sleeve to wear on my arm & hand to reduce the swelling and prevent it coming back. I need to wear it whenever I'm not using my arm, when I'm flying or doing exercise. Swimming is really good for lymphodema so I'm trying to made sure I swim at least once a week.

It's hard to believe that it's only 2 week tomorrow until Christmas!! Looking forward to spending time with family and enjoying a treatment free Christmas this year :) It's amazing how much has changed since this time last year and I am so thankful for healing.

November 19th

On Wednesday I went back to see the surgeon for my six month check up and the great news is that he gave me the all clear :) What a huge relief!! They will continue to keep an eye on me every 3 months & I will see the oncologist for a check up in February and the surgeon again next May.

My arm has been sore over the last 3 weeks and my hand & wrist have swollen up so he has referred me to the lymphodema clinic to be reviewed and fitted with a compression sleeve. Apparently it's quite common to get lymphodema after surgery & radiotherapy but it can be controlled.

Apart from that, everything is getting back to normal - it's great to be back to work and get into a routine again. I had a great time back in Cork last week and got to catch up with lots of friends, family & work colleagues!!

Unfortunately, Dave is off to Kuwait tonight for 2 weeks :(

November 5th

What a difference a year makes!! This day last year I got the shocking news of my diagnosis & was stuggling to take it all in and break the news to my family & friends. It is so amazing to think that a year later it's all over and my outlook on life is completely different.

I am so thankful for everything that has happened over the last year and that now I'm able to face a very positive future. It is SO good to be on this side of the treatment, and to be (almost) back to normal again.

I'm reminded again what an amazing family & group of friends I have and just want to say Thank You to each and every one of you for your overwhelming love & support over the last year. And most especially what an amazing husband I have :) This experience has given be a new appreciation for al those around me.

There are so many reasons to celebrate today!! It's Marilyn's Birthday, Peta & Dave's wedding anniversary, Charis has just become an Auntie & Sandra has become a Granny! But above all, a very much happier day than this day last year :)