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 :)

October 28

It's amazing how quickly life gets back to normal & although I'm only working 3 days a week it feels like I'm constantly busy doing something. I do still feel a little tired but much better now that I'm getting into the routine of work. The first few weeks I didn't sleep very well as my brain was so active, which was quite a change!

Dave is in Morocco with work at the moment & has been away for 10 days - he has been working long hours and hasn't been very well while he's been away so I'm really looking forward to having him back home tomorrow :)

But I haven't been too lonely as Charis came over last week for a few days. It was lovely to have her to keep me company last weekend & we had a great time shopping, visiting Cheltenham & Bath and just hanging out. It was so good to spend time with her & it's amazing how it worked out as she booked her flights before we knew that Dave would be away! Thank you Charis - I so appreciate you coming over!

I got to meet Ann for lunch yesterday & I also went for a swim for the first time in a few weeks. Hope to get back to swimming regularly very soon as I've missed the exercise.