Anyone due to start their chemo July 2014

[Slyolddog]

Cath, I'm sorry to hear that your sisters results revealed another tumour and that she needs another op and chemo. I am sure you will be there to hold her hand throughout the journey and guide her through. Please let us know how she progresses. Big hug to you and your sister.

Sylvia xx

[CathC]

Hi Karen,

So lovely to hear from you.

The ebook can be preordered here: http://firebornpublishing.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_bookx_info&cPath=4&products_id=335&z...

The print book won't be out until Friday (I hope) and should be available from Amazon and a few other places. I don't think it will be in any physical shops here in the UK. 😞

Clare,

I think you're just right travel without hubs if he doesn't want to go. One thing our brush with cancer has taught us all is don't wait about - tomorrow isn't always guaranteed.

Lilac - how do you PM? I haven't a notion and I haven't pressed any 'wrong' buttons yet. lol

As for wearing underwire bras...I don't think I would even if I could. An ordinary bra irritates as it is… Plus, I no longer care about having a cleavage or keeping the 'girls' pert. lol

Well sis went for her results today and it wasn't good news. They found another tumour, this one Grade 3. They took it out, but didn't get clear margins. She's having another op on Thursday morning and it's looking like she will need chemo after all.

As you can imagine she's slightly shell-shocked. I'm so glad the op is soon. Waiting, as we know, is horrible.

Going to be a tough few weeks for her, but she has her family behind her and she's staying positive.

Hugs to all the July ladies.

Cath

[lilac55]

 Hi July ladies.

What a sudden flurry of activity on the site.Lovely to hear from you Flossie.please update us re your appointment...Life does seem to be speeding along but the occasional hi is lovely 

Cath OMG book release soon. Tried to pre -order but didn't work .I was going to use it for book club but think only on kindle? . Fingers crossed for sisters results which I have just realised is today.xxx

Just by pure luck as pressed wrong button I have found out how to private message!!! 

I think beast pain for most women lasts forever. Went to support group last week and its was being discussed.Mine comes and goes.I am able to wear underwired bra despite scar being right on edge just by armpit.hate the strange numb feeling through on arm and side.

Budapest and spas.how I love having a spa..I agree if hubby doesn't want to go take a friend.

Well Cath we are all waiting for your book to be released(haha no pressure then )HOPE it goes well.

Love to all July 2014 ladies. Xx

[sugar8]

Hi all. Good morning.

Karen I travel with my friends and my marathon son as my hubby is the same. He prefers to stay at home and do DIY. Handy as he can look after our dog.
But after my scare I have to fulfill my bucket lists while I can and he says he doesn't mind me going .
Would prefer it if he came but c'est last vie.

So onwards and upwards as Cath always says.
love
Clare

[Karen2609]

Hi July ladies

Cath, I would love details of your book too, I've always loved reading although my concentration isn't as good these days so I don't get through as many! I did try to preorder it on my kindle but couldn't find it. Positive thoughts and prayers for clear margins for your sister.

Good to hear from you Candyflossie, my eldest is supposed to be going to Uni in September but is now having second thoughts, she's so laid back about it, drives me mad.

Clare, your travels sound wonderful I would love to be able to go to all Seville and Budapest. Unfortunately my hubby isn't into going away, we are having a holiday this year, first time since 2013.

Slyolddog, it's lovely to see Spring finally arriving isn't it? Cold here today but lovely and bright. It's so nice leaving work in daylight.

I often wonder how the other July ladies are getting on. Hopefully all are well and getting on with life.

Hugs to all xx

[CathC]

Hi Candyfloss - great to hear from you.

You've been busy, with holidays and landscaping.

My youngest is at Uni, too, so I know what you mean about looking forward to him coming home.

Good luck for your appointment on Weds. I, too , still have pain in my breast. Really thought it would have gone by now. Ask them to bring forward your mammogram if you're worried.

Let us know how you get on.

Slyolddog - I doubt I'll ever wear an underwired bra again. An ordinary soft bra still causes discomfort if worn too long. Wonder if it will always be that way?

And yup, just a few days now till my book comes out. *gulp* I'm kinda nervous about it.

Clare - thanks for the good thoughts for my sis. Really hoping the margins are clear. I'm not sure she could handle another op - although, I doubt she'd have much choice.

Enjoy Budapest - and the hot weather, it's freezing here.

Will figure out how to send a PM about the book when all the details come in.

Hugs to all the July ladies

Cath

[sugar8]

Hi ladies.
Cath Glad your sister's op and Well. finger's crossed for the 7th. hope margins are clear and no future ops due (I had to have 2 then mastectomy)

Flossie good to hear from you and that you are getting on with your life. Shame about the constant painful reminder and hope that resolves soon and your appointment goes well.

Budapest is interesting . The spa baths are great and the weather has been kind to us so far even rising to 20°C but it is greyer today.

Cath can you send me private message with details of your book so I don't have to bavk search for it? thanks

Take care
Clare

[Slyolddog]

Flossie, what surgery are you waiting for? My lumpectomy and full node removal was nearly 3 years ago and it's still uncomfortable under my arm. I wonder if I'll ever wear an under wired bra again. Where are you getting pain and have you told your GP?

Cath, so pleased to hear your sister is making good progress. Not long till book time!

[Candyflossie]

Hi July 2014 ladies,

Not sure how many of us keep visiting regularly, my last post was last year around May, so I wasn't an example myself.

The truth is probably trying to get on with life and feel normal as well as really busy all the time.

Since my last post we have had an amazing yachting holiday in Greece and have finally managed to get our back garden landscaped. Only plants waiting to go in April and next doing the front garden and driveway. Hubby turns 50 this year, so I am planning a great garden summer party and we have planned a trip to California and Nevada for September.

Our son went to Uni in London and visiting every 3 weeks which makes us look forward to something special regularly.

Like I said, trying to make the most of every day and enjoying life.

I don't know how to feel about every cancer news on TV though, they keep on bringing up news about cancer causing foods, alcohol is likely to increase the risk, so I almost feel guilty when eating or drinking although I have always been really aware and eating a very healthy diet.

Wednesday it's the Internationa Women's Day so I hope we are all blessed and live a healthy happy life with our love ones for many years to come. Strangely, I have my breast surgery appointment on Wednesday and I am anxious, I still have quite a lot of pain in my breast which doesn't let me forget, I am tempted to ask them to bring my mammogram forward, just so I can get this worry off my chest 

Love and hugs to all

Flossie xxx

[CathC]

Hi all,

Sis go through her op okay - lumpectomy and SNB. She's sore, but coping really well.She's due to get her results on Tues - 7th March - and is understandably nervous. I guess we all remember that feeling only too well. 😞

Hope everyone is staying dry, and warm. Roll on the summer!

Onwards and upwards, ladies.

Hugs

Cath

[CathC]

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@Slyolddog wrote:
Happy Birthday Cath, sorry I'm late. What were you doing up at 4.50?? Making your own cake??

Really sorry to hear about your sister but I know you will be her rock. I hope her op goes well tomorrow and she has a speedy recovery.

So pleased to see the weathers warming up at last, spring is around the corner.

Have a good week everyone. X

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Thanks, Slyolddog. I was up that late/early? because I had the last round of edits to finish off. They had to be in by Sunday so was working against the clock.

Happily, got them done and whizzed off to the editor in time to kick back and enjoy by birthday. lol

Hugs

Cath

[CathC]

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@sugar8 wrote:
Good luck to your sister Cath. You are just the person to allay her fears. She is so lucky to have you.So glad gf meeting went well.

Karen wish your daughter happy birthday and I bet she had great fun with her mates.

My son broke his PB . He ran in 2 hrs 49 mins. I was so excited and so proud of him.

Back to the UK on Tuesday. I hear that the weather is getting milder

take care
Clare

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Thanks, Clare.

And fantastic news that your son broke his personal best! Enjoy the moment, proud mama. lol

Enjoy your last few days of sun.

Hugs

Cath

[CathC]

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@Karen2609 wrote:
Happy Birthday Cath, hope you have a lovely, cake filled day🎉. It's my eldest daughter's 18th today, she has gone off to London with friends to celebrate.
So sorry to hear about your sister, must be hard for you to watch her go through this. Wishing her lots of luck for tomorrow.
Belated Happy Birthday, Gill, hope you enjoyed Bristol.
Good luck to your son, Clare. Seville sounds wonderful
Hugs, Karen x

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Hi Karen, thanks for the birthday wishes. How did your daughter's celebrations go? 18! Such a big birthday.

Hugs

Cath

[sugar8]

Thanks slyolddog. And to you to x x and everyone else.
Clare

[Slyolddog]

Happy Birthday Cath, sorry I'm late. What were you doing up at 4.50?? Making your own cake??

Really sorry to hear about your sister but I know you will be her rock. I hope her op goes well tomorrow and she has a speedy recovery.

So pleased to see the weathers warming up at last, spring is around the corner.

Have a good week everyone. X

[sugar8]

Good luck to your sister Cath. You are just the person to allay her fears. She is so lucky to have you.So glad gf meeting went well.

Karen wish your daughter happy birthday and I bet she had great fun with her mates.

My son broke his PB . He ran in 2 hrs 49 mins. I was so excited and so proud of him.

Back to the UK on Tuesday. I hear that the weather is getting milder

take care
Clare

[Karen2609]

Happy Birthday Cath, hope you have a lovely, cake filled day🎉. It's my eldest daughter's 18th today, she has gone off to London with friends to celebrate.
So sorry to hear about your sister, must be hard for you to watch her go through this. Wishing her lots of luck for tomorrow.
Belated Happy Birthday, Gill, hope you enjoyed Bristol.
Good luck to your son, Clare. Seville sounds wonderful
Hugs, Karen x

[CathC]

Ooooh, Clare, not fair. 21 C.  - it's blinking freezing here.

Sending positive thoughts and good vibes for your son's marathon. May he have a good run, and may you cheer him until you go hoarse. LOL

Meeting youngest’s gf went well - she's a lovely girl. She makes my very quiet, very reclusive son, very happy - they laugh a lot when they're together. So I'm a smiling Mama at the moment.

Visited my sister today. Her op is Monday – lumpectomy - and she's staying brave but I can see it in her eyes - the fear. Takes me right back - that wait in the trolley for the operation. I remember I couldn't stop my legs shaking, and the overwhelming relief when I woke up after….YAY, still alive. lol

It's strange to be this side of the fear.

Everything we've shared here, helps me to help her.

So thank you, July ladies, deeply and truly.

Hugs

Cath

[sugar8]

Hi Catherine. So sorry to hear about your sister. She has you as a good support and so glad she doesn't need chemo. Wishing get her a speedy recovery. Happy Birthday for tomorrow incase I don't log in as it is my son''s marathon day. Have fun if you can. meet the parents eh? hope you have a natural bond and get on well.

Gill bet you had a lovely time in Bristol for your birthday
. Happy Belated birthday.

Seville is Def warmer 21 to 9°C. Locals still walking around in jackets and we are in Tshirts. lol. No bear hibernating Cath. The food is lovely and reasonable priced
Well enjoy life every one
love
Clare

[CathC]

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@lilac55 wrote:

Hi Cath .Sorry to hear about your sister .HOPE all goes well with her treatment .

Those feelings are never far away at they? 

We are in Bristol at the moment. Visiting my brother as has been my birthday .My sister had TNB 9 years ago requiring mastectomy etc so have close bond .

HOPE everyone else is well at present and Claire enjoying your runs with Dexter . Poppy will be so excited when we get home later.

Hugs Gill x

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Happy birthday, Gill. I hope you have an amazing time in Bristol.

It's my birthday on Sunday. Youngest arrived home from college last night to surprise me. Whoo hoo! He's also informed me that he's bringing his girlfriend to meet us on Saturday - meet the parent day! *Gulp* 

Hugs to all the July ladies.

Cath

[lilac55]

Even Baxter !!!!

[lilac55]

Hi Cath .Sorry to hear about your sister .HOPE all goes well with her treatment .

Those feelings are never far away at they? 

We are in Bristol at the moment. Visiting my brother as has been my birthday .My sister had TNB 9 years ago requiring mastectomy etc so have close bond .

HOPE everyone else is well at present and Claire enjoying your runs with Dexter . Poppy will be so excited when we get home later.

Hugs Gill x

[CathC]

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@sugar8 wrote:
his Cath, Wendy, Helen, Karen and Gill. Good to hear everyone is well. I am now. Just recovered from a Bout of sinusitis which took me 2 weeks to get back to par . .. started jogging again. ...slowly lol. Baxter is so pleased about that. He loves his running walks.

Can't wait for Spring to come but Seville on the 16th should be warmer? ?? fingers crossed.

love to all
Clare

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Can't believe it took you so long to get over your sinusitis, Clare. So glad you're feeling better now. *HUG*

Seville sounds glorious. I bet you can't wait to go and leave this horrible chilly weather behind?

It's so cold here at the moment. I think I may be part bear - all I want to do is hibernate. lol

Found out this week that my older sister has breast cancer. It's not TN like mine and I think she's caught it early. She's having a lumpectomy on the 20th and then 5 weeks of radiation - no chemo.

It's kinda brought everything back for me. On the plus side, I know what she's going through and can help her - especially with the mundane stuff like lifts to the hospital etc.

Hugs to all the July ladies

Cath

[sugar8]

his Cath, Wendy, Helen, Karen and Gill. Good to hear everyone is well. I am now. Just recovered from a Bout of sinusitis which took me 2 weeks to get back to par . .. started jogging again. ...slowly lol. Baxter is so pleased about that. He loves his running walks.

Can't wait for Spring to come but Seville on the 16th should be warmer? ?? fingers crossed.

love to all
Clare

[CathC]

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@WP23 wrote:

Hi Cath

Thanks, yes the stats get better ever year, just got to keep praying we are the lucky ones.

We have a booked holiday for next January going to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and 15 night Hawaiin cruise... more ticks off the bucket list, fingers crossed xxx

Got to do it all while we can.

Wendy

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Wendy, you have the right attitude. And that sounds like a fantastic holiday you've booked for next year. So envious. I think it will be a few years before hubs and I can afford another cruise. Maybe for our twenty fifth wedding anniversary in...oh wow, 3 years time. That sure went around quick!

It's another cold day here. Hubs and I are off swimming. Brrrr!

Hugs to all the July ladies

Cath

[WP23]

Hi Cath

Thanks, yes the stats get better ever year, just got to keep praying we are the lucky ones.

We have a booked holiday for next January going to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and 15 night Hawaiin cruise... more ticks off the bucket list, fingers crossed xxx

Got to do it all while we can.

Wendy

[CathC]

 Hi Wendy - so envious about the cruise. Bet it was fabulous! Where are you planning to go next?

It is hard to believe we're all coming up on our 3rd year since being diagnosed. I think I'm one of the latest to get a mammogram appointment. (Think mine was July last year).

Will be relieved to tick another year off. Seemingly if I can reach 5 years the chance of reoccurrence drops dramatically for TNBC.

Good luck with your mammogram on the 13th, Wendy.

Hugs to all the July ladies

Cath

[WP23]

Hi July ladies,

There has been a lot going on!!

Cath - wow!! go you girl, will definitely be getting a copy of your book, I bet you and your family are sooooo proud.

Glad to hear that everyones scares are just "scares", we are never quite the same following BC are we?

I have just received my appointment for my annual mammogram on March 13th, cant believe it is nearly 3 years since i was diagnosed.

We are just home from a lovely cruise around the carribean islands, it was so nice to have the sunshine on us, but sooooo cold now we are home. Already planning our next trip :):)

Onwards and upwards ladies, stay well

Wendy x

[CathC]

Hi Helen and Clare

Thanks for the congrats, I'm really excited - and nervous about the book. But please don't anyone feel they have to buy it. I just wanted to share my excitement with you all.

For so long a lot of us only had bad news. It's nice to have some good news for a change.

And knowing that all of the 'scares' lately have worked out OK is just another bonus.

Onwards and upwards ladies.

Hugs

Cath

[sugar8]

Hi Cath. Congrats and so pleased for you. Will definitely try and read. I am not one for reading much but must make an exception.
Gill glad your scare was nothing significant but once we have cancer it is never the same again. We shall always worry

Good to see a sudden flurry of activity on this thread.
love
Clare

[hbunny]

WOW again Cath, how exciting I'm so pleased for you, I will also be watching out for the book.  Enjoy your success, you deserve it girl.

Looks like there have been some scary times for a number of us recently, the panic is never far from the surface is it?  Just so pleased for everyone that all is ok.  It's quite amazing the subtle changes that are still going on even now.

Take care and keep warm everyone.  Hugs Helen xx

[CathC]

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@Karen2609 wrote:
Wow Cath, that's fantastic I shall pre order it today. What an achievement 👏👏
Gill, glad everything turned out ok, all these changes take their toll don't they.
I'm afraid I've been like you, Slyolddog, but there is a new Pilates class starting up for beginners I'm going to try and get along to it.
Calm before the storm here at the moment, would have been the perfect weekend to curl up with Cath's book

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Thanks, Karen.

I'm getting nervous now, thinking of people actually reading the book!

Storm has eased here, too. Was hoping it had gone altogether.

Hugs

Cath

[CathC]

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@Slyolddog wrote:
Cath, you're amazing. I will definitely try and download your book. Can we all come with you when you do your guest signings? I had a great plan to keep a sort of humorous diary when I had treatment but it was amazing how quickly I became a couch potato. Best laid plans and all that. I'm so pleased for you.

Gill, what a worrying time you've had and I know how you feel. I have a lump caused by a seroma plus scar tissue so have already had mine checked out, I don't know how long it takes for seromas to go. No matter what the experts tell us we'll always worry.

Hope everyone is ok and looking forward to a wet and windy weekend. ☔️💨

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Thanks, Slyolddog. As for guest signings...I'm petrified of that kind of stuff. I'm not so good with people face-to-face. Much rather hide away in a room and write. lol

I too have some lumps from my surgery. Rediscovering this 'new' breast is hard. Two years later, and I'm still not sure about it. Kinda feel sick every time I do my check. 😞

Hugs to all the July ladies.

Cath

[CathC]

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@lilac55 wrote:
Hi Cath.tried to pre order and didn't work .please can you remind me when it is available in March and then will buy it .Thanks Gill

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Will do, Gill, but don't feel you have to buy it. I really just wanted to share the news with you ladies.

Hugs

Cath

[CathC]

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@lilac55 wrote:

WOW well done Cath look forward to reading it. .HOPE it's a great success

I have had a difficult couple of weeks cos found a small lump and some thickening of breast tissue .Today I have had a mammogram and scan at the breast clinic .Thankfully it is scar tissue caused by radiotherapy and surgery . It seems the radiotherapy goes on working for years and that is why I can feel the changes now .They were really lovely.I wasn't sure I could go through it all again so thank God I don't have to .relief.

HOPE everyone is well .xxx

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Oh, Gill, that must have been so frightening! So glad everything turned out OK.

Mega hugs

Cath

[Karen2609]

Wow Cath, that's fantastic I shall pre order it today. What an achievement 👏👏
Gill, glad everything turned out ok, all these changes take their toll don't they.
I'm afraid I've been like you, Slyolddog, but there is a new Pilates class starting up for beginners I'm going to try and get along to it.
Calm before the storm here at the moment, would have been the perfect weekend to curl up with Cath's book

[Slyolddog]

Cath, you're amazing. I will definitely try and download your book. Can we all come with you when you do your guest signings? I had a great plan to keep a sort of humorous diary when I had treatment but it was amazing how quickly I became a couch potato. Best laid plans and all that. I'm so pleased for you.

Gill, what a worrying time you've had and I know how you feel. I have a lump caused by a seroma plus scar tissue so have already had mine checked out, I don't know how long it takes for seromas to go. No matter what the experts tell us we'll always worry.

Hope everyone is ok and looking forward to a wet and windy weekend. ☔️💨

[lilac55]

Hi Cath.tried to pre order and didn't work .please can you remind me when it is available in March and then will buy it .Thanks Gill

[lilac55]

WOW well done Cath look forward to reading it. .HOPE it's a great success

I have had a difficult couple of weeks cos found a small lump and some thickening of breast tissue .Today I have had a mammogram and scan at the breast clinic .Thankfully it is scar tissue caused by radiotherapy and surgery . It seems the radiotherapy goes on working for years and that is why I can feel the changes now .They were really lovely.I wasn't sure I could go through it all again so thank God I don't have to .relief.

HOPE everyone is well .xxx

[CathC]

That's great, Clare.

OK, Blatant Self-promotion Warning ahead:

One of the things that kept me going through my treatment - and after - was my writing. I've been scribbling stories for a while now and I'm excited to announce that my first book Where There’s Smoke is about to be published by Fireborn Publishing.

It’s due out March 10th, but the ebook is available to pre-order from Friday 3rd of Feb at http://firebornpublishing.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_bookx_info&cPath=4&products_id=335&z...

This is a huge step for me. Before having cancer I never would have had the nerve to submit anything I wrote. After...well... once you've faced BC you can face anything. 🙂

Just wanted to share my success with the July ladies.

Hugs

Cath

[sugar8]

yes and much better already Thanks Cath

[CathC]

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@sugar8 wrote:
Definitely. My head felt like it was going to split open Cath, and my brains fall out. The cough was even worse cause blood pressure went up and I saw flashing lights ... no need to visit the Northern lights. NO Empathy from my surgery. I could have died for all they cared.

Anyway feeling a lot better today but still unwell. Will need antibiotics I think .

love to all
Clare

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Wow! That sounds rough, Clare - and scary!

Did you get an antibiotic?

[sugar8]

Definitely. My head felt like it was going to split open Cath, and my brains fall out. The cough was even worse cause blood pressure went up and I saw flashing lights ... no need to visit the Northern lights. NO Empathy from my surgery. I could have died for all they cared.

Anyway feeling a lot better today but still unwell. Will need antibiotics I think .

love to all
Clare

[CathC]

LOL - I'd say sinusitis is a lot more painful than the cold, Clare.

How are you feeling now?

[sugar8]

That's a funny comment about getting the cold Cath. Had to smile. ....because guess who thought she was dying yesterday with sinusitis. Moi. :-(. I felt really bad and kept looking out for signs of sepsis lol. Even rang 111. My GP receptionist was most unhelpful re getting an appt . I stayed in bed till 1500hrs. Then improved. thank God and no thanks to my GP.
Hope you are coping well Cath . Your support to your friend.must be invaluable. Girl power eh?
love
Claron

[CathC]

Thanks, Ladies.

My friend definitely is one of the most inspiring people I know, mainly because she never complains. She takes everything in her stride and expects everyone else to do the same.

It's a bit like when we were going through chemo and radiation and someone told you how awful they felt because they had the cold! LOL

[Karen2609]

So sorry to hear about your friend, Cath. She sounds like an amazing woman
Xx

[sugar8]

Oh Cath. What an inspiring friend. So sad when that happens. Fingers crossed everyone and onward and upwards

Love
Clare

[CathC]

Thanks Clare. 

And yes, slyolddog, it’s so nice not be going on a constant round of hospital appointments anymore.

I have a friend, who had breast cancer - it's since moved to her organs and bones. And she's been attending hospital every week or so for the last 8 years! She's such an inspiration, nothing gets her down.

Makes me appreciate what I have.

Hugs

Cath

[Slyolddog]

Me too Cath, you never know what's round that corner so make the most of now. Having control of our lives and it not being an endless sequence of hospital appointments is wonderful. X