It's a month since I posted a blog and so much has happened. I'm in hospital again, waiting for chemotherapy #3. The fantastic news for me is that it's working like a dream! Most of my tumours are gone with only a couple remaining. I'm hoping todays bag o' drugs will hammer them on the head.
The side effects are certainly apparent. I'm exhausted for the week after treatment and there's a bit of nausea, but nothing horrendous. Nothing like the dreaded tablets I was on. Anything would be a walk in the park after those!
I'm in hospital every two weeks for a sleep over and so far it's been fine. I suffered a minor set back last week when a dose of cold sores decided to descend on me. My lip, mouth and throat were infested and I looked like Elephant woman with scabies. knowing my system was low, Mr UTI infection moved in and had a party. So I ended up on antibiotics and antivirals while dealing with the chemotherapy tiredness. Anyone who has had chemotherapy will know the all encompassing exhaustion that creep over your entire body. It's a little like early stages of pregnancy - a constant sicky feeling with fatigue that means you could sleep on a bed of nails in the middle of a motorway quite happily.
But, all these things are transient. They only last a short time and I know my body will kick back. Today, two weeks on from the last treatment I'm feeling almost normal!
At the end of the day, none of the side effects are important. They are annoying and mean bed rest and medication. But that is totally doable. The prize is within my grasp now. I know I'm getting better and that the cancer is being obliterated. Nothing compares to that!
I'm very restricted with what I can do, but last Friday I was thrilled to be able to attend a fundraising lunch at Marco Pierre White's restaurant in aid of Breast Cancer Ireland. Hosted by the wonderful Elaine Crowley, who Irish readers will know and love from TV3's Midday, it was a really special event. Champagne and a delicious lunch were followed by a live version of the Midday show. I was on the panel alongside Norah Casey (publisher, cancer survivor & generally extraordinary lady), Triona McCarthy (beauty journalist & presenter & sister of the late Tricia who passed away from cancer), Paula McClean (cancer survivor & Breast Cancer Ireland patient ambassador) and Dr Siun Walsh (breast surgeon & all round astonishing person). People were incredibly generous with donations and I hope the frank and honest discussion will encourage women to become breast aware and look after themselves. As we all know, early detection is key when it comes to breast cancer. So if you haven't already done so, please use the link below and download this free app to your smart phone or tablet and mind yourself.
http://www.breastcancerireland.com/education-awareness/our-free-app/
Also as the lunch I was presented with a divine handmade collar by Elaine de Roiste. There's nothing like receiving a surprise gift - especially when it's covered in sparkles!
To add to my current excitement, my latest novel, 'The Perfect Gift' will be out in paperback on July 1st in Ireland and on July 14th in the UK! If you're going on holiday perhaps you'd pick up a copy and enjoy it by the pool, on the beach or where ever your down time is taking you this summer.
I'm hooked up to my chemotherapy now, so I'll fly!
Love and light to you all,
Emma x