​Today is world cancer day. As I sit and reflect on the effect cancer has had on my life I am thankful for so much. 
To rule out any confusion, I’m not thankful for having cancer. Nothing about cancer pleases me. It’s the bane of my life and a curse on the human race. But I know that I am one of the lucky ones. 
Today I am thinking of all the family and friends I’ve lost to this hideous disease. I carry their smiles and memories with me all the time. But I wish with all my heart they were still here. 
Yesterday I had the privilege of visiting the research labs that are funded by Breast Cancer Ireland. I’m an ambassador for this wonderful charity and believe fully in their message and most of all what they achieve. Their new initiative will involve visiting transition year students in schools to teach young women how to be breast aware. To know what is “normal” for you… To download their free “breast aware” app and receive a monthly reminder to check their breasts… I cannot praise this initiative enough. It’s quite simply brilliant. We all need to be encouraged to know our own bodies and to take care of ourselves. 
But I was completely blown away by my visit to the research labs yesterday. While I am fully aware that research and therefore the creation of new drugs saves lives – after all I am one of those saved lives – I had no idea of the magnitude of what’s happening.
The team of scientist funded by Breast Cancer Ireland left me awestruck. As they showed our group a tiny part of what they’re working on we were all flabbergasted by the brilliance of what they are achieving. I am most certainly not a scientist so sadly I can’t even attempt to explain what Damir and Sinead showed us. I understood it at the time, but I am not clever enough to do their demonstration justice. But I can tell you this. There is so much hope for cancer patients. The methods for treating cancer are changing for the better. New ways of targeting the disease will mean that future generations will survive. The depths that the scientists are delving into are phenomenal. In the future, it will be possible to design a treatment that will hit the specific cancer of each patient. 
Next week I will begin a new round of chemotherapy. My cancer needs to be kicked into check once more. I wish I didn’t have to do this but I take comfort in the knowledge that my oncologist has several options to choose from. I will get through this and I will get better. That’s what I’ll hold on to during the dark days.
Meanwhile, life will go on. I have a new book out this month called ‘The Perfect Gift.’ The title makes me smile as the story is about motherhood. For me, being a mother is the perfect gift, so the story is written from my heart. I hope my loyal readers will enjoy it.
For those of you who are being treated for cancer at the moment, I am with you in spirit. Experience has taught me that the negative effects of the treatments are only transient. You can and will feel ‘normal’ again. 
For those of you who’ve lost someone you love to cancer my heart breaks for you. I hope with time that your hurt will lessen. 
I’ve just returned from a walk along the beach with my dog Herbie. The ocean always hands me a sense of self. The salty air soothes my anxious mind and Herbie’s delighted grin and his frolics like a great big woolly goon make me laugh, without fail. It’s the little things that help! 
So, on world cancer day I salute each and every person who has been touched by this dreadful disease. I will think about and remember with love, the people I have lost. I will appreciate the time I’ve been given to live my life. I carry hope in my heart that with time and more research that some day deaths from cancer will be a thing of the past. 
Cancer, I raise two fingers to you. 

Hi there!

I'm back again - two posts in one month, what's going on!
As many of you are aware, October is breast cancer awareness month. This year I am honoured to link in with its4women.ie the online insurance company. They have launched a fantastic initiative where they are asking women to speak out. 
Together we are hoping to break down the wall of silence that often builds up around women during breast cancer treatment. 
I am currently being treated for breast cancer for the 10th time. In fact, I am sitting in the oncology unit having chemotherapy as I type. So I know exactly how it feels when cancer crashes into a woman’s life. 
I have been asked time and again how I manage to cope and remain positive. There are many reasons ranging from the support my family give me to the wonderful advances in medicine. But there’s one thing I’ve done from the beginning and I know it’s worked for me. 
I’ve talked. 
I have never allowed cancer to silence me. Most of all, I have never allowed that fear (you know the one that comes free with each diagnosis) to remain inside. I know it can be difficult to talk to the people closest to us. After all, none of us want to upset those we love most. So I’ve found incredible solace in writing. I’ve channelled my thoughts into my books. 
I’m not asking any of you to write a book – although I can’t recommend that enough! But I’d love you to write down how you feel or felt during or after cancer and share it. I'll tell you how to do that in a minute. But first, let me sell the idea to you! 
If you log on to its4breastcancer.ie the wonderful folks at its4women are willing to donate €4 to Breast Cancer Ireland (www.breastcancerireland.com). This is an amazing gesture as all funds received by this charity go to research. What does that mean? It means new drugs can be developed. That means there will be more treatments available for women going through breast cancer. That, in turn means more women will potentially survive. 
Sadly we all know someone who has been affected by cancer. So if you can spare the time to write a few lines this October, you can and will make a difference. 
So please, please, please log onto its4breastcancer.ie and share your stories. 
Not only will you inspire others and let people know they are not alone, but you will aid a donation to medical research. 
Afterwards, its4women intend commissioning an Irish designer to create a piece of art that will be donated to Professor Arnie Hill. Professor Hill is the director of Breast Cancer Ireland and a leading breast cancer surgeon at Beaumont hospital, Dublin. 
So come on girls, vent your spleen and support cancer research while you’re at it. Go to:
 
www.its4breastcancer.ie


Thanks for your help!

Love and light 

Emma x
​

October marks the beginning of breast cancer awareness month. What a busy time it's been! I'm always very popular at this time of the year. Don't worry,  I don't get ideas above my station, I know it's purely because I'm a cancer vixen! 
I guess I've morphed into a go-to girl when it comes to breast cancer. It was never my intention to be a spokesperson for this disease, but sometimes things happen organically. I'm asked regularly whether or not I mind speaking about cancer. The simple answer is no. Of course not. It's no skin off my nose to share the little snippets of experience I've had over the years. If it helps even one person each time I write or talk about cancer, then my job is done. 
Much as it may appear at times, I don't actually think about or talk about cancer all the time. In fact, cancer remains in the shadows of my life. It's there in the background all the time, but it's not the most important thing in my life. I have far more exciting and fun things that I allow to take the driving seat. My children, my husband, family and friends and my writing career are more important by a long shot. But I am in this strange predicament where cancer and I have been bound together, for better or worse, without my choosing. 
Recently I had scans. They're almost clear. My organs and vital parts are free of cancer, happily. But there are some newly infected nodes in my neck and at the back of my head. I've had this type of stuff before. Last time it was the opposite side of my head and other side of my neck. I'm guessing cancer is trying to be balanced and ensure both sides of my anatomy are equally infected. Hurray...
It's a bummer. Quite frankly, I'd rather it went away and stayed away. But it's doable. It's treatable and my prognosis remains good. So isn't that the main thing? I think so. In fact, that's all I focus on. What's the point in letting it get to me?  
I am on chemotherapy every three weeks and in a few months I'll take some oral medication as well. So what do I do in the meantime? I carry on as before... I pitch up at the hospital and try to do what I'm told by my oncology team. End of.
As October kicks off I'm running from Billy to Jack. This year so many print publications and TV programs are embracing all things PINK. 
It's a wonderful thing. It shows how much we've come on with regards to awareness and education about breast cancer. More than that, it's very clear to me that we are no longer living in a society that wants to brush things under the carpet. Bravo! 
For Irish readers, I urge you to check out the Pink Edition of the RTE Guide in shops right now. They have lots of information as well as stories from breast cancer survivors. It's uplifting and packed with facts and tips. 
The Sun Newspaper are doing a "Pink Issue" on Friday 2nd October with guest editor Twink. 
Xposé on TV3 are doing a series with yours truly for the month of October, like last year. I'll be visiting places that cater for fashionistas going through treatment and giving you some tips and hints on how to look good and feel better during and after cancer treatment. There's even a piece on making nutritious soups, shot in my own kitchen!
Ireland AM on TV3 are doing a full week dedicated to all aspects of breast cancer from information from nurses and surgeons to real life stories from October 26th. I am also taking their camera crew to hospital with me so we can film a chemotherapy session. Time and time again I am asked what actually happens during chemotherapy. So I'm going to show you! I want to try and dispel some of the fears people have as they head for treatment. 
If you have just been diagnosed with cancer, or know someone who has, please take the opportunity to talk about your experience this October. Nobody should ever feel alone during cancer treatment. Nobody should ever be silenced by cancer. I know it's not an easy road to travel. I understand how scary and awful a diagnosis is. But I hope that we can all come together and try to fight this disease. 
I am an ambassador for Breast Cancer Ireland. They do amazing work and are tireless in raising funds for drug trials. In turn this helps scientists produce more drugs to advance the successful treatment of breast cancer. If you can spare €4 please text CURE to 50300 to donate. 
Also, I urge every woman to download the free App called Breast Aware. Go to breastcancerireland.com and you'll find the link. This App sends a monthly reminder to give you a little nudge to check your breasts. There's a simulated video to show you what to do. Here's Katie Taylor to tell you all about it!
https://youtu.be/a95qk0Ms37M
​
This October, I hope you are all in the pink. 

Love and light 

​Emma 

​

Hello lovely people!
It's been ages and I'm very sorry. Summer has been busy and it's not over yet! I'm very excited! The paperback of my latest novel, "The Secrets We Share" is out soon. I'm delighted with the fresh new cover! If you're looking for a holiday read, I'd be honoured if you would think about choosing this one. You see, it has so many personal attachments as it's inspired by my grandmother's story. Known to us all as Oma, the German for grandmother, she came to Ireland at the end of WW2. The incredible story of how her parent's love was never meant to be, had been kept very quiet for many years. Of course we all knew Oma was Austrian, her accent gave her away. But the details of just how she'd ended up in Ireland were sketchy.
On the morning of my 21st birthday Oma phoned me and asked me to come to her house. She was known for her hand made presents - I'd received everything from fake fur jackets to dresses with matching coats over the years. She was one of those women who could turn her hand to most things. But on this special day, Oma's only hint was that my present was not something I could open. Needless to say I was intrigued. Nothing could have prepared me for the enormity of what Oma had in mind...
My gift from Oma was her story. I sat in awe as she outlined the most astonishing love story I've ever heard.
I had no idea at the age of 21 that I would ever write a book, but I asked her if I could write it down. 
'Of course,' she smiled. 'Some day you'll know the time is right and that's when you'll do it.' 
This is my 10th book and for some reason I felt compelled to share the story now. Although many of the events in the story are fictional, the bones of the story, the essence of the wonderful love story, are very real. 
I am also fortunate to be friends with Tomi Reichental, who survived Bergen Belsen concentration camp. Tomi is a man of courage integrity and above all, he has shown me the true meaning of forgiveness. He kindly gave me his blessing to relay some of his experience in my own words. He told me he never wants people to forget what happened to six million Jews. 
So if you have a chance to read "The Secrets We Share" I hope you enjoy it as much as I loved writing it! I feel utterly privileged to have these astonishing stories in my head and I sincerely hope I've done them justice. The book is dedicated to Oma and Tomi. I hope I've made them both proud. 
Enjoy your August where ever you may be and I'll check in with you all again soon.
Love and light
Emma x

What a busy week it's been! I haven't been this popular since the time Angelina Jolie announced she had undergone a bi-lateral mastectomy. Those of you who are familiar with my story will know that I share something with Ms Jolie. Sadly it's not a bank account or indeed her stunning beauty it's the BRCA 1 gene. Two years ago Ms Jolie told the world about her decision to have a double mastectomy so she could reduce her risk of developing breast cancer from an 85% chance to 5%. In the wake of that announcement my phone rang non stop. 
This week as Ms Jolie wrote in The New York Times about having her ovaries removed my phone began to ring once more! I am so thankful to Ms Jolie for speaking out about BRCA 1. She has the world's stage and I think she is using it brilliantly. For the record, Ms Jolie didn't need to tell a soul what she was doing. After all it's impossible to look at somebody and know they've had their ovaries removed. So by speaking out she has raised this issue and helped to educate. Bravo!
So what is BRCA 1? It's a gene that is passed down from a parent to a child. When we are created we gain a pair of genes - one from our mother and one from our father. If a parents carries the faulty BRCA 1 gene the child has a 50% chance of inheriting it. In my case and in Angelina Jolie's we both inherited this faulty gene. It means we had a higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer than a person who doesn't carry the gene. 
The only solution for this is either monitoring or surgery. 
Monitoring includes mammograms and MRI of the breasts and a blood test to look for raised levels of a substance called CA125 along with internal ultrasounds for the ovaries. But the down side with this option is that the patient is really sitting and waiting to see if cancer will strike. 
The second option which both Ms Jolie and I went for is surgery to remove the breast tissue and ovaries with the fallopian tubes. This essentially removes the parts of the body that are most at risk. The potential to develop cancer is then at 5% after surgery. 
Obviously opting for surgery is a personal choice. It very much depends on the woman's age and her circumstances. In my case, I was thirty-two, I had two children and I didn't want any more. The decision was easy. I've never regretted it, in fact I know it saved my life. 
Since my surgery I've been diagnosed with and beaten cancer nine times. So I know that I did the right thing. 
If you or someone you know has just discovered this gene is present I would urge you do one thing. Think of this in a positive light. No, I haven't lost my marbles. I'm being serious. Don't sit and sob thinking this is the worst possible news. Think that this is knowledge. You have been forewarned and you have the opportunity to do something pro-active that could save your life. 
I have never viewed my surgeries as a negative thing. Instead of looking at it as removing body parts, I saw it as removing the danger. I found it a freeing relief to wake up post surgery knowing I had made my body safe. I knew I had gained the greatest prize of all - life. 
Perhaps I am very black and white in my thoughts and approach to life, but after the past ten years of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery I've had many dawning realisations. I know how precious life is. I know I am lucky to be alive and believe me I am damn grateful. So I fail to see how my surgeries were a bad thing. Without them I wouldn't be here. 
Obviously no BRCA 1 gene positive woman should have this surgery unless she is certain it is right for her. But all I can say is that my breast reconstruction is fabulous. My ovaries had done their job and while I was thrown into premature menopause that's really not a big deal. In the greater scheme of things menopause is a drop in the ocean in comparison to death. Menopause is in the post for all women, mine was simply delivered a little earlier than expected.
I know that Ms Jolie's article has raised questions and started conversations about BRCA 1. That's a good thing. It's also a good reminder for us ordinary folks that although she is an A list Hollywood actress, she is also a person just like you and I. She is a mother who wants to be there to see her children grow up. She is a wife who wants to be with her husband. She is a decent and honest woman and I think she is a superb role model. I wish her well and hope that she remains cancer free. 
Love and light to you all
Emma x 

*COMPETITION TIME*
Do you know someone who is going through or has just recovered from cancer treatment? Would you like to treat her to a wonderful makeover? 
Xposé Magazine have put together a wonderful prize featuring some of the products I've showcased on TV lately. One deserving lady will win eyebrow tattooing, hairpieces, beautiful post mastectomy lingerie, natural cosmetics and make-up!!!
All you have to do is nominate your friend, sister, mum, aunt, granny or colleague...
Write or email and tell us in 200 words or less why she deserves to win. 
Email: comps@xposemag.ie
or write to
Xposé Magazine, I'm a Survivor Comp, Zoe House, Church Road, Greystones, Co Wicklow. Closing date is 3rd April, 2015. T&Cs apply. The Editor's decision is final. 
If you missed the segments on Xposé TV3, I'll be running features in Xposé Magazine over the next couple of issues. Check out the February 2015 issue which is on sale now where I talk wigs, hairpieces, hats and permanent makeup! 
Good luck and I hope this gorgeous prize will go toward cheering up someone who truly needs it.
Love and light
 xxx Emma

Happy New Year!

Are we all ready to embrace 2015? How was Christmas for you? As you may be aware, I adore Christmas and everything that comes with it. I gleefully put up as many trees and decorations around the house as possible. I still firmly believe that there is no such thing as too much bling. 
I had a lovely Christmas day with my family and was fortunate to ring in the New Year in a gorgeous hotel. 
But this year the joy of Christmas and the excitement of ringing in the New Year had a shadow cast over it. The twinkling lights in our hearts were dimmed and much of our laughter was silenced leaving us reeling in shock as we learned of the sudden death of a friend on Christmas day. 
I cannot begin to imagine what his family are going through, as we are all heartbroken in my house. I know our sorrowful thoughts and feelings are only a drop in the ocean of tears that his nearest and dearest are still shedding. In fact, I know I don’t even have the right to say we are grieving in comparison to his family.
But this unthinkably sad event at such a poignant time of the year has led me to re-visit the fact that I am incredibly grateful to be here on this earth. 
Have no fear, I’m not attempting to convince you or even myself that I will suddenly become exceedingly virtuous nor am I considering growing a halo over the next twelve months. But there is no denying that tragedy has a massive impact on many lives and this one has made me sadly pensive to say the very least.  
Not for the first time in my existence, I wish I could change what has happened. But I know that cannot be. The finality of death and the heart wrenching reminder of how fragile us human beings are has made me more reflective than usual as we said goodbye to one year and welcomed another. 
I’ve come to the conclusion that there is only one way forward. I must recognise how lucky I am. How lucky my family is. How fortunate we are to be together. I know that same conclusion cannot be easily or swiftly reached by those directly affected by troubles and strife this Christmas. But I am trying to find the half full glass attitude that I’ve managed to maintain so many times before. I don’t mind admitting I’m struggling right now.
I, like many others, have lost far too many people I love. I only made it to my late teens before I witnessed my first taste of intense grief. I now know that time can help to heal the pain. Perhaps not entirely, but the gaping fresh wounds do become less raw eventually. I wish I had a magic wand, one that wipes away tears and replaces them with laughter, but alas such a thing hasn’t made it’s way to my door just yet. 
So what do I suggest? If you’ve found yourself in the doldrums, what’s the answer? 
There’s no simple one. No quick fix that will soothe all pain. But I think a good place to start finding answers is within our own hearts. So, I know it’s not original and it has been done many times before, but I am setting about writing a gratitude diary this year. I won’t do it on social media, nor will I necessarily make an entry every single day. But I will place a small appealing-to-the-eye notebook beside my bed. I will make a little promise to take the time to record as much positivity as I can muster. It can be anything from enjoying a decent cup of coffee when I’m tired to seeing my daughter smile (she’s a teenager, it’s kind of a rarity right now!) to writing three thousand words in one productive day at the office.
This has worked for me before and I know it will help again. It’s not that magic wand I crave, but it’s a small step in the right direction. I know for a fact that the only way out of an adverse situation is by putting one foot in front of the other and taking each day as it comes. 
In general I don’t normally have any problem coming up with positive thoughts. In fact they usually come to me readily and in abundance. But as I said, I’m not brimming with that usual delight just now.
I’m a thousand miles from feeling defeated however. I know from past experience that my inert sense of hope and happiness will be restored with the passage of time. It’s in my nature to be bubbly and cheerful. But I’m not worried about myself in the long term… I guess I wanted to reach out and empathise with anyone who has suffered devastating circumstances, especially around Christmas time. 
You see, my continuing cancer journey over the past eight years has been made one thousand per cent more “doable” by simply writing and talking. 
I know I am not alone because people interact with me on a daily basis. I share my stories and all kinds of people reciprocate. It’s a wonderful and powerful process where communication breaks down barriers and umpteen walls of previously stony scary silences. So I hope that by writing about my feelings of grief today, that my words will strike a chord with the people who need it. My aim today is to communicate one small message. That no matter what life has thrown at you in recent times, I urge you to try to believe that there is still a glimmer of hope out there… Even if it’s only a tiny ember that’s struggling to glow at the bottom of a chamber of darkness… It may even appear to be hiding completely from you right now… But my wish is that each and every person reading this finds solace, human kindness and happiness at some point this year. 
Apologies if this seems like a dreadfully sombre New Year’s message. Like a God-awful and depressing country and western song… I don’t mean to rain on the parade of the happy and glittery and fluffy folks. I promise I’ll be back in the land of fun and frolics very soon. After all it’s hard to keep me down. I often think I’m like one of those effervescent dissolvable fizzy vitamin C tables. I might be at the bottom of the water this second. But I’ll bubble back up to the top of the glass and do little spitty sparkles all over the back of your hand before long!
After all, I am truly grateful for so many things. I am grateful to be alive and well. I am grateful for my husband, children, family and friends. I am grateful for my very badly behaved (but adorable) dog Herbie and my noisy and wonderful asthmatic cat Tom. I am grateful for my job, which I adore.  I am grateful, full stop. 
Happy New Year to you all and I hope 2015 shines brightly and brings a multitude of blessings your way. 

Love and light & fizzy vitamin C tablets 

Emma x x x

Hello, hello!
The last couple of months have been manically busy! My latest book, ‘The Heart of Winter,’ is in all good book shops and I reckon it would make a fabulous Christmas pressie for you, your family, your friends, your neighbours and even people you hate. I don’t mind how many you buy. Massive thanks to all the lovely amazing folks who have already bought it. You know I love you all dearly. 
Along with the usual day-to-day stuff like being a wife and mum and trotting in for my three weekly chemotherapy sessions, I’ve been doing a bit of television with the lovely folks at Xposé on TV3. Thanks to all the kind people who’ve sent messages of support. 
I’ve had so much fun with the Xposé crew creating a little series of positive and helpful ways of coping while kicking cancer. As any cancer patient will know there’s absolutely nothing glamorous about being diagnosed with this awful disease. 
Being a nine-times survivor I have learned one or two things along the way. I cannot begin to thank the doctors and nurses who constantly work to save my life. Without them and the advances in modern medicine, I wouldn’t be here today. 
But as the years rolled by and my cancer continued to return I realised that there is so much more to fighting this insidious disease than taking medication. 
Cancer and the treatment aren’t fun - ever. But that doesn’t mean that my life has gone from colour to black and white. Quite the opposite in fact. I’ve realised that now, more than ever, I need to keep my chin up make up on and carry on being me. My name is not cancer and this disease has never stopped me from fulfilling my dreams and feeling like a woman. 
I hope that, along with the fabulous team from Xposé, we have covered some topics to give you ideas on how to feel better about yourself. It’s nice to know that there is life during and after cancer treatment. 
In case you missed the show or don’t live in Ireland, here are the items we’ve covered so far. Maybe they’ll give you or someone who is battling cancer a positive idea or two. 
Some of these things may not rock your boat. It’s certainly not necessary to do all of them, but if even one of the ideas can help to give you a lift I’ll be delighted! So here’s where we’ve done so far… Or as they say in X Factor – ‘the story so far’… 

Wigs and hairpieces
We visited the lovely ladies at The Hair Club in Donnybrook. They do everything from small clip in human hair extensions to full wigs. This, my friends is not a final resting place for sad looking road kill. Oh no, here you will find trendy fashionable and affordable solutions for hair thinning or full hair loss. Hair club have an online store too. I’ve used their products for years and cannot recommend them highly enough.
www.hairclub.com
 
Custom made hats
If wigs or hairpieces aren’t your thing, but you’d still like something to keep your head warm or indeed to adorn an outfit for a special occasion, Bernie O’Mahony is the woman you’ll need. Her beautiful pieces are specifically designed to cover the entire head with warm soft and comfortable fabrics. They're available from Kitten Doll and B on Thomas Street in Dublin or check out 
www.kittendollandb.com

Post mastectomy bras
There are many places that sell these but in my own experience they are hideously expensive and generally… well… hideous. A few years ago I discovered that M&S sell fabulous stuff. Prices start at €22.00 for two! They also do matching briefs for those of you who like pretty sets. All the bras can be bought online too, so you don’t even have to leave your house! This underwear revolutionised post mastectomy bra buying for me. When I felt the only place I could go was a ‘specialised’ place, it made me feel different (not to mention the high prices) so it’s wonderful to know that I can still shop in high street stores and get up to the minute and pretty stuff.
www.marksandspencer.ie 

Permanent makeup
Elizabeth Oakes is the undisputed queen of permanent makeup in Ireland. With years of experience she uses a small hand tool (that she designed herself) to create the most realistic eyebrows imaginable. 
I’ve lost my hair several times and thankfully it has grown back. But my poor eyebrows were a little bit scraggy looking to say the least. I was so excited about visiting Elizabeth to see what she could do for me. It’s four weeks since I had my tattooing done and I absolutely love the results. I would recommend this to anyone! I can’t believe how well my new eyebrows frame my face. By the way, you don't need to be a cancer patient to avail of Elizabeth's services. She also does lip liner and eye liner... I know! I'm very tempted!
www.elizabethoakes.ie

Safe fake tan
I know when I was diagnosed at first I became very nervous about using products that were laced with chemicals. As a trained beauty therapist I have a bit of knowledge and understand of the skin. I was always wary of what I used. But having cancer definitely made me quite scared of using anything that could cause harm to my body. I began reading labels more closely and really thinking about what was in the bottles I bought. I am a fake tan addict and always have been. I am blessed with typically Irish skin (i.e. tinged with blue – I think I might be descended from the Smurfs) so I require good fake tan to feel better. Tan organic has been around for a few years and all their products are lovely, but their latest baby to join the family is a gem. It’s a self-tanning oil. If like me, you ended up with sandpaper-esque dry skin while having cancer treatment, this is a must. It goes onto clean dry skin just like a regular body oil, soaks in leaving the skin soft and supple and when you wake in the morning, hey presto, the blue tinge is gone only to be replaced by a lovely honeyed glow. The marvellous thing about it is that it doesn’t leave you with orange palms either. It comes off with a baby wipe or by washing your hands as soon as you finish applying. Obviously this product is for everyone. Especially great for pregnant ladies too! 
www.tanorganic.com

Reflexology & MLD
These two therapies have been my little wild card for the past few years. As I have had cancer in many of the lymph nodes in my upper body I am not allowed to have that many alternative treatments. Reflexology is one that I have always been allowed to have and encouraged to have by my oncologist. 
I tried many different therapists before I found Michelle Rhatigan. She’s at Physiofit Woman in Sandyford in Dublin. What’s different about Michelle? Firstly she’s a nurse. Secondly she trained for years and specialised in oncology reflexology. 
I love having my feet rubbed and will plague my poor husband to do it while we watch TV. (Yes, he hates it.) So it wasn’t hard for me to get addicted to reflexology. But it’s not easy to find someone who does it right. If you can’t get to Michelle make sure the person you attend has oncology experience. This is a wonderful treatment that encourages your body to heal itself. It releases toxins from the body and promotes energy. Also the fact I’m having caring human touch that has nothing to do with needles or hospital treatment is such a treat and joy. Love it, love it, love it. (Did I mention I love it??) Again this isn't solely (pun pun) for oncology patients, it's wonderful for pregnant ladies and anyone looking to relax. Superb for helping with sleep issues too. 
www.physiofitwoman.com
01(2932969)
Also at Physiofit Woman is clinical director Deborah Fernandes. She is a chartered physiotherapist as well as having trained directly with Professor Leduc, who masterminded the best way of performing manual lymphatic drainage. What does MLD do? It helps and often totally irradiates lymph oedema. What’s that? It’s the awful and sore swelling that often occurs after surgery. Many women and indeed men suffer with swelling of the limbs post surgery. This gentle specific massage helps the body to eliminate the trapped lymph that causes the pain and swelling. I have attended Deborah for years and without her help I know I would have two puffy dough balls for hands! If you’re suffering with lymph oedema, get yourself along to her. If you don’t live near Dublin, search for a qualified practitioner in your area. 
Physiofit Woman are registered so if you are fortunate enough to have private health insurance you can claim back some of the money back.
www.physiofitwoman.com
  
 There are more ideas in the pipeline and I will continue to share my own knowledge and look for other ways that women can help themselves to feel better during and after treatment. 
For now I’m off to make a hot lemon and honey drink. I have contracted man flu from my husband. It’s not great. I’m not enjoying it. I currently sound like Marge Simpson, my nose is running like a tap and I have glassy eyes and look dreadful (apart from my perfect eyebrows). 
I hope you are all in a snot-free zone and that you’re getting ready for Christmas. 
I have a confession to make before I go… My first Christmas tree is already up. I know it’s still November but I had an excuse honestly. I had a nice lady coming to take my photo for a magazine and it needed to look Christmassy. So needless to say I offered to put up a tree to facilitate the picture! I’m not allowed to do any more decoration, for fear of being extradited to the shed until December first. With my man flu, I don’t think I’d cope with living outside. So all the rest of the tinsel and glitter is waiting patiently until the clock strikes twelve on December Eve…
Chat to you all soon!
Love and light (and a bit of sniffling)
Emma x

 

Hello hello!
As usual much time has passed and I've realised with guilt that I've neglected my blog. I've said it before, but it's lucky my blog and or Facebook pages aren't children, or they'd have been taken into care by now. I'm not very on the ball with keeping up with the keeping up, if you catch my drift?
I'll try and offer some lame excuses now. So... It's been a bit crazy at our house. Our daughter Kim (our baby) has turned 13 so Cian and I are now officially living with two teenagers. Back to school happened on 25th August so we're in full flight by now. It's exhausting overwhelming and as both are now in secondary school, and the days are long. I wish I could give them a day off (every second day) because so much is expected of them and they have the whole teenage thing going on at the same time... But the world isn't always an easy place to be and unfortunately this is where the lessons in life begin. I know we're all conditioned into believing that all these long hours and constant bombardments on every one of their senses are very important and they'll thank me in long run. But there's a tiny voice in my head that often tries to interrupt my logic by whispering that it's all far too regimented and narrow minded. Am I the only one who feels the one-size-fits-all education system is extremely outdated? I wish secondary school teens could hone in on the things they enjoy and are good at. There is so much emphasis on learning stuff off by heart and spewing it back onto a page at the right time. Much of it seems totally irrelevant to my teens and I have to agree. All the same, I have to (and do) make all the right noises and encourage them as best I can.  So I offer meals (most of which they don't want to eat) and try not to annoy them. Mind you, some days I manage to be hideously embarrassing and annoying by merely breathing... I know, I'm talented. 
It's part of the job description of being a mum that everything is my fault. I'm OK with that. 
The exciting news is that I have another book on the horizon! It's a Christmassy one and as usual I had a ball immersing myself in all things glittery and sparkly. It's called The Heart of Winter, and I sincerely hope you'll all enjoy it. 
It's a re-visit with some of my previous characters, namely the Craig family from Driving Home for Christmas and Jodi Ludlum from Perfect Wives. It's out on October 9th. 
Meanwhile, I've been putting the final few words to my next novel, The Secrets We Share, which won't be out until 2015. It all takes a long time, you see. The writing bit is the first port of call. Then there's editing and copy editing as lots of talented folks squirrel away in the background designing the cover and orgainsing sales etc. So the Secrets We Share ball is rolling! I'll let you know more about it soon, but this book is probably the most personally emotional one I've written since Designer Genes or indeed Talk to the Headscarf. The story behind The Secrets We Share was inspired by my late Grandmother. I'll fill you in soon! 
I hope you're all easing into Autumn. I'm holding onto summer by my fingernails. I haven't worn socks or boots yet although it's all imminent! 
On the cancer front, I'm doing well. I'm on three weekly chemotherapy, which is manageable. As far as I know the lumps and bumps are gone. But scans in the next while will confirm that. I feel stronger with each passing day and I know I'm out of the horrors for the moment. I was utterly shattered by the 50 fractions of radiation I endured, but it was SO worth it. 
Once again I am astonished by the resilience of the human body. How mine is still going amazes me when I stop and think about it, but here I am! My hair is growing back (I lost a lot of the back of it during treatment) and I'm slowly feeling more like me again. I am grateful to be alive and feeling so well. I know I am surfing on the crest of the new wave of cancer treatment that allows people like me to survive and keep going. It's a blessing. 
I'd better go and do some more work. Sadly in my job, nobody else can do it for me! 
Mind yourselves and try not to sweat the small stuff!

Love and light 

Emma x
P.S. here's the cover of the new book!! excited.com 

Hello everyone!

I can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve written a blog. How’s the summer treating you so far? I’ve just returned from a few days of immersion in the spectacularly unspoilt views of Connemara in the west of Ireland. I went for a few days rest – that makes me sound like an ailing geriatric doesn’t it? Admittedly, I’m kind of okay with that description at the moment. I wouldn’t be overly surprised if I looked in the mirror and saw a 95-year-old woman staring back at me. Suffice it to say I’m feeling the effects of 50 radiation fractions (funny that) and last week I started back on my old pal, Avastin chemotherapy. I noticed the side effects more starkly than before because I’ve been off it for almost ten months now. On the upside, it’s all very manageable in greater scheme of things. I know once I give my body a chance to bounce back I’ll be fine. My cancer hasn’t been irradiated completely. There are a couple of nasty nodes still there. But my medical team are watching it all like a hawk and I know I’m in safe hands. All I have to do is get on with things as best I can. That’s fine by me. I can work with that.

Going away is such a freeing thing. A break from the usual routine in a different setting is wonderful for restoring my peace of mind. Serenity is such a balm for the soul and there was oodles of it in Connemara. I feel as if I've crawled back into a space where I can forge onwards and upwards and dust myself off after the latest wrestle with cancer. 

I even started a new novel while I was there. Well, the ideas are in motion at least. I also managed quite a bit of poking in rock pools petting donkeys and giggling with my daughter and her visiting friend! I loved witnessing their amusement as they went back to nature and forget about technology for a few days. They netted a tiny fish at the bay across the road from our house. They made him a watery house in a large glass bowl complete with seaweed and a small rock. He was christened Alan. I was congratulating them on abandoning all phones etc when they informed me that they’d set Alan up on instagram. I didn’t bother pointing out that we’d little or no wifi so Alan’s updates would be few and far between. But he’s a local so I guess he already realised that…

My children are finished school for the summer holidays and have three months of free time ahead, hence the trip away. It was a girly trip as hubby is working and our son has trotted off to Gaeltacht. For the non-Irish readers, this is basically a residential summer camp where everyone has lots of fun while speaking Gaelic. It’s a real right of passage for Irish teens. I went when I was his age and adored it. Apart from learning the language it’s a great way for kids to spend a bit of time away from their mothers and gain some independence. Apparently he's had his ear pierced again by another teenager. He was wondering if I mind, which I don't. That sort of thing doesn't phase me. It's reversible if he changes his mind and he feels it's a good move, so happy days. It’s very quiet without him and aside from the reportage of the earring we’ve heard very little from him. He’s having too much fun to bother speaking to us! Phew – wouldn’t it be so much worse if he were pining?

The Summer Guest my latest book is currently out in Ireland. Thank you to all my wonderful readers for putting it straight into the bestsellers list. I love you all. I went across the water to the Headline UK conference in London last month where I met lots of lovely booksellers and other authors. The Summer Guest is due for release in the UK mid July. I’ve every crossable appendage crossed in the hope that it’ll be welcomed by my new audience.

My publishers and I are going full steam ahead with my new Christmassy / Wintery novel, Winter at Huntersbrook. It’s a revisit with the Craig family from Driving Home for Christmas. The big edit should land back on my desk next week so it’ll be ready for release this coming Christmas. I’m thrilled to have another book in the pipelines and I hope you’ll all enjoy it. Eek!

I was delighted to speak at the Irish Tatler Business Academy on 22nd May. I met so many dynamic and incredible women. I’m never un-aware of the brilliance of women, but every now and again it’s wonderful to encounter an entire nest of them and immerse myself in their energy and come away with renewed inspiration and vigour.

Not to forget the man in my life, hubby is working hard as his triathlon emporium Base2Race embraces the triathlon season with gusto. All the ladies and men in lycra are off swimming running and cycling like madzers right now. He’s working his way toward his first Ironman race in Vichy in September. It’s a totally insane affair where they swim 3.8K then cycle 180K and run 42K all in one day. I know – utterly bat-shit crazy right? Personally I think it shouldn’t be legal, but I’m probably one of the laziest people known to man. So I clearly don’t get it. Still, opposites attract and if it keeps him happy isn’t that marvellous? Each to their own and all of that. For those of you who do carry the lycra gene, Ironman is coming to Dublin in 2016 and promises to be an incredible event. Hubby and his B2R colleagues are naturally, over the moon with excitement. I’ll certainly be there with my Base2Race flags and my clackers. It’ll bring so much tourism to Ireland as there are many many other lycra-minded folks the world over. So that's a fab thing isn't it? Just don’t ask me to actually take part! Instead I’ll be the one on the sideline eating a bag of doughnuts and waving happily!

I’m off to do the ironing. Yes, I lead a very glamorous life. Enjoy what’s left of June and I’ll chat to you all again soon.

Love and light

Emma x