Ten years on

Dear friends,

Fabulous weather isn’t it?

Exactly ten years ago today I was admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties. As some of you know, it turned out to be metastatic breast cancer that had already spread throughout both of my lungs and liver. Before that day I had no idea that cancer could spread like that. But, enough of that.

It has been a surprising journey, and every day has been “interesting”. People used to ask me “How was your day?” and I always replied “*****!” until a good friend taught me that, however rubbish it feels, life is always “interesting” ….

Today I have an extraordinarily strong feeling of thankfulness that I am still living with my cancer. My medical team has been really good - despite me not being a patient patient!

For all that my beautiful children have achieved in the past ten years, I am so grateful and so proud of them. They have been totally amazing, and so have my family and my friends!

A lot of people on this site have been there for me, listened to my troubles, and offered so many words of support when I was terribly unhappy. What a journey it has been eh? And how happy I find myself now. Thank you.

Those of you who know me also know what an incredible support and friend my dear fiancée has been since we met six years ago. He is my best best BEST friend. I hope to make him as happy, and we looking forward to getting married in September this year.

Back in 2011 I was full of jealous hatred for anyone over 50 (I was only 44), and for anyone with grandchildren (I now have six!) - the years have taught me to be grateful for every day. I have also learnt not to predict what will happen because nobody knows what the future holds.

The journey has taught me that I must respect and acknowledge that we all have our own battles to fight all through our lives. It has taught me not to assume that my own difficulties surpass others’. Many people appear perfectly content on the surface, but have deep grief of their own hidden under the surface; they are the brave ones.

I dedicate this post to all those we have lost over the years, and recognise that every moment we spent with them remains precious

Mary

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