Tag: Laura’s Story

My third chemo session

14 Comments
Two days ago, I had my third chemo session. Remember, I have them weekly, in smaller doses, as I have scalp cooling for my hair. This session marked the end of cycle one! Cyril is realising that he is not wanted and must leave. This brings me closer to the operation, which I am also happy about. When I walked into the unit on Monday, I didn’t feel the usual fears. Even the doctor noticed how calm I was! This is because I now  know what to expect. If it were last week, I probably would have freaked about being told my iron levels are on the low side, meaning that I might need a blood transfusion next week. However, this news didn’t panic me. I’d like to mention that this is a common thing that can happen when having chemo. I will be eating foods rich in iron this week to see if that helps, and if it doesn’t then, it’s not an issue. In the words of my dad, ‘after a transfusion, you feel on top of the world. You’ll have more energy than all of us!’
My brother joined us for this session.  We played a great game, similar to articulate, where you had to describe the celebrities on the stick you picked up. We had lots of laughs and some interesting guesses were made! Thank you @JennieDallal. I also had my regular foot massage from my amazing Auntie, who comes equipped with her oils and creams. The nurses have spotted her and told her how wonderful they think she is. The foot massage takes my mind off the cold cap, generally calms me down, and as you can see from the photos, actually sent me to sleep yesterday!
My wonderful nurse also came to me. I simply adore her. She is there to talk to whenever you need (phone and email). I feel I can ask her anything. For example, I was worried about getting gel nails, as I had heard there may be risks associated with the drying light, but she put my mind at ease. She has been there from day one, (from the night I was admitted with fluid on my tummy), and she will be by my side throughout the whole journey. It’s remarkable how quickly you feel a bond growing with the team of people around you. I have already shared my pixie collection with my team of doctors. They (the pixies, not doctors) are my good luck charms. I carried one with me when I got my results and when I met the professor handling my chemo. I want each person working to make me better to have a pixie. My nurse really liked the one that I chose for her!
I know it’s now only Wednesday but I already feel ready for next Monday. I am getting used to the process so it does not feel so scary. I want to get cycle 2 going, so I can continue to show Cyril who is boss. The start of round two will mean a slightly longer session, but it means more drugs will go in my system and remind Cyril to go away!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

#FindingCyril

Spreading BRCA mutation awareness

2 Comments

img_6204Today I had the privilege of meeting Caitlin Brodnick (@caitybrodnick), who is 31-year-old comedian living in New York. Caitlin carries the BRCA 1 gene mutation and made the life-changing decision to have a preventive double mastectomy. I am currently battling ‘Cyril’ in my ovaries, but my mind is made up that when I am back to full health next year, I too will have a preventive double mastectomy. My current situation makes me feel that my breasts are a ticking time bomb. When I watched Caitlin’s documentary; ‘Screw You Cancer,’ which documents her journey, I felt inspired by her story. Previously, the idea of removing my breasts seemed terrifying. Meeting Caitlin today, and seeing how happy she is with the surgeries, fills me with hope for when it is my turn to go through it. As Caitlin says, ‘they are DIY boobies!’ But these DIY boobies will take all my fears away, and as I discovered today, the constant need for a bra (so every cloud and all that!)

Caitlin spoke of growing up knowing that cancer was prevalent on her father’s side of the family, but it took her a long time to want to take the test. After finding out that she tested positive, it took her a while to comes to terms with it and decide on her next steps. I felt similar to Caitlin. When I heard that I had tested positive, I did not know what to think. I was so anxious about this news, and waiting for breast screening at age 30 did not sit right with me. I immediately went to have my breasts checked and a plan was put in place to have screening every six months. At the same time, I went to my gynecologist to have a pelvic scan and CA125 blood test, which would be once a year. My anxiety about the potential risks of this gene started to get better because I was being checked. However, in the back of my mind, I always wondered about what would show up on the screen. Lumps in my breasts were found, but thank God they were always benign.

Even though going for constant checks is frightening and leaves a nervous feeling in my stomach, I do not regret being tested. In fact, I am thankful that the BRCA 1 gene mutation was discovered in my family, because knowledge is power. It allowed me to make informed decisions about my body. Even though Cyril has hit me at an age that is very rare (most probably due to the gene mutation), I am comforted by the fact that I knew about the gene mutation and was getting myself checked. If you have strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer, I urge you to visit your GP and have the discussion about genetic testing. As I prove, it can hit earlier than the national statistics state in BRCA 1 and 2 positive people. It is a very challenging test to go through, but knowing allows you to make plans for the future and take steps to manage the risks. I had my test at Northwick Park Hospital and the genetic specialists support you through the whole process.img_6202

I also had the privilege of meeting Caroline Presho, who is head of the BRCA Umbrella group. Caroline works tirelessly to raise awareness for BRCA mutations and provides vital support to lots of people. We spoke today about the issue of misdiagnosis; the need to raise awareness amongst GPs and how women of all ages with BRCA gene mutations need to be vigilant of the risks these mutations cause. I look forward to doing more work with Caroline in the future and being part of a group that is bringing BRCA gene mutations to the public’s attention and making people stop and think.

To follow Caity’s story, please click this link to view her documentary.

http://video.glamour.com/series/screw-you-cancer

Please have the conversation with your loved ones about your family history regarding breast and ovarian cancer, and get to the GP to see if you are eligible for the testing. The links below will provide you with further information.

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/inherited-cancer-genes-and-increased-cancer-risk/genetic-testing-for-cancer-risk

http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/brca-fact-sheet

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/diagnosing/causes-and-risk-factors/genetic-testing-and-counselling/genetic-testing.html

#FindingCyril

Support and love from France‏

6 Comments

At the start of this academic year, I created a link with a French class in France at my school. The English and French children have been able to Skype most weeks, write to each other and exchange gifts. We look forward to welcoming the French students next year! Although I have not yet met the French teacher and the children, I value the teacher as a good friend and the students feel like my students too. They have a special place in my heart.

When I arrived home from treatment two a package was waiting for me. Every French student had written me a beautiful letter. Every letter made me smile and filled me with a little more hope. I want this wonderful class to know that I will treasure these letters forever, and whenever I feel down I will read them. Their beautiful words and pictures help to keep me in the positive mindset needed to show Cyril who is boss!

Please have a look at the slide show which shows these letters. I feel honoured that the class in France is following the website, and their support and thoughts mean more to me than I can describe in words.

I have found Cyril. I have now started to show Cyril the exit. I am one lucky lady to have people of all ages fighting Cyril with me.

Thank you again to the amazing French class. I can’t wait to see you soon, and continue all the wonderful work we are doing together!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

#FindingCyril

Analogies to help you think positively

6 Comments

We have already said that cancer does not discriminate. It can choose anybody of any age. I had an overwhelming moment prior to the second chemo session. I shared how I felt with my family. I described my emotions like a painting of dots. I felt like the small black dot and everybody else around me represented the colourful dots. Everybody told me that the latter is a unique way to describe these emotions. My family understood why I felt like the black dot. I had been given the shock of my life. Later on, I said to my sisters that I want to be a gold dot on the painting and we decided that this is what I have to push myself to continuously feel because some of this battle is about my strong and positive mindset. However, it is normal to have moments where you feel like the black dot.

imageThe analogy of the painting can be extended to what has been spoken about in previous blogs. That is to say, the need for women (young women included) to be more aware about ovarian cancer. If you feel you have any of the symptoms then you must keep going to get checked. Don’t allow the symptoms to be confused for IBS. Don’t take the risk. This is because we must be vigilant in terms of looking out for signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, and checking things that worry us or we are not sure about. Being extra cautious keeps the chances of ever feeling like the black dot as low as possible. All women must remain colourful dots (you can choose your colour!) however difficult it may be.

Another analogy I heard came from my boyfriend, Jonny. He said, ‘Imagine you are in a car, driving to a destination. As you are driving, there is an accident ahead and you end up stuck in traffic. The whole time you are stuck in traffic you are thinking about what you could be doing at the destination (who I’d see, who I could be talking to, etc). ‘He continued by saying, ‘The waiting in traffic, knowing that you may be missing things, is frustrating but ultimately, the traffic eases and you reach the destination a little delayed.’ This analogy made me feel better because even though ‘Cyril’ has delayed aspects of my life, ultimately I will still accomplish them albeit a few months later than I wanted.

image

#FindingCyril

My second chemo session

12 Comments

Today marked the second milestone on my road to recovery. After having my blood taken and the test coming back as suitable to proceed, I started my second session of chemotherapy. Below are some pictures of my experience.

Thank you to doctors and nurses of the Royal Marsden for keeping a smile on my face and to my aunt for the foot rubs!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

#FindingCyril

Misdiagnosed as IBS

9 Comments

image

“This cancer is aggressive. It could even have come on in a matter of weeks.” This is what my consultant told me after giving me the diagnosis. The shock of the diagnosis was even more compounded by the fact that I had a pelvic scan and CA125 blood test 7 months ago. My one saving grace is that the 4th doctor I saw picked on the cancer from the symptoms I had.

The aim of this blog is to raise awareness to the fact that these symptoms can be easily misdiagnosed as IBS. This is what happened to me 3 times in the space of two weeks. Initially, my GP, a gastroenterologist and an A&E doctor all assumed I had IBS and constipation after feeling my stomach and doing a generic blood scan. The symptoms I had included:

  • Severe abdominal bloating (I was asked by several people when I was due as I looked 4 t0 5 months pregnant)
  • Pain when urinating
  • Feeling full quickly
  • Severe constipation (I hadn’t gone to the toilet properly for almost a week.)

image

Due to the misdiagnosis, I was prescribed laxatives. Whenever I took these, I felt worse and the pain and discomfort intensified. Once I was diagnosed properly, my doctor explained why this was. The bloating was from a huge build up of liquid around my organs (they drained off almost 5.5 litres). From what I understand, this liquid put pressure on my bowels, constricting them and stopped me from using the toilet. When I took the laxatives, I felt worse because I got more and more clogged up.

These symptoms came on quickly over a couple, of weeks and as they went on they intensified. It wasn’t until I went to A&E for the second time (due to the pain and discomfort) that they finally did a CT scan.

These symptoms can be too often be confused with bowel issues. If you experience these symptoms, please go straight to the GP. Nag, moan, complain and make a pain of yourselves if you need to girls but please make sure you get checked! I am just very thankful, grateful and happy that my symptoms were picked up on and that I am able to have the treatment to get better.

If you experience these symptoms, ovarian cancer must be considered regardless of age. It is rare at a young age but it can happen.

For more information look at the websites below:

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer-of-the-ovary/pages/symptoms.aspx

http://www.targetovariancancer.org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer/what-ovarian-cancer/ovarian-cancer-symptoms

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/ovarian-cancer/understanding-cancer/signs-symptoms.html

#FindingCyril

Taking my mind off Cyril‏

1 Comment

I am 27 and going through something that is so rare for my age. It’s the love from family and friends that is spurring me on. What a fantastic day with my wonderful friend Dominique! Loved the park 😀😀

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

A present from my favorite artist

1 Comment

Laura Footes is a dear friend from university. She is the most amazing artist. She has worked with my children at school on a few occasions and they adored her! She has used art in a unique way to spur me on in my fight!

You can find out more information regarding Laura Footes on the following websites:

http://cargocollective.com/laurafootes/About

http://royaldrawingschool.org/artists/drawing-year-alumni/laura-footes/

2ee029b6-9207-4c47-874b-f169dece3903

#FindingCyril

The kindness of stranger‏s

Leave a comment

image1 (1)

As a 27 year old walking into a chemotherapy room, I was frightened beyond belief. A fellow teacher sitting on the chair next to me spoke to me about her experiences because she could see that I was so young and distressed. She wrote the message above in my journal to give me hope.