Hi,<\/p>\n
The last and sixth chemotherapy was completed Friday 12th August, but I was reminded by the doctor that they see the chemotherapy sessions as three week cycles, so I am still in chemotherapy until Friday 2nd September and this is when things start to change. It is then that I can start to build and re-build and slowly start to feel any improvements.<\/p>\n
It has been a long year and I have forgotten what it feels like to feel well. From the shock of February, to the surgery of March and the chemotherapy in April to September, it has been a slow and, at times, a difficult process. It has gone minute by minute, hour by hour, drug by drug, and day by day. I don’t think I have ever watched the clock so much and so intensely.<\/p>\n
I am now anaemic and hoping not to have a transfusion, so I am really exhausted and I still feel nauseous, but know I am not going to be sick. The physical effects of chemotherapy are still taking their toll on me and according to the doctor they will continue to affect my body and \/ or demand continued processing for anything from the next six to ten months. Essentially, it will take longer than I think it will to sort this stuff out. Patience is what is required here. And that is just for the physical effects, somehow I have to bring along (or rather slow down) the psychological effects of what has happened. Though I will ‘feel’ better as I go. This may not be incremental, but will generally be in the right direction; upwards. I think my hair growth will help here as it may represent how well I am, how patient I am and really how slow it will be to get better; it will grow about a centimetre a month (in the summer months less as it gets cooler) so by Christmas it should be about 4 to 5 cm long!!!<\/p>\n
I have also made two scrap books to start my recovery process; one for hospital appointments and what has happened since February and one for the all the cards, emails and letters that I have received during this time too. It was lovely to do, where I read and re-read the many cards and emails you sent again. It was also very emotional and exhausting.<\/p>\n
I can now look at them whenever I need to or would like to. They are easier to access than when they were decorating the house, though they did make the house more colourful and warmer. I have to thank you for them again, I will treasure them forever.<\/p>\n
I am reminded I have the fashion show to look forward to on Friday 16th September, a holiday in Gran Canaria in November and getting a physical exercise programme in place to get my fitness going; it will start with walking and we can go from there. I am also looking at an organic diet with so called anticancer foods and getting some help with the psychology of breast cancer from the Fountain Centre; treatments and counselling.<\/p>\n
Thank you once again for being there and here’s to re building and growing from this experience and seeing how it all turns out.<\/p>\n
You have been fabulous.<\/p>\n
Love Helen x<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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