Two Years

So, obviously the title implies that this post relates to something to do with 'two years'. Well, congratulations if you worked out that code - that is most definitely correct! Today is basically two years since I was diagnosed. May 21st 2010. I do enjoy birthdays, anniversaries and Christmasses etc but I really don't want to make this into a 'thing' to 'celebrate'. However, it's difficult to get the 'date' out of your mind when it is so firmly there. It is so strange to think that this time two years ago I (well my family and close friends!) had started telling everyone I know what was going on. It's only recently friends have told me how they reacted at the time and it is so odd hearing about it from another person. As this date will forever more have a bit of a CRAP quality about it, maybe I should make up a holiday? Like, National Clean Your Car Day or National Make Pasta From Scratch Day - as in dull things, people say they will do and never will? Hmmm.. That probably won't take off so let's scrap that idea.

So, I'll just be self indulgent for a few more minutes and say I want to thank each and every person who has helped me, talked to me, been there for me, acted normal around me, invited me to do something FUN, made me a cake, talked about trashy magazines, brought percy pigs, provided me with a new Andrew Lloyd Webber piano book, got their class to make me an Annual, made a mash up of John Torode's face, those who introduced me to Community/Mad Men/ Greys Anatomy and any other show that helped me through the DULL DULL DULLNESS of hospital stays. I obviously have so many more people to thank but anyone who prayed, sent a card, message or even a lasagne - I just want to say Thank You.

I feel now I should have some knowledge in how to speak to someone going through a similar thing to me - obviously practical things like, don't wear long sleeves in hospital (it's a nightmare with getting blood/venflons), take lots of moisturiser/lip balm/hand cream (the air con makes you feel very dry), take quite a few pairs of pjs (one night stay will almost definitely be more) and make sure you have enough entertainment so you can drown out the noise of the constant beeps or chitter chatter. Larger headphones help with this venture.

I think if anything, I've learnt that cancer patients want their normality. For example, it's horrible when your morning routine is taken away from you and you are woken at 7am with a slice of cold toast and some really disgusting coffee. I also wanted people to be normal with me. I can understand why it is an uncomfortable situation but the patient has never changed - I had never changed. I'd like to think I kept my sense of humour throughout (debatable I'm sure), my need to change my nail polish every second day (difficult, as I was normally told off for this) and my love for smelly cheese had definitely not diminished - well it did when I was told not to eat them. Humph. Back on the Cheese Train now though! Hurrah.

Two years down the line.. Hmmm I'm not sure if I've changed. At the moment my Dad would disagree and probably say, I'm a 'lady of leisure' - which I guess is partly true! I'm giving myself to the summer to have a proper BRAINSTORM about this silly old life of mine. I'm sure something will strike me soon.

Obvs, I don't want to be banging on about cancer all my life - it already feels like a long time ago. However, if anyone wants to talk to me about it, that's cool! I hope folk don't feel uncomfortable if I'm too open with it - sometimes I should learn to shut up.

Right, I think I should round up this (rather long!) blog. I had no idea where I was going there so may continue another soon. Night y'all.

London Lolz

This post has been a long time coming - I really have absolutely no excuse at all. Basically, I'm just incredibly lazy. I kinda miss my little corner of the internet so thought I would post a wee update for y'all.

Since my last post, I've managed to fit in two trips to London - one to visit the prof and one to go to a Teenage Cancer Trust event at the Royal Albert Hall. Everything was grand with the prof - all scans were clear and no scares like the last time. Mum and I had some prosecco and macarons to celebrate and met up with some London friends for dinner. Any excuse huh?!

Well, now I'm basically going to BANG ON about how awesome the Royal Albert Hall was! I am a HUGE fan of the theatre but had never been to the RAH so I was so excited to be invited by the Teenage Cancer Trust. It was an all expenses paid trip (holla) so that was pretty ace! We were at the RAH all day with other folk from the charity - we got involved in a Music Workshop, had a tour of the hall, a champagne reception, a lovely dinner, amazing goodie bags, wonderful seats and then got to meet all the comedians! Here are some snaps for y'all.

We had some time on Tuesday for tourirsty stuff so went to the big Topshop, an Italian for lunch then hit up Liberty's - standard. It was a wonderful trip and it was great to go to London and not have to go to hospital!

The past couple of weeks have been filled with birthdays and fun happenings - April always seems to be very busy! As of this, I seem to have contracted some sort of awful cough. It's starting to disappear a bit thanks to some antibiotics. In the words of David Cameron, my body was telling me to, 'calm down dear'.

Here are some pictures to prove why I am so run down.. THANKS FRIENDS FOR BEING SO FUN.

I have also been involved in a few other Teenage Cancer Trust events recently. A few weeks ago, I attended the Managed Service Network Launch. At the event, Nicola Sturgeon announced that the Scottish Government will back age appropriate care for young people going through cancer. Great news! A lot of work had gone into this and we were all very happy with the result. I have also been invited to a parliamentary event in Westminster in June which I am rather excited about. I think I've got to say a few words so I am already pretty nervous. More about that when it happens though!

Aside from all the above, I am now at the stage where I really need to think about what to do... With my life... I have officially left my old job (I'll miss you guys!) and I could not have asked for a more supportive and caring group of colleagues. However, it has now left me in a quandary! By now I feel I should have come to some sort of conclusion/had an epiphany yet nothing has fallen from the sky.. Hmm.. I have a few more things lined up with TCT/Macmillan over the next few months so I think I'll see where they lead to. It's all rather terrifying but I'm trying to look at what I can benefit from this down time - I'm sure there will be something out there for me. However, any suggestions - fire them my way!

It's coming up to two years since my diagnosis - I don't particularly want to dwell on it and I really don't want it to define me. I'm totally cool if it comes up in conversation, or something wants to ask me about it but I am so happy that it's not the only thing I have to talk about anymore.

I promise I won't leave it so long til my next update!

PS - thoughts on my hair? I'm still not convinced I like it. (That may be fishing for compliments - unashamedly).