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.