Just checking in from my second home at HCA at UCH. Back in on Wednesday starting with getting a new USB inserted on Harley Street all a little déjà vu! Then straight over to the hospital to get started with my 2nd cycle of ESHAP. Spent the last week getting psyched up and feeling a lot better that when I last posted. Once again thank you everyone for the positive vibes and messages. I love you all ❤️

It’s Day 3 of 5 today and I’ve got my cancer buddy securely hooked up 24/7 along with a lot of other chemo infusions at the end of each day. I’m constantly checking the treatment plan so I know what’s coming next. Steroids / anti sickness/ flush more chemo and repeat daily lol. So far it seems my body is accustomed to this shit a bit more this time around as if to say I know you! Early to tell few more days to go and let’s see.

Last week was the dreaded start of hair loss and hence the time to come to terms with that. Waking up to hair all over your pillow… then showering and clumps of it in your hands. Time to use the skills taught to me by my hubby and shave this off to a number 1 until it all comes off. I know it’s temporary but it’s still one of those stigmas that’s goes hand in hand with cancer treatment. Enter the hat! Sarah said to me with her super smile you are in great company in here as everyone is the same haha. Not that you ever get to leave your room or see anyone.

So since my last stay when I had the infection one thing has changed since I’ve returned. Not a major big deal but no more bottled water ! WTF ! My dinner was delivered with a silver carafe of tap water and the next morning a plastic jig of the same water. Not being a diva or anything but I feel safer drinking bottled water these days and did so even at home throughout my treatment. Kirsty sent an email to our concierge buddy at HCA and not long after that yesterday in comes Sarah with bottled water. She is a ray of sunshine in my life right now. Had I known I would have brought my own! Not that I can pop to the shops now and pick some up lol.

Last week was one of those weeks the storms we had in the UK – the wind I tell you! I have never experienced this ferocity before. I had fence panels down and garden furniture literally flying down the street. I watched the heavy tempered glass on our patio dining table lift into the air and fall onto the patio and it didn’t break like how I don’t know. Had to get the boys Denis and Jeremy over to help me with a temporary fix to the fence. Jeremy knows his shit must be boy-scout skills! All of this is so not important with what is currently going on in Ukraine 🇺🇦 I am glued to the news and it’s devastating. It actually affects my sleep. I just can’t believe what is going on and it’s makes my heart very heavy. It’s such a peaceful place and those poor people who are very European having to suffer like this at that hands of that nut job Putin! What is the world coming to. So sad.

So all being well I should be home again on Monday 28th of Feb. Staying in warrior mode for now and going to try and avoid having any more wobbles on week 2 when at home where the risk is high of going neutropenic. I really don’t fancy an extra week here. I am so fortunate that I get my mid week bloods done at home by our company’s medical logistics partner. Mobile bloods an amazing concept we offer. The lovely Leila is the one I always request as she is so bloody good at it never a bruise after she is done she has that magic touch!

Still working every day and loving my job and all our amazing clients and a big love to my work team 💖 I really feel that is important to keep the mind focused on routine. It’s just the tonic you need to ensure you don’t spend all your time feeling sorry for the situation you are in. So many others are less fortunate than me.

So what’s next? I will be doing a PET scan in 3 weeks after this cycle and I am just praying it will be great news. After this intense treatment I am not going to accept anything less. The next steps were outlined to me yesterday after a very long chat with Sarah during her visit yesterday. I won’t go into detail now as it was a little too much to absorb and there are a few options I will need to consider. I’ll keep you all posted as always as I know everyone likes to know haha!

Until next time. Much love ❤️