I'm now a year older!

Hi Amanda

I can so relate to how difficult it is with children.  My daughter has just turned 4 (having her party tomorrow and I have just finished decorating a load of cupcakes with butterflies on them) and my son is 2.  They know that I go to the hospital for treatment ; that I sometimes get very tired and need to rest; and that my right breast is 'ouchie' (I had a mastectomy on 21 Dec last year); and that sometimes my medicine makes me feel yuck (particularly radiotherapy which I've had 3 lots of and which just does not agree with me - nausea, fatigue etc).

I haven't had to go the chemotherapy road yet.  I'm trying a second lot of hormone treatment and will know in a couple of months whether this one is working or not.  If not, it will then be chemotherapy.  I'm trying to stay positive and hopeful that the hormone treatment will stabilise my secondaries, even just for a year or two.  Trying to put off chemo for as long as I can!

I've also done a course in mindfulness meditation.  I try to practice every day but it is difficult with 2 small children.  I do find that it does help me though.  Even when I feel panicky sometimes I use the techniques, breathing, visualisation etc to help calm myself.  I'm contemplating acupuncture to try and help with my hot flushes which keep me awake at night.

Anyway, I've raved on enough!!

Take care and know that we are all thinking of you.

Amy x