So my chemo has been stopped for 12 weeks because of the coronavirus and I’m absolutely terrified.
My wonderful oncologist called me and explained that I am extremely high risk because of the chemo that I’m on (Palbociclib). If I were to contract Covid-19, it’s very likely that I would die.
Six years fighting for my life and I never thought there was anything that could frighten me more than cancer - but here we are!
I was told that if I were to become ill, there’s a high chance there would be no beds available due to years of cuts and this massive epidemic.
The idea that I now have to go 12 weeks (hopefully no more) without my chemotherapy is unbearable. The chemo is aimed at stopping any cancer coming back and, well, a lot can happen in 12 weeks.
I know, mentally this is going to be such a struggle for me and so I just have to carry on with all my supplements etc and try to stay active in the garden.
We were lucky enough to feature in ITV’s Love Your Garden two years ago so we have a magnificent retreat.
We’ve just pimped it out with more fairy lights from here - my new favourite website.
Our garden looks glorious and they have so many lovely items…we have light up mushrooms too, which Ivy loves.
I've have been hearing about people getting their Christmas lights back up, displaying in gardens and windows alike.
The Shine a light movement has taken off in around the world and I'm joining in to show my support throughout these challenging times. I've even heard of reindeer figures making an appearance.
People are sharing images on social media using the hashtag #shinealight I think now is the time for people to go all out and spend this time making their space a happy place to be in.
We’ve even got ourselves a new Roccbox pizza oven and I am in HEAVEN!
I’m going to come out of these 12 weeks overweight but hey ho! I’ve got an extra year to lose my wedding weight now that’s been postponed too.
In these difficult times, we absolutely have to look for the silver linings.
I was worried about the amount of time off school that Ivy is having would make it hard for her when the time comes to go back - she gets really bad separation anxiety at the school drop off.
But then I reminded myself that all I have ever wished for is for more time with Ivy and all she has ever wished for is to stay with me every day. Now look - we’ve got that time we’ve always wished for.
I started off with a homeschooling schedule but I’ve got rid of that now and our days are made up of a little bit of learning, a little job, lots of hugs, lots of dancing and singing and lots of outdoor exploring and I honestly have never seen Ivy so happy.
She’s got binoculars from Bright Minds who have loooooads of fun learning products. I’ll apologise now if any of the neighbours catch her spying out of the window.
We’re also finding it quite therapeutic to slow down our pace a bit and just enjoy actually having conversations with each other again, no need to keep adding to or checking our calendar to see what plans we have or how little spare time we have. It’s actually lovely.
Another silver lining for me as a self employed small business is that my rainbow pin badges have been selling out.
The rainbow has become the symbol of hope throughout the world and my motto has always been to fight through the storm for your rainbow.
So many NHS staff and keyworkers around the country are wearing my pins with pride!
You can get yours here.
Speaking of NHS workers - WOW…what a force. They must be so exhausted, so scared so determined.
They’re the real heroes of this country, they always have been in my eyes, but now it feels like there’s some sort of movement, like everyone is behind them and spurring them on.
I think they deserve all the help in the world now - and after this awful virus leaves us all alone.
Take care everyone, and stay home!
