UPDATE - 24.04.24

2023 was dominated for me by a breast cancer diagnosis in the spring. This led to several months of chemotherapy. Early September involved a major operation Andy his took several months to recover from. 

I began to return to work in November - a must-needed normality! I am back at work full time now but also having follow-up post-op treatment. This medication is giving intravenously in my local hospital, every 3 weeks. Fingers crossed, my final infusion will be on 18th July.

 UPDATE - 17.11.22

I’ve now been back at work for a little over a year. As always, each week is extremely full-on, as it is for all teachers! While many friends and family members think I’m mad to work full time, it is good for my mental health to keep my mind busy. I continue to have 4 monthly MRI scans to monitor my health and I now have an annual whole body MRI too.

UPDATE - 28.08.21

I was very relieved to complete my 12 months of chemo at the end of May. It turned out that I was allergic to the one and only chemo drug that I needed to take, so the year of treatment was tough. I had to take a lot of additional medication to alleviate the side effects of the chemo drug. After a period of recovery, I am returning to work on Tuesday. I will remain on high surveillance, with 3 monthly MRI scans. Sadly, I think I will always be looking over my shoulder.

UPDATE - 26.02.21

In 2020 a routine MRI scan confirmed that I had a new brain tumour. Deeper in my head than the first and therefore inoperable this time. In Spring 2020 I began 12 cycles of chemotherapy. The chemo is still ongoing and I hope to finish in late Spring this year. While my chemotherapy is funded by the NHS, I also take medication provided by 3 private hospitals, which are highly recommended for patients with my diagnosis - but not available on the NHS. These medicines are costly, as are the consultations with each private doctor. While I am relieved not to have lost my hair this time, the implications of Covid have made my world a very small place over the last 12 months.

UPDATE - 20.03.17

On 19th March my cousin-in-law (!?) Katherine ran the Reading Half Marathon. Whilst juggling work and family life, Katherine has in recent months been on an impressive exercise drive and kindly (and bravely) decided to undertake this running challenge to help me to raise funds. If you didn't sponsor her before the run, it isn't too late!

UPDATE - 03.09.2016

On 2nd October, Emma - one of my best friends and old house mate will be running the Bournemouth marathon. The run is 26.2 miles...so no mean feat. Hopefully the beautiful coastal setting and her running companions will inspire Em to complete the race and get a great finish time. I am so grateful to Emma for undertaking this brutal challenge, so please sponsor her however you can afford to. Em has been a constant support to me throughout my treatment and I am SO grateful to her for choosing to do this challenge and committing to all the time-consuming training required.