Isn’t the news of Sarah Harding’s death from breast cancer awful, especially at such a young age. When someone high profile has it it makes many people share their breast cancer stories. It all raises awareness. (Above photo: BBC)
I knew a while ago that she had it, it was released some time ago that she was terminal. Obviously, it’s a subject close to my heart as I had that awful disease as well. Sadly, because of the coronavirus, she’d delayed going to her doctors for quite a while. That decision obviously cost her the rest of her life.
There are lots of different types of breast cancer tumour, so not everyone has the same disease. In case you’re wondering, the four main types are ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, inflammatory breast cancer, and metastatic breast cancer. One thing you can’t do is ignore anything that feels or looks wrong.
My own breast cancer stories
I saw a dimple in my breast which made me a quivering wreck at the sight of it. But I went straight to my doctor who didn’t even look at it, said that it was nothing and my bra was too tight! I went away feeling relieved for a short while but not convinced that it was as simple as that. But I trusted him, to my cost.
The next time he examined me he still said it was nothing, as breast cancer was usually like orange peel. Away I went again. This time, on the way out of his room, he put his arm around me and said that he sent people to hospital for the least little thing and he was so sure that it wasn’t anything. This went on for nine months, there was no mammogram, no nothing. But remember, it was thirty years ago this month that I was operated on. Things were a thousand times different back then.
Anyway, back I went again, having spent all these nine months scared stiff and wondering if he was wrong. I think knowing underneath me that he was wrong.
At the last minute he fetched a female doctor into the room who asked me to put my arms into the air. She gasped ‘oh my God’ which of course made me another quivering wreck.
It Wasn’t my Time
I was sent to hospital the day after and within four days was admitted for a mastectomy. How I survived is still a miracle to me, it obviously wasn’t my time. But with no scans, no back up, nothing it really is a miracle that I made it, especially as I was so young, just 46 years old.
I did report my symptoms, as you can see, but I just wanted to show what a delay can mean if you put off going to the doctors for whatever reason. Some tumours are very aggressive and need instant treatment, while others may be slow.
I could actually feel the growth spreading from the original site in the duct into my breast and it was the aggressive type apparently, so I am one lucky person. Someone has been looking after me, don’t you think.
Too young to die
But going back to Sarah Harding, the age of 39 is much too young for anyone to leave this earth. I feel so sad that she didn’t get help earlier, who knows she might still be here today. Treatment and drugs have changed beyond recognition. When I was young there was tamoxifen, which I took for five years, or nothing.
I watched many people I knew die of this disease. I’ve always described my survival as being in a minefield and trying to avoid being blown up. I just feel for her, and her family who’ve lost their daughter in such a horrible way, and I hope they eventually find some peace.
I’ve kept wondering whether anyone would be interested in reading about my cancer journey. If you are, bob me an email to chris@theRabbitPatch.co.uk
Sunshine after the Rain
Now onto more lighter subjects. The sunshine after the rain as you might say!
Our friends Brenda and Keith have been going to hold a garden party for a few weeks. Would you know that every weekend has been cold, dull and windy, which is not conducive to sitting outside. Especially as (apart from Jane and Kevin) we are of tender years and we have to be careful… Lots of laughter at this point at the thought of us all being tender oldies!
We met for our usual Friday coffee morning and all of a sudden, Brenda asked if we would be on for Sunday as the weather was going to be nice, at last! All of us immediately said ‘yes of course’. We missed last year because of the coronavirus and that will never do, will it.
We all turned up, us eventually and on the last push as things seemed to go wrong, one after the other, as we were ready for going out of the door. As they do. The dogs weren’t very happy at all – they’ve got used to us always being here but anyway, off we went to have a nice afternoon with friends.
I couldn’t help but think about the friends who are no longer with us and used to come along too. We did a lot of laughing, especially with Val, Jimmy and Audrey who now lives near to Manchester with her son. Pam wasn’t there because she isn’t good on her feet. It was a happy but sad afternoon as I thought about them. I don’t know if any of the others did the same, as they were our much loved friends.
How lucky are we
We had cold drinks, hot drinks and each taken cakes to share and enjoyed our usual happy, laughing get together. I looked around and wondered how we were so blessed to be with friends again after all this time, which can be unusual in this day and age.
Jane enjoyed tucking into her cake while Brenda came out with a sneaky glass of (alcohol free) wine! I’m sure we all put pounds on our bodies with all the cream and nice things that were there and the sun was an added bonus. We eventually got home to two dogs who were so happy to see us, kicked our shoes off and had a nice cup of tea.
When we first moved here a long time ago, we didn’t know anybody. Now look at us, friends who are real friends and knowing lots of people in the area. What more could you want, someone to help you if you need it and all the rest that friends do and the feeling that you are alone anymore. I’m happy with that I must say, and again many thanks to Brenda and Keith for putting up with us!!
Other blogs you might be interested in:
While you’re here…
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Why don’t you join in and leave a comment below?
Join my Chrissie Blogger Facebook Group
Have a look at the homepage of the Visit Fylde Coast website for more of the latest updates.
Love the Fylde Coast? Sign up for your weekly email newsletter. Packed full of interesting things it arrives in your inbox all 52 weeks of the year.
