So what has been happening since the last blog post? Let's get the medical bit out of the way first. At my routine yearly check the Oncologist said that they were going to change my hormone medication to the ones suitable for post menopausal women now. It is normal to do this after a few years, if you're still alive.
As part of this change I have to have a bone density scan to monitor for signs of bone thinning. Agreed to that only after receiving reassurance that even if there was cancer in my bones it would be extremely rare for it to be detected by this type of scan. You may ask why I wouldn't want to know about cancer in my bones as early as possible? If you are asking yourself that then lucky you, you are probably an optimistic person who is completely unaware of what this sort of discovery might mean.
So that scan is in May and I already have the new tablets to start taking when I finish existing ones.
The other things that happened since last year's post are either a new way of life or a fad, I will let you know...
So I developed an rather unhealthy relationship with drinking alcohol and going to the pub. I had some fantastic experiences and created some very precious memories during this time, they were good times and I thank all those involved (!) but sadly it could not go on. It was not the way I wanted my life to be.
On Boxing Day after a particularly spoilt brat incident, I gave up drinking alcohol. I discovered a brilliant and supportive Facebook group called One Year No Beer and initially set myself the target of one year alcohol free. As part of the challenge we were encouraged to take on some other form of personal challenge to focus on as well. I chose running.
In February I began training with The Scrambled Legs, a really inspirational group of ladies who train together to run the Chudleigh 6 mile road race in July and fundraise for Cancer Lifeline South West which is a local charity providing respite breaks for those who have received cancer treatment.
At the end of February I buggered up my Achilles' tendon and had to rest from running for about 6 weeks. Went back to it at the end of March and managed about 4 runs before developing a blister on my foot which became infected. Seriously. FML.
Currently on antibiotics for the infected blister and have had to stop running AGAIN. However, I have not given up and I fully intend to return to training when I can. The other "Legs" have been unfailingly encouraging and supportive even though I am very conscious that I only met them in February and have come across as a total sick note ever since!
The Scrambled Legs have a target of £10,000 to raise this year. Our donation page is at https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/scrambledlegs2017
If you like this blog post or have any sympathy for this cancer patient's repeated false starts at trying to do ACTUAL EXERCISE for the first time since school, please do think about donating as it means so much and keeps us going with our training efforts too.
So in the past year I have learnt that I might be able to run if I can just stop getting injured and that even when sober I still bring the party, it just ends earlier than before and with less feeling of existential dread the next day...
