Life as I currently know it

I have not updated in like forever ( I say that on every post!) and they’re always on my Instagram stories so some of you miss them! Quick recap for those who don’t know me that well. I had a recurrence of colon/bowel cancer mets in my liver October 2021. A 3cm lesion was cut out and I went into remission AGAIN! I’m currently on IV Oxaliplatin three weekly. Side effects (I get are neuropathy, nothing cold at all or my digits do all kinds of weird things and my throat closes. Bad nausea and overall exhaustion. I am up and about but I can’t drive until at least day five. The steroids affect my eye sight but I do manage to sleep which is a bonus! Steroids and me don’t go at all. If I have the IV on a Friday, I start my tablets by Sunday or Monday, depending on how I cope. I’m doing one twice a day which is very manageable. Remember this is PREVENTATIVE so we are staying within the margins where it works without knocking me for six!

 

I’m starting cycle three on Monday 4th April, small delay as I had plans the Friday (usual treatment day) and well, life is for living and I don’t want to miss out on some fun! I was invited to attend the launch of a magazine called SA & Beyond – Women Across the Globe. I wrote an article about my cancer story as well as my mothers, who passed away April 2020 of bowel cancer. It was amazing to meet other resilient and inspiring women from all walks of life, paving the way for women today and future generations. I was honoured to be a part of such a wonderful event.

 

 

I want to talk about my daughter, Arabella who is struggling emotionally and I think it’s triggered her trauma from my previous chemo (FOLFOX) which was super aggressive plus surgeries and her Grandma’s death. We are getting her the support she needs and of course, loads of cuddles and kisses . She is a remarkable child and I am truly blessed. Often as the patient, I am so set on staying focused on my treatments and mindset that it is hard to understand exactly how she feels; it is not intentional but it happens. However, we have arranged for her to see an Educational Psychologist and an Occupational Therapist to guide her through leaving me (especially going to school) and coping with her anxiety.

 

 

And I can’t forget my husband, Damian who is with me every treatment day and the following couple of days until I normalise (well kind of haha!) He is also amazing with Ari and I couldn’t do it without him, even when he’s over protective! So, that’s me for now. I’m almost at the half way mark. Six in total and we have a holiday in between to break it up. If you’re on chemo or someone you know, and ever need an ear, I’m always here. Also, if your children are struggling to cope, I am more than happy to share my experiences with professionals so far.

I also promise to try and post sooner!!

 

Love Jojo xoxo