Category Archives: breast cancer

The carnival is over.

Posted on May 31, 2023 by sarahsouthwest

Well, it’s been a good few months, and I’ve really, really, really enjoyed the treatment break, despite the fact that sometimes it’s felt like I’m in some kind of psychological warzone. I feel like I’ve been truly alive again for … Continue reading →

Posted in breast cancer, Living with dying | 1 Comment

I have a book! The Crow Gods.

Posted on April 6, 2023 by sarahsouthwest

Isn’t it gorgeous? My first chapbook of poetry is going to be published by Sidhe Press over the next couple of weeks. I am excited, nervous, honoured. So many feelings. Do you like the cover? I love that crow. I … Continue reading →

Posted in books, breast cancer, Living with dying | Tagged , | 12 Comments

Funerals and stuff.

Posted on March 13, 2023 by sarahsouthwest

I’ve been AFK, as my son would say. I’ve been away for good reasons – I was offered a treatment break back in September. It was a bit of a shock. I got a call saying that my consultant would … Continue reading →

Posted in breast cancer, Living with dying | Tagged , | 8 Comments

Update. You know, health and stuff. And food.

Posted on July 30, 2022 by sarahsouthwest

So, the good news is that the chemotherapy is holding the cancer in check for now. Next scan in a month. The bad news is that the chemo is hard. And the worse news is that after this, when this … Continue reading →

Posted in breast cancer, Living with dying | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

New Project.

Posted on June 5, 2022 by sarahsouthwest

I’ve been referred to Palliative Care. Ouch, ouch, ouch. I know my chemotherapy is palliative, we’ve been through that, but actually referred to Palliative Care? It felt like another step up the staircase. It’s a bit weird, because I’m a … Continue reading →

Posted in breast cancer, Living with dying | Tagged , | 5 Comments

100 Things I love 12: having my daughter do my make-up

Posted on April 25, 2022 by sarahsouthwest

I used to wear make-up regularly. The first thing I tried was a shimmery, bright blue eye-liner. Very ABBA. I was out with friends, and bumped into my mum in the arcade in town. I was so embarrassed. Make-up seemed … Continue reading →

Posted in 100 things I love, breast cancer | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Apologies

Posted on March 7, 2022 by sarahsouthwest

Last April I spent 11 days in hospital, on the oncology ward. You go there when you are really sick. Me? I had a catastrophic response to the chemotherapy medication I was taking. My body couldn’t process it. My immune … Continue reading →

Posted in breast cancer, Living with dying | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

A little chemo holiday

Posted on February 24, 2022 by sarahsouthwest

I had a telephone review with my oncologist on Tuesday, and we’ve agreed to defer my next chemo session for a fortnight. I’ve now had 10 doses of docetaxel. It’s kind of OK, but I’m knackered. I feel pretty shit … Continue reading →

Posted in breast cancer, Living with dying | Tagged , , | 15 Comments

Missing out.

Posted on August 17, 2021 by sarahsouthwest

I’m supposed to be in Ireland. Specifically, I’m supposed to be in County Clare in a big house by the sea with my husband and my kids and a great rolling crowd of eating, drinking, laughing, chatting, arguing, joking in-laws. … Continue reading →

Posted in breast cancer, Living with dying | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Docetaxel

Posted on July 17, 2021 by sarahsouthwest

So, here we are at the start of Week 3 of my 3 week cycle. Side effects? Yes: Look at the picture. Can you see when the fatigue started to lift? Oh, the fatigue. Leg pain. Like my bones were … Continue reading →

Posted in breast cancer, Living with dying | Tagged , , | 12 Comments