Well, it’s been two years since I started this blog, so it’s as good as time as any to write a new blog post. My postings have got less and less frequent, but the simple answer to that is I’m just living life. That’s the thing about going through something like breast cancer, it makes you appreciate life in a way you probably didn’t beforehand.
My last blog post had me go to my first in-remission mammogram. Fortunately, it was good news, no detected cancer nastiness in my boob!
There in black and white!
Obviously, it was a massive relief to get the news although I’m still going to be cautious and anxious as it will always be in the back of my mind that the cancer could come back.
As hospital visits have gone down to a bare minimum for me now (although I’m still heading to my GP for Zoladex injections every four weeks), apart from taking Tamoxifen and bisoprolol daily, things are generally good health-wise, so life has almost got back to what it was pre-cancer.
Luci and I at White Hart Lane
In the late May Bank Holiday weekend, I caught up with one of my old uni housemates, Luci, where we went on a White Hart Lane stadium tour as I was given tickets as a Christmas present off my sister-in-law and my brother. It was so lovely catching up and reminiscing about uni days. Luci’s Mum has also had her own breast cancer story (with a happy ending) so it was great being able to talk to someone that knows what you’ve gone through and knows what you’re feeling. Also, it’s great to see another survivor, especially when you know so many people that haven’t made it.
June was birthday month and Pride month. Birthday-wise, I broke a habit of a lifetime and actually went into work! My birthday’s always been a bit of an odd one in recent years, but it’s always nice to be able to see another year.
Go Ghana and Go Pride!
I love a good photobomb!
Love wins
I was flagbearing again at Pride In London, representing Ghana. It’s always overwhelming how much love is on the streets during the day of Pride.
Queen Bey
Becka and I couldn’t contain our joy at watching Beyoncé
Get into Formation, Beyhive!
June also had me head up to my adopted second home, Sunderland, as Beyoncé was kicking off the start of the European leg of her Formation tour at the Stadium of Light. I went along with my mates, Becka and SJ, who graciously let me stay at theirs for a couple of nights.
Not long after seeing Beyoncé, I also saw Stevie Wonder at British Summer Time Hyde Park, which was all kinds of wonderful. My Dad liked Stevie Wonder so it was a nice reminder of him, as well as having the opportunity to see a legend perform.
Rachel and I enjoying the sunshine before Stevie Wonder
Captain A-mizzie-ca, ready to fight cancer. Or something
I’ve also become a Godmother for the second time, which I was understandably chuffed for. I’ve known Carley since we were in the same form group at sixth form college when we were 16, so it was really amazing that she asked me, and our other mates from college, to be godparents to her son.
Daaaaaaaaaaaaan to Margate…
Last Sunday was two years to the day that I received my breast cancer diagnosis so as the weather was actually what it was supposed to be in August – sunny and warm – I went to Margate to relive happy childhood memories, as well as doing something nice on my Cancerversary. Dreamland Pleasure Park has been renovated and I’ve got such vivid and fond memories of going there as a kid, so going back was a must. It’s pretty much the same as I remember it (which is a good thing) and I had such an awesome day. A day two years ago I never thought would be possible.
Eat your heart out, Mo Farrah and Team GB!
It’s not long to go until the Great North Run, which I’m running for Breast Cancer Now this year. I’ve probably not done enough training, but I’m not trying to run for a specific time as I only signed up to do it in April. Also, with the medication I’m on and the side effects I’m still experiencing from treatment, I’m nowhere near the level of fitness I was two years ago (even though I was training with breast cancer and didn’t even know it). All I can do is try my best and enjoy the day as much as I can. I’m not doing too bad with donations to my Virgin Money Giving page and Just Giving page but would love to go over my £350 target (under promise and over deliver!)
A lot has happened over the past two years. Some good. Some bad. That’s life, I guess. Peaks and dips. It’s not a question of fair or unfair, it’s just life. So you might as well enjoy it while you’re here. Life really is too short.
Black Chick Tit Cancer 