A cancer-free horizon

A third Christmas with cancer as an unwelcome guest.  Regular readers of my blog know my son-in-law died of cancer after living with it for two tough years.  Regular readers also know that his widow, my daughter, got her own cancer diagnosis only weeks after his death.  Regular readers have read some of her feisty, angry, witty pieces about this wretched disease. They know that her initial hopes : ‘Breast cancer is NO BIG DEAL’ vanished in the face of evidence of more and larger tumours.  She faced more invasive tests and scans.  Friday was results day.

A month ago, news that she will need a mastectomy, probably six months of chemotherapy, and perhaps radiotherapy as well would have pitched her, and all of us into a pit of helpless gloom.  Now it’s a reprieve.  Now we can face 2017 hopeful that after all this she will live, will see her twins grow up, will continue to be an important part of the lives of all her friends and family.

I don’t feel like glibly heading this post ‘Snapshot Sunday’ as I usually do. But this week’s theme, ‘New Horizon’ is relevant.  My daughter – all of us – have a new horizon to work towards as her treatment seeks to return her to a cancer-free future.

Ellie and the boys' dog Brian dashes towards the horizon in Anglesey in August, just before Ellie's diagnosis.
Ellie and the boys’ dog Brian dashes towards the horizon in Anglesey in August, just before Ellie’s diagnosis.

Author: margaret21

I'm retired and living in North Yorkshire, where I walk as often as I can, write, volunteer, and travel as often as I can.

43 thoughts on “A cancer-free horizon”

  3. Funny that that treatment plan looks like good news now but I’m thrilled for you all! A plan is hopeful and concrete and forward-looking. I know there will tough times but keep your eyes on the prize!

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  8. We never know what is ahead of us. I guess that’s a good thing, because if we knew everything we were destined for we might never crawl out of bed and face the world. Life takes courage and faith and…..sometimes reminders that people are pulling for you and they’ve got your back. You and your daughters are in my prayers and thoughts. There is sunshine on the horizon. Peace.

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  9. That’s a wonderful positive post, full of hope and love, and new beginnings. It’s the only way to go, and will need courage, encouragement, support and faith, from family, friends and strangers. I’m sure you’ll get lots, and I’m sure you’ll help each other along the way.
    Have a peaceful and joyful Christmas, with best wishes for 2017 xx

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  12. As another reader who only knows you and your daughter through reading your blogs may I just say you are both so very generous sharing your experiences at such difficult times. Hopefully a plan will not only give you direction, but provide a reference point to view the mountainous terrain of modern medicine. I wish you all a better 2017 and onwards.

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  15. You have so many of us around the world hoping for a positive outcome for Ellie, her boys and all of you. This blogging is a strange medium in many ways but it’s times like this that we’re reminded of our common hopes and dreams and vulnerabilities.

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  16. I am so sorry to hear her diagnosis – but yes, she has hope. I am now a 15 yr survivor of breast cancer, I also had a mastectomy, radiation and chemo. It is a long road, but with the love and support of her family and friends her children and our prayers she will get through this. As a Christian I know that it is the Light of Jesus that guides us into the horizon for a bright future. And as a survivor I can honestly say the horizon is a beautiful sight to behold. Hugs…

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    1. Thank you. I often think of you, because I know what a survivor you are, and how much you have in common with my daughter despite the difference in your ages. I think she’ll get to the other side of this!

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  17. Margaret…my thoughts are with you and the family. I do know what you are going through. Maybe life is not fair, but you seem to be putting one foot in front of the other very well!! Bravo.

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  18. Hi Margaret. Since reading your daughter’s incredibly articulate and brave posts I have been thinking of her and you and your family such a lot. Will continue to think of her and you all as her treatment commences and I wish you all strength. love and hope along this hard road.

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