16 years Cancer free - This year is different.

 

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Each year on the 19th of May I consider myself fortunate to have been another year on from Cancer.  It was 16 years ago today that my life changed with my cancer diagnosis that set in train 5 months of treatment and a lifetime challenge of physical and an unseen disability. 

As readers of the blog are aware there were life-changing side effects to my cancer treatment.   My hearing loss and restricted use of my left arm, neck and shoulder still make life a little more challenging than before but great for problem-solving.  

This year a new side effect came onto the scene in the form of osteoradionecrosis.  Osteoradionecrosis is a rare but late effect of radiotherapy. Radiotherapy caused changes to the jawbone, it zaps healthy blood cells and kills them this led to tissue supporting those teeth in the area zapped dying and as a result, teeth in essence falling out.  This year I had 2 extractions on my left side.  This year eating has become a challenge as you default mainly to the opposite side of your jaw to chew and eat.  It was going to happen eventually but another side effect of radiotherapy. 

The approach of my treatment milestones was often tinged with anxiety, but not this year.  My return to nursing has made me reflect on what is important in life and also refocussed my mind on being grateful for still be alive 16 years later.  The passing of my sister from Covid, my main supporter when going through cancer has meant that my focus has been on the living, the future and not looking back. 

#Keepattacking

Covid, Cancer, it makes no difference when it is your Sister.

Pat with my children who are now 19 & 22

My dear sister Patricia (Pat) passed away in the early hours of this morning (29.12.2020) unable to ward off the challenge of a chest infection and  COVID19.  Pat passed away in the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital and was in the safe and professional hands of the staff of Culm Ward.  (Pat was able to use social media up until her time in Culm, warning people of the risks of Covid until she could no longer)

Pat was admitted on Christmas Eve. I was working in the Emergency Department when Pat was admitted by ambulance to the department.  I knew that name on the screen, burst into tears, the nurse in charge leading me by the hand to get into full PPE so that I could share her final journey. I got to hold her hand, talk to her and support her whilst in ED before she made her final journey to intensive care and then to Culm.  The whole experience very surreal knowing from my experience of Covid patients that have her acute breathing difficulties, her co-morbidities and her age (18 years older than me) meant that it would be unlikely she would see or speak to me again.  

Pat will be known to many of you through this blog as my sister who supported me through my own cancer journey in 2005 and co-wrote many of these articles.  Pat was not everyone's cup of tea, not mine sometimes, but she had a kind heart, this blog and her charity work through Exeter & Exmouth Carnivals testament to her helping of others. 

The transmission of the virus into Pat's shielding home was brought in by an unsuspecting "bubble" family member, who subsequently tested positive.  Whilst some may scoff at Matt Hancock's statement "don't kill your granny" ...alas in Pat's case it was true.   Her last words to me were "Nigel, I have been so safe, so careful" a reference to her and her husband's shielding.  

Pat is survived by her husband Ron, Son Mark, Grand & Great Children.

I have seen how Covid19 affects many patients.  It has no mercy.  I will, I am sure to see many more in the months to come.  When it is your own flesh and blood right in front of you, hooked up to machines and a nurse and doctor in full PPE it brings home the reality that every person needs to know, it kills and has no mercy.