Halfway Mark

Well this week I had chemo round six of my programmed twelve cycles, so I've hit the halfway mark. I'd like to say that it's a downhill race all the way from here, but we all know the chemo effects take their toll more as you go along, so I'm bracing myself for the uphill slog of the second half. Still, there's a mental boost for knowing that I'm counting down the rounds now. Still on full dose too which I'm pleased about.

So half way through the chemo should mean that my stars quilt is halfway done too? Well erm, no. I've done a lot, but all you EPP fans out there will know it's a slow process. I'm still loving doing it though and I will get there! Here's how much is done so far...

I've promised to raffle the quilt but it might have to be wrenched from my arms! I do love it so!

Support is coming in from all corners and I am absolutely delighted to let you know that the organisers of Festival of Quilts will be finding me space to show the quilt there next summer, hold the raffle and show off the other prizes. Isn't that exciting? Of course I will do my utmost to be there too, to meet you all and thank you personally for sending fabric, donations and good vibes.

One of my lovely friends Helen, from back when I did my embroidery degree has kindly donated another raffle prize - a workshop with her. Helen is Royal School of Needlework trained and an expert in all things proper with embroidery! Here's a link to her website to see more about what she does. A massive thank you to her for such a generous donation.

I checked in on my Just Giving page this morning, and I'm a smidgen away from reaching the £8000 mark which would be a wonderful milestone to reach. I know so many of you have already given and I thank you for that. I'm not asking for more from you, but if you could be so kind to spread word about the project, perhaps share it on your social media page or on your own blogs that would be just amazing. Please feel free to link to my social media, and/or this blog.

Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your love and support. I had been excited to write this post to mark the halfway point, but at my treatment round on Monday I asked about how my tumour markers were looking. They had gone up, not the best news. I looked at the nurse and she looked at me. I know that the marker blood test is a general test, not to be relied upon, dwelled on. She didn't need to say anything, I know, 'don't get hung up on the numbers'. You have to wait for a CT for anything definitive. Easy said, hard done. I think I sat in silence for the next two hours trying not to cry. My poor Dad who'd come to keep me company for the first part of the day got a very raw deal! Jamie collected me at the end of the session and I promptly burst into tears!

But, and it's a big but, I saw my oncologist yesterday for results of my CT that was done a few weeks ago.

And so far, it's clear. Things that were there are now not there. And there is no new spread.

I'm not naive. I know things can change, that it could rear it's nasty head at any moment. But I can't tell you how much of a boost this news has given me. On Monday I thought I couldn't face more treatment and the side effects that will hit me this weekend. The nurse asked me if I felt well enough to go ahead and in my head the answer was screaming no, but out of my mouth came a feeble yes.

After the CT news I feel able to face this with renewed energy. Bring it on, full dose. Side effects, I've got you covered. Let's do this.

Love Laura
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