Marxist. Trade Unionist. Socialist-feminist. Author. Poet. Speaker. Tutor. RMT ex-Exec. Workers' Liberty. Autie. Bi. PUFC fan.
Making the breast of a bad situation …
On 4 October 2016, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This blog charts my progress through treatment, and continued enjoyment of life, love and friendship.
Btw, that picture is not me.
This resolution was passed unanimously by RMT Women’s Conference 2017, and will be submitted to the union’s Annual General Meeting in June. THIS CONFERENCE NOTES THAT 1. each year, there are over 55,000 new diagnoses of breast cancer in the … Read More
Lie back, gown down, naked from the waist up but clothed from there down to my shoed feet. It really is most remarkably comfortable. Even my raised arms get cushioned rests that not only bear their weight but also bring … Read More
Janine proposing a motion to 2017 RMT Women’s Conference about women’s cancers and work. The motion was carried unanimously. You can read this speech here, and the resolution here.
Two weeks in, I have reached half time in my radiotherapy. I almost expected someone to run in with a tray of quaretered oranges to deliver a pep talk. But no such luck. I have to say, oddly enough, that … Read More
Another day, another headline, another cure for or cause of cancer. Brown toast causes cancer, turmeric prevents it, apparently (follow the links for a balanced account of these claims). Thousands of people affected by cancer click the link, wanting to read … Read More
After my breast cancer surgery, the factors which indicate whether I would benefit from chemotherapy were inconclusive. There was one further test available. The Oncotype DX test examines the activity of 21 genes in the tumour tissue of patients with … Read More
Day 1 radiotherapy. Pleasant bus ride. Arrive early. Brought good book, as suggested by several people. The book is actually a course of writing exercises, so it will be accompanying me every day. See radiotherapist. She’s cool. Turns out she’s … Read More
Each year, there are over 55,000 new diagnoses of breast cancer in the UK, 3,000 new diagnoses of cervical cancer, over 7,000 of ovarian cancer, over 9,000 of uterine cancer, and over 1,000 of vulval cancer. Nearly 12,000 UK women … Read More
The first of what I hope will be a regular feature, this guest post is from Veronica. I just wanted to say how very much I am enjoying your blog. I was diagnosed with grade 3 invasive ductal cancer in … Read More
Yesterday was my radiotherapy booking-in appointment. So, off I went to the basement of Bart’s hospital to be fitted and measured. Some more forms to fill in and consents to be signed – this time, consenting to have permanent marks … Read More
Brown toast causes cancer Quinoa shrinks your dick Ketchup makes you retch And Tories make you sick.
In my last treatment update post, I told of the two mysterious appointments in early January. Mysterious indeed. I turned up for the first one and discovered that both of them had been booked by mistake! Keen for the trip … Read More
“Fighting cancer”? It’s a term often said but a matter of some discomfort and debate. I have been pummelling the punchbag of the issues, and here are my thoughts. Yes, I am fighting cancer. It’s a battle, and if you … Read More
Today, little hearts have been appearing on Facebook walls. No message, no explanation, just a heart. Apparently this will help the fight against breast cancer. Huh? Some undoubtedly well-meaning friends messaged me (and probably all their other friends) asking me … Read More
In my 20s, I would have spent most of New Year’s Day in bed because I didn’t go to bed until the Day was well under way. A little later, a hangover might have kept me in bed all day. … Read More
Poetry paints life, cancer takes it Poetry means it, cancer fakes it Cancer can not write, create, Feel or think, illuminate, Wipe your brow, commiserate You’re fucking rubbish, you are, cancer Not a writer, player, dancer Bring nothing useful to the … Read More
Finally, my results are back from the USA, and at an appointment at Bart’s hospital this morning, the oncologist set out my treatment plan. The good news is that I don’t need chemotherapy. Although I quite liked the idea of all … Read More
Penicillin is killing the infection. Inspection revealed it’s healed. I brandish the bandage removed from the wound. My breast undressed.
Free tea and coffee from the volunteers today. Four older folks sitting on the row of chairs along from me looking like they’d love a nice cuppa but might struggle walking round the corner to the main waiting room to … Read More
Actually, I’m spending Christmas with my family. Cancer, the uninvited guest, has been banished, and the new year will begin with essential building work to stop it coming back. For most of December, I’ve been going to the hospital twice … Read More