At the first set of follow up scans, the doctor said when my fatigue wears off I am free to travel and that’s what I did – one month travelling around Europe with Topdeck tours. After the second set of scans on my brain, it was time to live my life for another three months. Living your life three months at a time isn’t the best way to live, but it definitely makes you appreciate what you have in your life and how you spend you time.

‘Continue Reading’ by clicking below

During my recovery and travels, I was asked if I’d like to speak with PepperPassport, a fresh website on food, travel and people. They’ve split the interview over two articles, so take a look below – and check out Amandas’ (AJs) other blogs and articles.

Making cancer wait with Matt Dillon

http://pepperpassport.com/making-cancer-wait-with-matt-dillion/

Baking and busting those cancer food myths

http://pepperpassport.com/baking-and-busting-those-cancer-food-myths/

I had my second set of follow up scans at the end of October 2014. I will continue having these every three months until the doctors decide to make them 6 monthly. My neurosurgeon, Dr Karabatsou, removed as much of the tumour as possible, but unfortunately she could not remove 15-20% of it. Because there is still a tumour in my head, I will continue having these scans to keep an eye on the tumour to identify wen it starts to grow again.

The week between having the scan and learning the results was a very nerve-racking week. I thought I was fine but the closer it got to my doctors appointment, the more anxious I was getting. It is a hard concept to grasp that each scan you go in for could be your last. That this could be when the doctors say my time is up and its too late.

Luckily, this scan will not be my last. From what the doctors could see, the scans show the fluid filled space, where the body of the tumour was, is closing in and what they think is the remaining tumour has stayed constant. The original diagnosis and life expectancy of 3-5 years still stands. It’s like living three months at a time, savouring every moment. I accept my diagnosis, process it, then put it to the back of my mind and live my life.

What is really inspiring me at the moment is when I receive letters from my friends, and very personal messages from close friends like this. I then know that even in my misfortune of having a terminal cancer, by sharing my experiences, others are appreciating their life more.

“I’m so lucky to have a friend like you. You are one of my closest friends. As a result of you getting cancer, I’ve decided that from now on I’m going to tell everyone I love the most just how much I do care for them.”

Another three months off the hook. Another three months of living my life, travelling, socialising, exercising, improving my cognition, looking at going back to work part-time… and most of all – having fun!!!