Wednesday 14 September 2011

Reflective Mood


It was a year ago in September 2010 I was given the devastating news that I had terminal cancer. Mesothelioma. never heard of it! It is assumed that I was in contact with asbestos during my 32 years of science teaching in several schools during the 70's & 80s. My world stop turning. The prognosis was poor - weeks, months, possibly a year or two. But then things happened to keep me moving on - the unending support of my wonderful, truly amazing husband Alan, the arrival of my first grandson Ethan in October 2010 and then the arrival of my my first granddaughter Lilah in June 2011 in Toronto. The love shown to me by my two amazing sons and their wives keeps me thinking positively. Even in the darkest days when the chemotherapy was so difficult to cope with somehow we made it. Sometimes things get so overwhelming and tears are never far away but I have just returned from holiday in Canada with all my family - meeting my new granddaughter Lilah was so special - this really has been my holiday of a lifetime . I have called this blog 'Targets' because I have got through this first year by setting myself a series of short and longer term targets to strive for. So far I have been able to meet them all. So now I am on the next lot - to get to my cousins 70th birthday party in Belgium in a couple of weeks time, to be at my wonderful grandson's 1st birthday in October and to meet again with my son, daughter-in-law and beautiful granddaughter Lilah when they come to UK for Christmas. This will do to be getting on with. I will add more in due course. I have been inspired to start this blog by reading the blogs of other Mesowarriors - Mavis, Debbie, Ronny and others. I hope my friends and family will look in from time to time to see how I am doing - I appreciate how hard it is for them too - not knowing if I am OK or not. They have been a tremendous support.
Thanks for popping by today. Tess x

8 comments:

  1. Hi Tess, just wanted to let you know I think of you daily and you have my special friendship to keep you going on. Lots of love, hugs and support.
    Christine xxxxx

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  2. I too am thinking of you always and think you are a very brave lady and will always be a special friend to me. Remember you are always there to support me and others therefore we are here for you. Love and hugz x

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  3. Me too Tess, you're a real inspiration and I think its a wonderful idea to share your experiences . Illness is often a very lonely road so I'm sure your blog will be a big help to others
    Keep on hitting those targets my friend
    love and hugs
    Claire xx

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  4. What a brave and inspirational lady you are Tess. I want you to know I am always there for you, just like your many other cyber friends. I just know you will reach your targets! All my love.
    Wanda xx

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  5. Thinking of you Tess and you are always in my prayers. You are so courageous a real inspiration.
    hugs Jen x

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  6. This is a brave and inspirational thing to do Tess. You're always in my thoughts and I'll be in your corner cheering you on to each target - such wonderful things to strive towards.
    Ann xxxxxxxx

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  7. This is very brave of you Tess, thinking of you all the time. You are an insiration to us all
    Take care
    Love
    Beryl x

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  8. Positive thinking is the best attack. You are one very courageous lady and know you are always in my prayers. Your friend,

    Janet xx

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