Cancer Exercise and Rehabilitation Specialist - Fran Whitfield

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That’s a wrap!

And that's a wrap! A big whopper of a chemo wrap!!

October 1st, first day of chemo, the journey ahead seemed incredibly long and the end completely unseeable. But it truly feels like yesterday when I was walking into the ward for the first time not knowing what I was going to be in for. Chemotherapy has been the hardest thing I've ever done, brain surgery was a piece of piss compared. But equally it actually hasn't been as hard as I thought it was going to be.

Yes, the last 6 months, I've endured sleeping next to a sick bucket, fatigued, hair loss, blistered feet, black nails, memory loss, full body nerve pain to the level of being unable to wear clothes, anxiety, depression, night sweats, hot flushes, sleepless nights and my life has changed completely. However, I've also walked everyday, got back on the assault bike for the first time in 12 months, lifted weights, smiled, laughed and enjoyed life. I've learnt to appreciate things I took for granted before; I've educated people in checking regularly and importantance of early diagnosis; taken the taboo out of showing what living with cancer is like; been told by people they are no longer scared and are reassured by watching my journey; been asked to join onto partnerships and campaigns to create awareness and change people lives and met new connections, new friends a new community. My life with never be the same, but I'm okay with that. I'm happy with what I've gained.

This journey doesn't end here. I'm back at the hospital in two days for brain scans and back next week for results and plans of radiotherapy. Then will be surgery and then will be long term hormonal treatment. But brain surgery ticked. Chemotherapy ticked. The two hardest bits out the way.

To anyone starting treatment... you can do it. It seems long, terrifying and completely unknown. But know from me you will get through: you'll be okay. I'm tougher then cancer, and so are you💕