It’s the middle of May now and a few weeks since I last updated here on Happy Magazine about my own cancer treatment. Since my last post on Navigating COVID-19 during chemo, a lot has happened – thankfully all positive – including very exciting developments with the San Francisco cancer trial I mentioned. Here’s what’s been happening with me.
Not today, cancer – me in my COVID mask on the day of my scan
On 15 April I had a CT scan at my hospital to check on my cancer. I went in again the following morning to hear the results.
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, I couldn’t bring my husband in with me to hear the news, so we did the next best thing – I brought him in with me via speaker on my phone.
This time, preparing for these scan results in the waiting room was a lot easier because of one thing – I promised myself that I would not stress myself out in the same way that I did on the last scan. And, I didn’t! I was very proud of myself and that alone felt like a big achievement.
My scan was “stable”
The news was good, although it took a few hours for me to see it that way. My scan showed my cancer is “stable” and pretty much exactly the same as it was at my previous scan in January.
To be totally honest, I was disappointed at first. Don’t get me wrong, I know how very lucky I am to have had this good scan. But I suppose the downside of trying to be positive all the time is that sometimes you are let down. I had been hoping for more shrinkage and when this wasn’t the news, I felt discouraged at first.
Now it had been my hope that the scan would be good enough to get a break from chemo, and it was!
My team suggested I take a three month break to let my body rest and recover after seven months of chemotherapy. And that folks, was very, very good news. Happy days – I was officially on my summer holidays!
3 positive goals
As soon as I got used to the idea that I wouldn’t be having chemo for THREE whole months, I decided to make three positive goals for the twelve weeks:
- To begin my own #100daysofwalking challenge to walk, even just a little bit, every day for the next 100 days
- To complete the Symprove 12 week probiotic programme to rebuild my gut and immune system, and
- To recharge my body with a comprehensive plan of vitamins, minerals and supplements
All of this in the hope that I would be feeling strong and ready for more chemo at the end of the three months.
The San Francisco Trial is happening!
The Husband and I having fun in San Francisco back in 2010.
The next big news then from the last few weeks is on the US trial which I briefly mentioned in my last update post. It looks like it’s really going to happen and that I’ll be travelling to San Francisco next month.
Edel is another patient at my hospital and we have both been following the progress of the #SaveSarahGray campaign on Facebook. Sarah Gray is another metastatic triple negative patient in the UK trying to get onto the same trial we are and her husband Adam started a campaign online to try lobby various politicians to help their cause.
Permission to travel
Like Sarah, Edel and I have also been accepted onto to the trial, but a visit to the clinic in San Francisco was essential to get started. Sarah’s campaign for permission to travel from the UK spurred us on somewhat, and we started investigating our own options here for emergency travel during COVID-19.
We got in touch with the US Embassy in Dublin and many, many emails later, we were faced with a decision – whether to book our flights or not, based on the hope that our travel would be approved on a compassionate basis by US Customs Border Patrol. The flights were close to €1,000 each and I was very nervous about losing the money one way or another. Thankfully, the pharmaceutical company running the trial then offered to cover the cost of our flights to help us try get over – very helpful indeed.
After much thought, my husband and I decided we should go ahead and book my flight.
My plan at the moment is to travel on Tuesday 16 June. I’ll be flying over, attending the appointment with the clinic on the Wednesday, and flying back the next day. I’ll only be there for two nights. As much as I would love to have my Husband with me for this trip, we don’t want to leave our son without both of us, even for two nights. So we eventually settled on me going on my own.
We’re giving myself one more month to get physically stronger and healthier before I go, and maybe things will have slightly improved with the whole COVID situation by then too. I’m nervous about the trip and also the trial, but I do think it’s a step in the right direction that’s worth trying, so I’m going for it provided I am well enough to. Roll on 16 June!
Funding my treatment
Incredibly, as mentioned my first trip to San Francisco is mostly being paid for by the pharmaceutical company, so that is very good news for our bank balance. However, they are expecting me to travel back and forth to the US over the coming months for monitoring and to collect my supply of the drug. It looks like I will be expected to travel every 8 weeks or so, unless alternate arrangements are made here between the pharmaceutical company and our hospital (something we are also working on!).
I’ve been looking at what I can do next to help fund my ongoing treatment expenses, and that leads me to my next bit of news!
A positive focus
Over the past six weeks I have spent many a happy hour working on a secret project for Happy Magazine – a PRETTY, affordable cancer journal for women facing cancer treatment. It’s been wonderful to have a positive focus during COVID-19 and also during my chemotherapy recovery. And, the journal is just about ready to reveal to you all! It will be going on “pre-sale” here on Happy Magazine soon and I do hope you might buy one if you like it. It’s a positive planner to help you thrive during cancer treatment. Here’s a little sneaky preview…
Getting strong for travel
Eating lunch in the sun
So at the moment all my focus is on getting stronger and healthier before my trip in a few weeks. I’m eating well, getting plenty of rest, taking all my supplements (there are a lot of them!), walking and doing my probiotic programme. Generally, aside from some pain management issues, I’m doing well and regaining my energy, little by little. This weekend, my Husband is turning 40 and my little boy is turning 4 (they share a birthday) and I’m really looking forward to the celebrations. Happiness!
Please stay tuned for news of the Happy Magazine Cancer Journal, it’ll be up in a few days!
By Happy Magazine Editor, Holly Kennedy.
So happy for you, I hope all goes well, Im also stage 4 cancer and I got a good scan result today my first one xx
Amazing news
Hi Holly. As a fellow TNC patient (2 years in remission) I’m thrilled that you’ve got on the trial and look forward to some exciting results. What an amazing role model you are my dear…..I’m so very proud of you 💪
👏👏👏👏 What a STAR you are! You are a WINNER girl, your positive approach and mindset is an inspiration to everyone reading it. 🌹❤️💃
Ah well done Holly. Delighted you got on the trial. Please God all will go to plan for you. Will keep the prayers going for you at this side. It is probably a good time to travel really as everybody is so aware of hygiene. Take it one step at a time. Don’t forget Blessed Sister Zedenka, keep her with you as you travel. Onwards and upwards Holly. Geraldine Cahill 🌹🙏
Dear Holly wishing you all good things in the time ahead x
You are an inspiration to everyone. Sending my Angel’s to watch over you and make you well and strong.
Delighted to hear this update Holly you can do this!
Good scan news. Safe flight to USA. Sending love and positive thoughts
Brilliant news about the trial and congratulations on your scan results xx
Wishing you every success Holly! Will be thinking of you. X
Hi Holly this is all great news. I’m so happy you are getting to go ahead with the trial. Enjoy your summer break and I wish you all the luck in the world with everything. Your journal looks amazing well done… your amazing x
That is great news Holly delighted for you.
Journal looks good looking forward to it.
Wishing you the very best. Enjoy the chemo break.
Fionuala.
Wishing you the very best for the weeks and months ahead. You truly are such a positive role model for those in a similar situation. Safe travels & the best of outcomes.
Delighted you are getting to go to America Holly and you are doing well.
Sending u love and blessings. 💟
Wonderful news Holly. Your positivity and strength is so inspiring. Relax and take it easy, and the medical teams will look after you very well. Best wishes.
Great news Holly – best wishes for the weeks and months ahead
Great news Holly both on the scan and on getting accepted to the trial.
Could you tell me more about the probiotic supplement you mention
Thanks
Fiona
Great news Holly delighted for you. You are in my prayers daily.
Amazing news Holly. I’m so thrilled to hear 💙
Great news Holly on scans. I too am stage 4 breast cancer and ongoing treatment but doing well. The journal great idea.
Catherine
Wishing you all the best for San Francisco and the best of all that is good.
Fantastic news Holly, I am thrilled for you for the three month break and the acceptance on the trial. Happy birthday to your two men and I hope you all enjoy the weekend celebrations. Best wishes VioletXx
Fantastic progress Holly 👍 Can’t wait to hear about the trial.
Amazing Holly 🎉 We’ll be helping out any way we can hun xxx