It’s December 2019 and I’m only now updating this section to reflect the fact that I have incurable breast cancer.
I initially began writing this blog in the summer of 2015 after I’d been diagnosed with primary breast cancer. I was treated “with curative intent” and, while treatment was tough, it all went well. Then, in April this year, I was diagnosed with secondary or advanced breast cancer. It’s treatable, thankfully, but it can’t be cured. The best we can hope for is that I respond well – and keep responding well – to treatment and that I’ll be around for a good few years yet. Treatment to date has indeed gone well but I take nothing for granted.
My name Maureen Kenny. I’m 56. I have a husband and we have two sons, aged 21 and 19. I have a great job. I’m originally from Glasgow but have lived in south London for over 30 years
I’m leaving most of what I originally wrote on here. It’s part of my story. Here it is, written in the summer of 2015.
“The cancer is at an early enough stage to be curable, so I consider myself lucky. To say the diagnosis knocked me for six is an understatement. Breast cancer now apparently affects one in eight women (thus the name of my blog), but you never think the one will be you.
When you’re first diagnosed, a million thoughts start swirling round your head. So late the other night, I decided I’d jot a few of them down. Before I knew it, it was 2.40am and I’d written four “chapters”. But rather than feel tired, I felt calmer than I’d done in days. Then, I thought, why not share it all? So once I start treatment, I’ll be killing two birds with the one stone. It’ll be therapeutic and it’ll save me from having to tell lots of different people much the same thing over and over again.
So if you want to share the ride and support me during the months ahead, read on. I plan to be frank but I’ll try not to make it too bleak. I’m sure there’ll be a few laughs along the way.”
I still plan to be frank. I’ll also still try not to make it too bleak, although it’s kind of inevitable that it will be some of the time given I have a life-shortening illness with a very uncertain prognosis. Hopefully there will also still be laughs. The crucial difference this time round is that I’m not being treated with curative intent. This time round, treatment is buying me time – hopefully lots of it.
Thanks for reading.
Brilliant start Maureen.
M xxx
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Thank you, Maureen. Sending lots of love xx
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Deep breath Maureen, you can do it xx
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Hi Maureen, thank you for sharing, this a great idea. Thinking of you and all your family. lots of love Catherine xx
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All the best for Wednesday x
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This is brill Maureen x
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Thank you Maureen – this is great and so heartfelt. I’ll be thinking of you when you start your treatment on Wednesday and keeping everything crossed over the coming months. Take care and be strong. Love Karen xx
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So Maureen. You are not alone so thank you for sharing and all the best with treatment – we are all thinking of you.
Mike
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Go Maureen! it will be hard slog, but you will get there and look back on this as another if your challenges! Thinking of you!
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Hey Maureen just starting this now and looking forward to supporting you through this new journey…. another challenge eh. Sending hugs xx
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Hi Maureen! Thinking of you from Tenerife. X
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Thank you so much for sharing this Maureen! You’re an absolute inspiration and we are here for you all the way!!! Tons of love, courage and admiration xx
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I’m glad you’re OK. I’m sure others will find your blog comforting. I have 3 great friends who are breast cancer survivors and they’re enjoying life post treatment. Stay strong and look after yourself. We’re thinking of you all and send lots of love, The Wilsons
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Thanks, Ruth.
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Sorry to hear Maureen I am sure your are a strong enough person to come through it safe and well
If you start losing your hair start dressing up like you all use to do at your Grans flat in Tollcross Road
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That made me laugh, Jim!
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Hi Maureen
So sorry to hear of your diagnosis but your positivity is amazing and it looks like you have wonderful support from loving family and friends.
I wish you all the best for the rest of your treatment and send you lots of love and luck for the future.
Carol-ann (was Campbell) x
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Gosh, thanks for letting us know, Maureen. I now know more and more of the one-in-eight. Big hugs and positive energy going your way as you tackle this next challenge.
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And we were just talking of you today – I’m James Loughlin’s wee sister’s husband (the ones fae across the road fae Des…). We never met, but my wife, Aileen, and I were out with some friends from her/your school years and they were reminiscing, remembering those days. Stay strong.
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What a terrific way to deal with an illness. Congratulations Maureen for an inspirational way to take on the journey. xxnessa
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[…] About […]
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Hi Maureen,
Cousin Ann here. I am thinking about you and praying for you.
Keep positive.
Very best wishes.
Love,
Ann
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Hi Maureen, Gemma Lamarra (McGregor). Thinking of you and your in my prayers. Xx
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Hi Maureen,
Congratulations you have had your last treatment, I know what a huge deal this is. You have done well.
Yes you have other problems now but lets hope they go soon.
Thinking about you.
Love,
Ann
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[…] Maureen writes a blog on breast cancer called I am the One In Eight […]
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Your story has touched me. We lost my mum from secondary breast cancer that spread to her bones in June this year. The cancer returned with some back pain which after a lot of test turned out to be the diagnosis we were dreading. Stay strong. We lived each day as it came with mum to give her the best possible life despite the news.
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Thank you for making the effort and taking the time to comment. I am very sorry for your loss. That must have been hard. You are right; living each day as it comes is the way through. Best wishes.
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