2009
Hello

 

I intended to use this website for another purpose however this year (2009) life has taught me to look and learn from each experience.  Sometimes this has been easy and other times it has been one of the hardest lesson to implement I've ever had to experience... when I want to go down to the bottom of the garden and eat worms or get on a plane and run away!

 

There are some experiences that I wanted to share with you, particularly being diagnosed with a rare cancer - malignant phyllodes tumour.  I'm hoping to keep up a blog about me, my diagnosis, information about this type of cancer and how I beat it (or will!).  When I was diagnosed it was quickly obvious that there is little or nearer no information about a malignant phyllodes tumour, treatments available, studies performed, facts and figures and people to speak to or with to understand their journey and what lies ahead. 

 

What I have also discovered is the internet is a wonderful tool and a life saver at times like this.  I've met some extraordinary people who have 'virtually' helped me through my journey so far and I hope to repay the compliment in time too.  I've also learned that I have the most fantastic friends.  Love you all.

 

I'm also acutely aware of being tested in my knowledge of NLP.  Some of you will know that I qualified as a Neuro Linguistic Practitioner earlier this year and have been using a lot of the techniques I learnt on myself in an effort to remain positive and use mind over body.  I'm so grateful that I studied NLP this year and it has been a huge resource for me to call upon to help get through the worst times and look on the positive side.

 

I hope that at least this little bit of information may be useful to someone else in my predicament and a link to others who can help, listen and advise.  Please do contact me with any queries or questions you have and if I can I'll help, or point you to someone else who may be able to help.

 

One thing I have learned recently is to laugh through the anguish and to smile at life's mysteries.  So have a little laugh with me - do something ridiculous and smile!

 

AnnaGoAnna

xxx

 

PS Apologies to any of my friends for whom this comes out of the blue.  Although I have been very upfront about what was happening with those that I have had to stand up or those that I'm shortly to see (saves them wondering why I'm going home early or perhaps a little lopsided) however I didn't tell everyone because I thought it'd all be over and done with and my benign lump would be long gone.  But I didn't quite expect what happened next... soz.

 

PPS Perhaps some of you now understand my need for some colour in my life... ie my hair!

2010 - September
Hello Again,

I felt that I needed to somehow update this home page but not to delete the original content as the reasons why still stand true.

Of course you can read my journey and get the detail but I'm pleased to say that, I'm two operations down and they believe they've got all the bad boy tumour stuff.  My next check is in January 2011 and I'm feeling pretty good about it.

One of my 'wishes' was that this site would also be a place of refuge for newly diagnosed with cystosarcoma phyllodes and to provide them with a resource for information and help.  I'm continually reminded by those of you who contact me that there is little information out there and that this has been a wonderful resource.  I am however still saddened that it's needed at all.

For anyone reading this for the first time, you are truly NOT alone in your journey with Phyllodes.   

AnnaGoAnna
xxx

PS  Hair is currently brunette - I'm thinking it's like a 'scientific' experiment.. I'm a natural blonde, have been very red and now a brunette.. I mean, who does really have more fun!!!  I'll let you know.

2011 - September
Well Helloooo Lovely People,

One year on from my last entry on this page - I figured you needed a summary and a hellooooo here.

My checks in January and July came back clear.  Whooohooo.  My consultant however has suggested that we continue with the scan routine (6monthly ultrasound & annual mammogram).  I do feel assured by this and also 'cared for' by the team.

I'm also continuing with this site and am going to make a concerted effort to add more links to resources and information I find on the reference pages.  I tend to post them into the 'Phyllodes Support Group' or 'Living Beyond Diagnosis' on Facebook or tweet them via the 'BeyondDiagnosis' account together with other health and cancer related information I find... but I need to add more on this site too **slapping wrist**.

Another, and less selfish reason, still applies for me to continue with this... there are others, as I was, newly diagnosed or still searching for information, support and help, who have found this site, me and then the support group. 

How fabulous is it to hear those words 'You are not alone."

AnnaGoAnna
xxx

PS  Hair is back to natural colour - blonde!!  (although there's a little more 'natural highlighting' ie grey than I'd like!)