A year of ups and downs

2017 has been a year of ups and downs. On the up side I have been working (albeit from home) and loving what I do. I have built up my physical fitness by 'running' three or four times a week (still facing the embarrassing concept of being over-taken by septuagenarian walkers). I have had some incredible breaks in Spain and recently got my driving licence back (for one year). My driving, like my running, has been cautious and slow, but it's happening. My hair has grown back so the extensions were no longer needed, and has been cultivated by Sarah at Egotrip into a blonde bob. My beach-ball head has deflated sufficiently to make me recognisable as a human-being and apart from random post-cancer treats (shooting pains and the like) and periodic health scares to keep me on my toes, I am pretty much on the road to recovery.

This is an INCREDIBLE result, bearing in mind I was facing the prospect of my last few months on this glorious planet only two years ago. And, this is due to the almighty grace of God, the skills of my gifted oncologist and brain surgeon, the outstanding support of my awesome Dad, the patience and love of my wonderful husband, the mind-blowing backing of my friends and family, the understanding of my colleagues and the support offered by my Church, St. Lawrence's.

On the down side, I have recently lost a precious friend to this horrible disease, a partner in facing cancer with all its indignities and challenges. Another friend died from cancer in the same week, a supremely intelligent and talented man from church with an Oxford Doctorate and a complex mind. Others are still facing the disease, in and out of various treatment phases, but united in hope that they will soon be in remission and even cured. Some are in remission, but still struggle to come to terms with the impact that cancer has had on their lives, and the lives of those close to them.

So, as the year draws to a close, I pray for peace, for healing and for hope for my fellow cancer sufferers, survivors and supporters. I pray for the families of those who have lost friends to this abhorrent disease and those who are adjusting to life without their partners and loved ones.

I am dreaming of an uneventful and brilliantly ordinary 2018 and I'm ecstatically grateful to still be here.

Amanda