Halfway there

Hello friends!

It’s been longer than usual between posts as, quite frankly, I was busy living it up! My second round of chemo was a success and I was starting to feel human by my 2nd week rather than the 3rd. I have had to balance pj days with a few walks and outings, but I really do feel that it’s been ok this time. Here’s hoping round 3 is as kind. (They did lower the dose after round 1’s hospital visit…)

I feel like I’m a chemo pro already. I know when I need to take it easy and when I can get out and about, and I have whittled my chemo day kit from 2 bags, down to 1. As promised, here’s a peek into my chemo day essentials. (This is different to my hospital overnight bag by a mile…I’m high maintenance with my overnight beauty product essentials. Ha ha!)


From the left, I make sure I have all of my medical info, chemo drugs, digital thermometer, anti-sickness tablets and lollies, sweets, a popcorn snack and my prescription exemption card and organ donor card. (Well – you never know!)

With around 6 hours to kill, I make sure I have ample entertainment. Just as well I was heavy-handed with my approach…they’ve just informed me that my blood count sample clotted and I have to have another blood test before chemo can start which will add on another hour or so. Today I’ve brought my iPad and noise-cancelling headphones, puzzles, spiritual and business books and my handy notebook for any inspiration that might pop into my head (here’s hoping!) while I’m in hospital. I’m keen to make a list of small areas that I can declutter at home over the next couple of weeks. 2017 is going to be a good one goddamnit. 

I never leave home without my beauty basics! Today I’ve brought my tangle teezer which is my wig brush (it doesn’t pull on the hair and damage it), a selection of my neutral makeup – MAC, Bobbi Brown, Nars and Benefit. Plus lip balm, tissues and hand santiser. (The tissues and hand sanitiser are my heroes… maybe TMI, but no nose hair in this chilly weather can be a bit troublesome!)

I’m wearing ‘Marilyn’ today with a comfy grey and black hooded fleece, black jeans with layered grey tops and my gorgeous grey suede knee high wedge boots. Proper autumn attire! I have brought my headscarf in case I get a bit warm and gloves in case I get cold. While on chemo drugs (and for the next 5-10 years), I am in a temporary menopause so my inner thermometer is properly malfunctioning! Luckily for Matt, my chillow pillow is great for his headaches, plus he doesn’t get the duvet stolen off him nearly as much as before. 

Before I sign off with a promise of posting more regularly, I just wanted to say that I feel very lucky to have such wonderful friends and family. People have asked me if anyone has distanced themselves since I was diagnosed, and I can’t think of one person that has. Every single one of my friends has been even more supportive than usual and old friends that I’ve missed have become closer again as well as making wonderful new friends. I’m truly lucky and love you all. #mushy #sorrynotsorry

Love Sarah xxx

During this cycle, special thanks goes out to Matthew for putting up with my wild mood swings and for loving me just as I am; Anni and Molly for spoiling me with my thoughtful book, hot chocolate and walk which made me remember I have muscles; Rachele for keeping me sane on Whatsapp all day, every day; Marsh and my Mom for a delicious roast dinner and never-ending support; Lisa for my beautiful flowers, bubbly flavours, and chocolate (which Matt is mostly thankful for as I’ve had to hide some to keep for me!); and last, but not least, Gem and Phoebe for lots of caring messages and a lunchtime walk and goss. And as always, to everyone else that checks in with me and sends thoughtful messages. x