Journal entry by Chantelle Brandon Reeves —
Hi,
Just a quick post to let you all know that I had my targeted therapy treatment on Friday. It finally marked the end of my treatment plan. I had a final telephone consultation with my Oncologist , the wonderful Dr Jay Naik. I will not see him again, as he has now moved to another hospital trust. I am going to be transferred back to Pinderfields Hospital where I will be under an ‘open door’ policy to be fast tracked if I have any concerns in the future. Dr Naik gave me three pieces of parting advice:
Just a quick post to let you all know that I had my targeted therapy treatment on Friday. It finally marked the end of my treatment plan. I had a final telephone consultation with my Oncologist , the wonderful Dr Jay Naik. I will not see him again, as he has now moved to another hospital trust. I am going to be transferred back to Pinderfields Hospital where I will be under an ‘open door’ policy to be fast tracked if I have any concerns in the future. Dr Naik gave me three pieces of parting advice:
1. Exercise regularly
2. Eat a healthy diet
3. Avoid alcohol apart from red wine in moderation
It is true, I feel so relieved to finally complete my treatment. It has felt like a never ending journey at times over the last 15 months. My life has revolved in 3 week cycles and I have almost become institutionalised. It therefore feels very daunting to be cast adrift from that enormous support network. Whilst I am positive about the future, I also feel vulnerable. It will take a long time to fully heal emotionally and I know I need to be kind to myself and give myself time. I am doing all the right things and I know I have the love and support of family and friends.
It is going to be an adjustment to figure out how to live without the safety net of my hospital routine and continue to deal with my lasting side effects, I’m slowly regaining my physical fitness and adjusting to understanding how much my new body can do, being vigilant about my mental wellbeing and understanding the importance of rest and time out. I know it is a process and that it takes time, requires you to try things out and mess it up before you have all the boxes ticked, that things have changed. Cancer treatment is brutal, my body was attacked and needs time to heal because trauma doesn’t just pick up and leave. Patience and positivity are key to life after cancer.
Thank you for all your love and best wishes. Your kind and thoughtful words kept me going in the darkest of times. I am proud of myself for making it through and it’s about the future now and looking forward, not back.
Love from
Chantelle xxx
Chantelle xxx
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The bright Chemo ward on Friday - it was an emotional farewell x
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