The graphic and gory...not for the squeamish

As I have mentioned in a previous post I was going to show photos of my scar so here they are in all of the graphic glory.

I feel it is important for me to keep a record of it all so that I can see how the healing and the scars developed.

The first couple show the radiation "sunburn" and my operation site. As my lump was relatively small it is hard to actually see it in a photo.

One photo in the radiation shots has the surgeon's scribble showing where he planned to cut. The last two show my scar as it is today. It is no longer my "shark bite".

It truly is a wonder how our bodies heal so well and rapidly. I am extremely grateful to have had the wonderful surgeons and after care team I have had. I truly believe it is their combined efforts (as well as my own body's hard work of healing itself) that allowed me to be where I am today.

I am grateful to the following people, who at some stage have been or continue to be, part of my treatment team:

Professor Peter Choong my cancer surgeon

Mr David McCombe my plastic surgeon

The Radiation Oncology staff at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Ms Kate Rogers my physiotherapist

Ms Sue Hodson my GP

Ms Meg Schibli my hand therapist

Mr Ash Tainton my gym instructor

And as always my family and friends whose love and support strengthen me :-)

What a difference a year makes...

It is now well over one year since I first thought about using this blog and then didn't. The reasons are many and I guess my primary focus became simply living with and managing my disease.

So I have finally decided that I want to keep this record, for my own use as well as for any use that it may be to others in similar circumstances. To that end I'll go back and continue my story from D-Day and beyond over the next few sessions.

Firstly, the here and now. Where I'm at. I am pleased to be able to say that for one year post surgery to the day 29 January, I am what I learned is termed NED (no evidence of disease). I'm not sure if what people call this is also remission, I doubt it. My post surgery journey has still got seven years to go. That is how long I've got to have check ups and visits to my cancer surgeon. More on that later.

What happened and how I got here is all a story in itself. I have many wonderful people to thank for their help and support along this journey. And because I think they deserve it I will be praising them along the way. Any opinions are my own based on my experiences of medical processes, procedures, etc.

Lastly, I will be posting pictures as well. I kept a bit of a photo diary of my scars in the early days and it is amazing to see the difference. So if you're squeamish at all, please don't complain if you choose to view them.

This post is dedicated to my mother, Marina Barrientos. My constant companion and carer when I needed her most. Thanks mum!