Back in November, I wrote about my wife’s battle with breast cancer and the beginning of her chemotherapy treatment. A post that received so many positive and absolutely lovely messages that both of us were genuinely taken aback. Responses that we are both incredibly grateful for, as they gave us a huge lift during what was an immensely difficult time.
Needless to say things are still very difficult, and despite her incredible bravery and stoicism, there’s still a good way to go. But, seven months down the line, the chemotherapy is finally over. It hasn’t been easy. Not in the slightest. Nothing to do with this dreadful disease is. Yet that said, it does feel like she has taken a big step forward. Progress the doctors are pleased with too. So instead of a sense of dread at the well documented horrors to come, we can at last look towards the future with a tentative sense of hope.
Julie H says
That is really good news! I was wondering how she was doing. Great you are there for her and I hope sunnier days are ahead for both of you.
Lee says
Thank you ever so much. Thought it was time I did an update as a few people had asked. A good time to do it too I think. A milestone of sorts for sure.
Dave says
Really nice to read this. Give her love from around the world on behalf of all of us.
Lee says
That’s absolutely lovely to hear. Thank you, and needless to say, I will do!
papigiulio says
Sending you both lots of strength and wishes for a speedy recovery.
Lee says
Thanks a lot! It has taken its toll for sure, but still plenty of strength left!
YTSL says
Thanks for the update and I’m glad to hear that your wife’s not only completed her chemotherapy but that it appears to have yielded positive results. Good luck on her getting further along the road to recovery and Lee, you hang in there too — and thanks, as ever, for sharing!
Lee says
Thank you very much. I realised it was time for an update. Good time for it too.
Thanks. It ain’t easy for sure, but things are still ok. And you are more than welcome. Taking photos is one of the things that has helped me get through all this.
Conan the Grammarian says
As Dave Allen used to say: “May your God go with you.”
Both of you.
Lee says
Cheers!
Our gods at the moment are the doctors and nurses, and I’m happy to say they have been truly wonderful.
Al says
I wish you both the best with all my heart! Stay strong!
Lee says
Thank you very much. And we will. We have to!
Martin says
So glad to hear a positive note. Best wishes for both of you.
Lee says
Thank you. Yeah, to be perfectly honest there haven’t been many positive moments, but chemo finishing definitely is one. Particularly as (despite the obvious side-effects) it passed without any complications or delays.
Ed says
Stay positive! Don’t like the last picture… because of that. In fact, the first picture I’ve disliked since I’ve been following your blog. Clear your thoughts.
Lee says
Cheers! We will. No doubt about that.
Interesting. Definitely not one of my favourites, but I actually see the photo as very positive. A sad but necessary reference to the treatment and all the difficulties that brings, but then there’s the bright, wide open eye looking up. A look towards the future. A brighter future.
Ed says
I’m happy the future is finally bright for you and your family! Your pictures are bright lights in the everyday life of many. Still, this picture makes me feel sad, cynical, and negative…
Lee says
Thank you! And thanks for your honest comments too — both positive and negative. One of the beauties of photography for me is how differently people see individual images. Makes the pursuit even more worthwhile.
Mauro says
Wish you all the best and a quick recovery for your wife. Keep on fighting!
Lee says
Thanks a lot. We will. Of that there’s no doubt!
Joanna McPherson says
I’d been wondering how you both were getting on – I’m glad that this part of the treatment is at an end and hoping you have sunnier days ahead. Best wishes to both of you.
Lee says
Thank you! An update was long overdue. Just been waiting for a good time. A turning point of some kind. And this definitely feels like one.
Norbert says
That is such a wonderful update to find, Lee. I wish both of you continued strength and endurance as you keep inching towards winning the fight!
Lee says
Thanks a lot, Norbert. It’s a long, drawn out battle, but we a getting there!
Guillermo says
So glad to read that. Stay strong, you two 🙂
Lee says
Thank you very much. We will!
cdilla says
It is great to see the word “hope” in the title.
May the path you are both on be a kind, long and take you through many happinesses.
The face on the right does have an altogether more optimistic visage and to me the photograph captures in reference and expression something intensely personal to you.
Lee says
Thank you ever so much! Yes, there’s been all too little in the way of hope, but a genuine sense of it now.
To be honest I didn’t actually realise it when I took the photo, but once I looked at the result there were lots of things I saw in it. Both of the recent past, and present.
Matt Talbot says
Thanks for sharing that great news Lee. As you can see from the comments above, we have all been wondering how your wife’s treatment was going but one doesn’t like to ask. It’s not a lack of empathy but rather an unwillingness to intrude. As ever, words are inadequate, but my thoughts remain with you both.
Lee says
Thanks a lot, Matt.
Yes, and honestly, that realisation is absolutely lovely. It’s hard to explain how much such kindness and thoughtfulness means. But what I can say is that it means a lot.
Been wanting to write an update for a while, but at the same time I wanted to wait til I felt there was something of substance to say. Now definitely feels like the time there is. Hopefully the next one won’t be a similarly long wait.
june says
Lee:
That is good news! I’ve been thinking about you and your wife, and I’m reminded every time you post a photo. Was going to send you a private
email, just to ask how you’re getting along, so thanks for the update. Love the wigs.
Lee says
Thanks a lot, June. I’ve been waiting for some good news, and this is the best we’ve had for a long time. Fingers crossed there’ll be more similarly positive posts to come!
Squidpuppy says
Good news, and best wishes and respects to your wife; chemo is a harrowing ordeal. Getting through it requires strength, bravery, and no little personal heroism – never let her forget how special proving that is. Persistence of hope, a positive attitude despite hardships, and loving support are key. Keep the faith – that love conquers all.
A friend of mine who underwent chemo said she found that doing routine, every day things, living life as normally as possible, looking at the daisies like they’re roses, was a source of strength and satisfaction. Every step forward is a victory.
Lee says
Thank you very much.
Yeah, it’s something nobody should have to go through, but the utmost respect for those that do and bravely battle through it. Amazed how stoic and pragmatic my wife has been through the whole horrid ordeal.
So many little things we take for granted eh? Little things in many ways mean so much.
john says
I do suspect that they would look much better with a smiling face underneath.
As it is, your photograph resembles (to me) a seventies prog. rock album cover, minus of course those lovingly crafted labels and the bizarre bulldogs and ribbons fixing method
..obviously some of the shop owners favourite (fixing) things..
Good to hear the (good) news too! Great!
Lee says
Thank you. A turning point at last!
Yes, they do have a 70s feel, don’t they? And all that ribbon makes no sense at all…
TChinOkaku says
Good to hear. Like all the other comments, had been wondering how things were going. Continued prayers and well wishes for both you and your wife.
Lee says
Thanks a lot. That’s very kind of you. I’ve been holding off til something positive happened, and chemo finishing certainly feels like one.
My next wish is the next update is more positive still, and with a much shorter gap in between!
Ken C says
Glad to hear that the news is positive, Lee. You must be very stressed yourself as you can’t actually do anything to help medically but can only offer support. Best wishes to both of you.
Lee says
Thanks a lot, Ken. Yeah, it hasn’t been, and isn’t, easy. Just something that has to be gotten through. Somehow. But we we’ll manage it. I’m confident of that
Sophie says
As a few others did, I’ve kept in mind your ordeal and was reminded from time to time when you posted photos. I’m very glad you have good news, and wish you both all the best for the next part of the journey.
Lee says
Thank you very much. It’s always encouraging to hear such nice things.
d. minnis says
Every time I see a new post Lee, I wonder how your wife is doing. Thanks for the update.
Lee says
And thank you very much for the concerned thoughts. They are very much appreciated.
Hans ter Horst says
Thanks for the update, I’m glad that the news is cautiously positive and that the chemotherapy treatment is finally over; it must have been so hard for you both, but especially for your wife. Hang in there, get back to your normal life and make sure to wish your wife all the best!
Lee says
Thank you ever so much. Yeah, it’s been a rough ride, especially so for the missus. Amazed how bravely she battled through it.
We will, and I’ll also be sure to pass on your kind best wishes.
Warren says
That’s good news. 🙂
Lee says
Thanks. It is! Hopefully a lot more good news to come too.
Bernat says
Haven’t read it until now… I’m sorry, hope everything is going on track for lots of years to come. My mother had it too and we are only the two of us at home, so I know what’s like to cope with it. Don’t lose hope and positivism. Everything will be alright, even if it doesn’t seem to.
Lee says
Thank you very much. That’s certainly what we are counting on.
It’s not easy, is it? I really hope everything went well with your mum, or at least is going well.
El-Branden says
Just saw this update. Very happy, indeed. More strength to both of you in the coming months and years.
Lee says
Thanks ever so much. Still a long way to go, but it does feel like we are finally on the right path.
Valérie Fujita says
I haven’t come to your blog for a while, but I kept on thinking of your wife and hoped she would be ok and that the treatment would give positive results. Cancer is a dreadful disease indeed… My prayers are with you and your wife to chase away that thing.
Lee says
Thanks a lot. Really kind of you.
It really is, isn’t it? The world would be a much nicer place without it…