Before I write this update - have you or the women in your lives had their smear test? If they are not up to date - this is a nag from me - No excuse - GO AND DO IT.

Dear All

I am so sorry that I have not provided an update sooner. Days are flying by at the moment.

Monday 26th September, MJ was admitted for her first round of chemo. All went as well as it can when you have chemo.

We are still finding it hugely challenging that the hospital is all about making money and not what is best for MJ. It is a constant battle to remind them that every time they spend something on a nice to have versus a necessity they are increasing unnecessary costs.

As we are foreigners they charge us a huge amount of money (3 x the amount) in case the final cost will be that much. When we then leave the hospital we get a final bill and then wait 3 weeks for a cheque with the difference. I have told them this time not to send me the cheque but to keep it as a credit on our account!

On that final bill they charged us things that MJ had not even had - once I went through it with a fine tooth comb they removed them ($800 worth of costs!!!)

MJ was very tired when she came home but thankfully no vomiting or feeling sick. Quite a lot of gut pain due to constipation, but we changed her diet and removed rice from it to prevent that 'full up' feeling. After about 8 days MJ started feeling herself again. She is in great spirits and wants to keep active when she has the energy to do things. She needs to avoid people who are ill (which has been tough as we have all been ill at home!) and get fresh air.

Something that has been very new to MJ is drinking water. This has not ever been part of her diet and she is starting to see the benefits of it.

Just under 18 days after the chemo and the hair has started to fall out. This is the piece that MJ really does not like, not because of vanity but because it means other people will realise that she is ill. MJ is a VERY private person, does not want pity and does not want people knowing her business - having no hair is a pretty big call out that she is sick. Out comes a scarf and a hat and less time outside. I will be encouraging her to at least try and take some walks as it will be good for her health. Day at a time mantra is still our plan.

So here we are a couple of days before round 2 of chemo.

She will have a scan after this round and before the next chemo to give us an idea of how successful the chemo is being. At the moment the plan is still to have the chemo here and then return to Manila for the Hysterectomy.

THANK YOU all for your find words and support, she is so thankful to have this.

Best wishes to you all, I will update after the scan with the results.

Victoria