Traditionally my husband (Mick) and I take this time of year to have a break away from the humdrum of everyday life and reconnect with each other and enjoy a couple of our passions, this year was to be no different, our annual leave was booked and we were planning a trip to Budapest in out little sports car, a TVR Tamora for those who like cars, and a trip to visit the makers of Tokjai wines.
It became apparent earlier this year that we would need to rethink our plans, I didn't think I would cope very well with a long drive and I was worried about falling ill so far from home, so I started to explore alternatives. We could stay at home and enjoy a couple of days out, not much of a break from the domestics for Mick. A luxury hotel was discounted due to my fear of being confined to a hotel room and other peoples germs. a quirky little cottage by the sea, again too many domestics, so we settled on an old family favourite Center Parcs, this would offer us some flexibility, no I wouldn't be able to use the pool or the spar, but I would be able to enjoy country walks and maybe a meal out.
We packed up the family car, easier on my joint pain than the TVR, with a few essentials, our Nespresso machine, my meds, microwave heat pad, thermometer and list of symptoms not to be ignored along with my trusty feather pillow. We made good progress given our route included the M25 and M1 and arrived in time to enjoy leisurely breakfast, our lodge was located within a few minutes walk of the village, which was perfect as it meant I could easily retreat there and cocoon myself.
The weather was good and we enjoyed walks, mushroom hunting , laughter, adventure golf and ten pin bowling, I'm pleased to say I have not lost my competitive edge and won 
Due to my lack of energy on the first night we decided that a late lunch would work better for us, with a snack in the evening. Yes I did overdo things a little, but Mick is well rested and refreshed ready for cycle 3.
What I wasn't prepared for were the looks of pity from others, presumably due to my bald head or scarf, nor did I expect other cancer survivors to regale me with their survival stories, whilst I am delighted that they have survived difficult treatment and now feel great, I'm just not ready to hear that, so decision made, despite not being bothered at all about losing my hair, I know some people really struggle with this, neither am I bothered how my baldness make me looks, even though my youngest sobbed when I had it all shaved off as it made her realise I was poorly, I'm going to try a wig as I am bothered that one of the side effects of cancer seems to be it invites others in to my world at a time I'm just not ready to share my story face to face. I've ordered one from Wig Bank, a company the sells pre loved wigs which have been donated, they give them a clean and donate £5 of each sale to cancer charities.
