My mum wanted to write a blog post - to show people her perspective:
"Seven days after chemotherapy, and at last Ailsa begins to emerge from the darkness of its side effects.
The signs are clear: not so pallid, a small but genuine smile and some
spontaneous conversation about the weekend and Christmas trees. Followed by
some dedicated time on social media and replying to messages. Concentration is
back and interest in the world returns.
This week has been the worst so far. Ailsa, our beautiful, funny, smiley, energetic,
and enthusiastic daughter disappears – however hard she tries to disguise it.
The nausea has been constant: head throbbing, muscles and bones aching, and
the body’s thermostat totally unregulated and so uncomfortable.
These miserable physical symptoms are matched with the emotional
roller-coaster of sadness, depression mixed with fear.
Under our bubble of worry, each day becomes a routine of anti nausea pills,
beastly potions to alleviate the nasty side effects of the medication, a diet of
“good for you” food and then sleeping or rubbish TV.
Chemotherapy is a must. There is no choice and we know now that it is having a
positive effect on the cancer.
So today is “bounce back” day when life starts to be liveable again.
We are exhausted and exhilarated all at once.
We caution against doing too much too quickly but mothering is no longer
required and Ailsa will do her own thing….
So Nick and Ailsa soon to be back in their own home, enjoying planning and
plotting their social lives, and of course their wedding.
While we have all been devastated and heartbroken about the diagnosis, it has
brought our already close family even closer. Christmas is coming and the family
will be together.
It has also been wonderful to have such fabulous support from friends and
relations – Ailsa deserves it.
We are not thinking about the next chemo on 4th January – we know we will cope.
And as I said before, Ailsa - we are truly proud of you."
