Hello!
It's my one month anniversary from completing treatment (finished 17 January) and to celebrate we went out out to the comedy club in Reading - for much needed giggles!!!
I saw my oncologist on Friday and apart from the uncomfortable finger up the bum "check"... all was good and I got the nod to crack on with life, including a much needed holiday and getting back into the pool - hurrah. They did mention that it takes on average six weeks for the immune system to rebuild once treatment ends - so I won't be putting myself on a plan or heading to the pool just yet - it's not worth the risk.
And I'm delighted to now also be looking for part-time paid work... with an interview tomorrow for the not for profit Menopause and Cancer (fingers crossed 
).
On the whole, I'm doing really well - my bottom feels like it's in the final stages of healing - there's new pink skin but there's also few scabs - which makes things a little itchy - actually like using paper toilet roll now lol. The sitz bath has been put into storage although I do enjoy a soak in the bath.
I'm still following the fodmap protocol and this has really helped me get my bowel movements to no more than 3 a day and all done by 10.30 am! They are still urgent ISH but they are getting more normal in terms of form and size.
I've been using the dilator but not as regularly as I need too - my bad.
And I guess the last thing to mention is that I am tired.... I feel very relieved that I don't have to be somewhere for work.... I have started increasing my steps and do a minimum of 6,000 a day... and I've also started meeting up with friends! I'm listening to my body and in no rush to over do it. I've put 2k of the 7k back on - and feel like that's a win...
I've even almost forgotten the trauma of the treatment and whilst I cried after seeing the oncologist it was because of relief and happiness.
Good luck one and all.
Ali
Darn it - my original photo got removed as it featured another person - my amazing by my side rock star of a husband!!!
So here's one just of me before we went out - mainly to show my friends and family that I'm alive and pretty much feeling great xx
Hi Ali
What a great and inspirational post..
I live reading your updates and you look amazing..
Well done on your healing journey.. you look absolutely amazing...
I'm so looking forward to being able to put that sitz bath away
Hope you have an amazing holiday 
Squeak
This is a great update Ali! I love the fact that you’re getting your life back. Doesn’t it put everything into perspective? As you’ve explained the small things mean so much & enduring this treatment makes you really appreciate them all & they feel like the greatest of milestones. It’s great that you’ve also found a way to manage any bowel issues you’re experiencing. You look amazing too!!
Nicola
