Deep breath. In 2006, while living in Sicily, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2010, having returned to the UK, I discovered that the cancer had spread to my liver and bones. This condition is known as secondary breast cancer (because the primary cancer was found in my breast). A secondary cancer means that the disease can be controlled but not cured. Like many people with this illness, I prefer to describe myself as ‘living with cancer’ rather than ‘dying from’… The illness doesn’t define me but it IS a part of who I am. Anyway this is my blog. Breathe out.
drbaba
Just another WordPress.com site
drbaba 
Hi Alison
Just wanted to say I am following your blog, partly because I was dx with bc last year and partly because I like the way you express yourself. I hope you continue to write and share your feelings. I feel lost inside my cancer and I it helps me greatly to see others who cannot help but fight their way out and show who they are, even if they don’t know it.
D
Dear Deborah
Thank you so much for taking the time to post a comment, it means so much to me. Cancer can be pretty overwhelming and it’s very common to feel lost. I find that writing a blog is something that is giving me the courage to look back AND forward. I wish you the absolute best with regard to health and happiness. I am enjoying exploring my thoughts (if ‘enjoy’ is the correct verb to use in this context) and I am genuinely moved when I hear that something I have written strikes a chord with someone else.
Alison
I found your blog through the Breast Cancer Care thread on blogging and have been catching up with your story. I was also overseas when diagnosed and so much of your experience resonates.
I particularly enjoy your writing, and your poetry. Eloquent and poignant.
Thank you for sharing, I’ll be visiting regularly.
Philippa (aka Feisty Blue Gecko)
Philippa, thank you for your kind comments. I’ve been a bit slack on this blog, I will be posting again soon. It’s interesting that you were also diagnosed abroad – it definitely puts a different perspective on the whole situation! As the winter nights draw in I think I’ll find myself writing more. Best wishes to you.
Alison