Titivate - My Breast Cancer Blog

22/05/2026

Please, please, please sign this. This is a drug that lots of my friends with this type of cancer would likely respond to, yet currently (in England) would not be eligible to receive it on the NHS.

Please sign and share 💖

Enhertu is a drug that could extend thousands of lives. But it was rejected for use on the NHS in 2024 for being too expensive. Since then, thousands of people have missed out on the drug. And many have died. Robbed of the extra time it could have given them.

We now have a chance to stop anybody else missing out. But we need to act quickly, because the people who need this drug don’t have time to wait.

That's why, alongside METUP UK and Make 2nds Count we’re calling on Daiichi Sankyo, AstraZeneca, NHS England and NICE to urgently reach a deal to make Enhertu available on the NHS.

Sign the petition now: https://brnw.ch/21x2GZK

“We don’t have years to wait for negotiations. Every month matters. Every decision has real consequences for real families. Act with urgency, because behind every statistic is someone like me, trying to hold onto as much life as possible.” Sophie

“It’s cruel that my life has a price tag, and that price tag could see a young girl lose her mum sooner as a result. Every month I’m alive is another month closer to the hope of new treatment. But what’s the point of hope if I can’t access it. It’s torturous.” Kathryn

15/05/2026

Three years ago, having the ‘Red devil’ chemo 🤢🤕

Today’s chemo is well underway and going well! I‘m fully wrapped up in my Oodie and fluffy socks to help me and my veins stay warm. The chemo drug is straight out of the fridge and last time my veins started spasming because of the cold and the canula had to moved three times… but fingers crossed Ninja Nurse Becky has got it under control and we won’t need to move the canula this time! 💖💪

22/04/2026

The scan results are in and you can just call me Mabel because I am stableeeeeeeee!!

Wowsers! I didn’t even realise how heavy it’s been weighing on me you know until I was driving home and I was grinning like a Cheshire cat and I just really feel like I’ve been given my life back!!!!

So I’ve agreed to continue the Abemaciclib, in someways I feel I’m over the worst of the side effects and I don’t want to waste treatment line either. Dr Khan is also going to reintroduce Letrozole so that will be interesting to see what side effects that brings. I’m going to start taking Loretadine alongside it (which is the main component of Clarityn) as this is known to help with joint pain and is actually prescribed in America to breast cancer patients there.

We have also agreed to push the scan to 4 months apart to give me a bit more breathing space too!

Thank you so much for all the love, support, messages and calls and much love to all my fellow cancer warriors! 💖💪

17/04/2026

2 weeks today since my scan… and it’s still not reported.

I should have had my appointment to go through the results on Wednesday 22nd, but it’s been booked in for the 29th instead but my BCN is on the case and even answered my email and did some checks whilst on leave too - she’s a superstar.

I’ve actually managed my scanxiety pretty well these last couple of weeks more because I’ve not even had the energy too whilst battling these side effects… and only asked yesterday if the report was back.

But I can’t lie—finding out it’s still not even been reported is really disappointing and frustrating.

Because it’s not a case of “no news is good news”, there is no news because there is literally no report yet.

So I’m still sat here, none the wiser than the day I had the scan.

It’s the waiting that gets you.

I know the system is stretched, and I know these things take time—but when you’re the one waiting for answers about your own body, it hits differently.

So for now… I wait. Again. 💖😔

15/04/2026

Blocking oestrogen isn’t just something I’m managing… it’s the path I’m fully on now.

For me, that’s included having my ovaries removed, so my body isn’t producing oestrogen in the way it naturally would. And alongside that, I’m on Abemaciclib to target and destroy any oestrogen cells that my body might produce.

So not only am I dealing with the effects of having little to no oestrogen… I’m also managing the side effects that come with the treatment itself.

It’s a lot for one body to carry.

Something I’ve always tried to do is understand what all of this is doing to my body as this helps ground me on the days where I feel a bit off or not quite myself 😵‍💫

So I wanted to share this—for anyone going through similar, or for those who love someone who is.

Because it’s not “just treatment”… it affects so much more behind the scenes.

When oestrogen is removed or blocked, it impacts a whole range of things in the body:

It lowers serotonin, dopamine, glutamate and GABA… and increases inflammation too, this is what that can actually look like day-to-day:

• Lower serotonin → mood dips, anxiety or low feelings can creep in
• Lower dopamine → motivation, focus and even enjoyment can feel harder
• Lower glutamate → impacts memory and how the brain adapts
• Lower GABA → this is what helps us feel calm… so switching off isn’t always easy
• Lower endorphins → fewer “feel good” chemicals, and pain can feel more intense

Then there’s the hormonal side of things and disrupted sleep and my favourite gift of all of this - fatigue… the kind that isn’t just “a bit tired” but really hits deep.

It’s a lot. Physically and mentally.

So if this is you, or someone you care about—just know there’s a reason behind it all.

Be gentle. Give yourself (or them) grace.
Sometimes it’s not about pushing through… it’s about understanding what your body is dealing with.

And when you start to understand it, you can begin to find ways to work with your body instead of constantly fighting it.

I’m still figuring that out myself… if you’ve found anything that helps—please share it too 🤍

12/04/2026

Another pot of goodness I’ve made today which is this lemon, ginger & honey elixir! It’s one of those simple remedies people used long ago and I absolutely love it!

Again with thanks to the Whollistic Wellness Way this is the guidance to make it yourself; I made this in a kilner jar using:
🍋 1 lemon
🫚 2–3 inches fresh ginger
🍯 Raw local honey (enough to fully cover everything)
How to make it:
💦 I wash the lemon and ginger well, slice them thin, and add them to a clean glass jar.
🍯 Then I slowly pour raw honey over the top, letting it settle into all the gaps.
🫙 Seal the jar and leave it at room temperature for 3 days, giving it a gentle stir or shake once a day.

After day 3, it goes into the fridge where it turns thick, syrupy, and golden ✨

How I use it:
• 1 tablespoon in warm (not hot) water ☕
• Stir into tea or sip as a wellness drink
• Take daily in the morning or whenever you need support

This lemon, ginger and honey mix is a gentle, natural way to support your body. Lemon is rich in vitamin C which helps support your immune system, ginger for easing inflammation, supporting digestion and helping with nausea and honey is soothing, antibacterial and helps coat the throat while bringing everything together. It’s a simple, comforting way to support your body, ease some side effects, and give you a small daily boost when your body is working overtime

Keep refrigerated after day 3 and use within 2–3 weeks.

12/04/2026

I’ve been busy in the kitchen this morning which the fantastic help and support of - if you want to find alternatives to help support your body then definitely give these guys a follow!

First up today was this Bhronical Broth which is a natural lung support! This simple broth has been used for centuries to help the body clear our mucus, break up congestion and strengthen immunity!

🧅 Onion - natural expectorant, helps expel mucus and pathogens
🌿 Celery - 2 sticks - anti inflammatory and supports immune recovery
🧄 Garlic - 2 or 3 cloves - anti microbial powerhouse, helps fight infections
🍯 Honey - (optional 1/2 teaspoon) soothes the throat and adds mild antibacterial support

Roughly chop the onion, celery sticks and garlic and put into a pan add 1 litre of water. Bring everything to the boil and then simmer for 30 mins. Strain and dip warm.

This made 1 pint which I’ll have throughout today and then do this weekly to help keep my lungs clear and supported.

Once I’d strained the liquid for my drink I was left with the celery, garlic and onion so I added 2-3 peeled and diced potatoes, topped it with some chicken and veg stock and made a delicious soup which we had for lunch! To the soup I added a teaspoon of smoked paprika and a teaspoon of turmeric plus black pepper which helps the body absorb the herbs. 🙌

12/04/2026

I’ve been busy in the kitchen this morning which the fantastic help and support of - if you want to find alternatives to help support your body then definitely give these guys a follow!

First up today was this Bhronical Broth which is a natural lung support! This simple broth has been used for centuries to help the body clear our mucus, break up congestion and strengthen immunity!

🧅 Onion - natural expectorant, helps expel mucus and pathogens
🌿 Celery - 2 sticks - anti inflammatory and supports immune recovery
🧄 Garlic - 2 or 3 cloves - anti microbial powerhouse, helps fight infections
🍯 Honey - (optional 1/2 teaspoon) soothes the throat and adds mild antibacterial support

Roughly chop the onion, celery sticks and garlic and put into a pan add 1 litre of water. Bring everything to the boil and then simmer for 30 mins. Strain and dip warm.

This made 1 pint which I’ll have throughout today and then do this weekly to help keep my lungs clear and supported.

Once I’d strained the liquid for my drink I was left with the celery, garlic and onion so I added 2-3 peeled and diced potatoes, topped it with some chicken and veg stock and made a delicious soup which we had for lunch! To the soup I added a teaspoon of smoked paprika and a teaspoon of turmeric plus black pepper which helps the body absorb the herbs. 🙌

11/04/2026

Following on yesterday, I’ve pulled my big girl pants up and given my head a wobble 💁🏼‍♀️

Thankfully the swelling/puffiness in my face has reduced though my eyes are still feeling sore and super tired! But today I’ve been to Oxify for a session of hyperbaric oxygen therapy—something I used regularly when I was going through active chemo.

For anyone who’s not heard of it, it’s basically a treatment where you sit in a pressurised chamber and breathe in high levels of oxygen. This allows your body to absorb more oxygen into your bloodstream, which can help reduce inflammation, support your immune system and aid healing and recovery - I’ll do a separate post with all the details.

And whilst I was there it’s made me realise something, I need to shift my mindset back to where it was then when I was going through my first lot of chemo.

Back to supporting my body.
Back to doing everything I can to help myself through this—not fighting against it or sulking, because although these tablets are hard, I can control how I support my body alongside them.

So that’s what I’m doing. Getting back into the things that helped me before. I’ve been and stocked up on the ingredients to make my potions too - everything that I used to do to give my body the best chance to adjust to this medication so I can find an even keel that allows me to still live and enjoy life but also take the tablets too.

One step at a time 💪💖

10/04/2026

So we’re at the end of week 2 after restarting Abemaciclib, and the side effects are definitely kicking in now—and honestly, it’s no fun at all 😭

For the last couple of days I’ve been waking up with a swollen face, puffy eyes and really sore eyes too. Apparently it’s a “normal” side effect while your body adjusts—but it feels anything but normal.

Those of you who’ve followed me from the beginning might remember my face swelling during IV chemo too… it’s just bizarre. But this is nothing compared to the tiredness—that is on another level.

I am really struggling to get through the days now, especially the last few. And I wouldn’t even say what I do is excessive—it’s just normal life.

And this is exactly my issue with these tablets…

If they start affecting my ability to live a normal day-to-day life, then it becomes a problem.

Because there is no back up for me.

I’m a single mum—there’s only me to look after Rosie and my two dogs. I’m the one doing everything: school runs, holidays, meals, the house, the day-to-day life, playing, crafting… all of it. And that’s before I’ve even thought about work.

And the thing is—I love doing all of that. I want to be present. I love every minute I spend with her.

But when I’m exhausted, grumpy and just trying to get through the day… it’s no fun for either of us.

So if these tablets leave me too tired to even do the basics… what am I supposed to do?

Do you see now why I stopped taking them before?

I need to be present for my daughter. She needs me now—not tired, not drained, not just surviving the day.

So yeah… a bit of a vent today.

But I’m still persevering—for now. 💖💪

03/04/2026

Soooo… this afternoon was my regular CT scan with contrast.

I took some Easter eggs in for the team as a thank you for working over the bank holiday weekend — and honestly, they were absolutely over the moon, and it felt really nice to give a little something back to the people who take such good care of me 🐣🍫

That said… my poor veins did not get the memo 😅
It took two attempts to get the cannula in today. In fairness, after two rounds of blood tests over the last couple of weeks, I can’t say I was surprised — but still, not the most fun part of the day!

Anyway… scan done ✔️

Now comes the waiting game — about two weeks until results. And if you know, you know… the wait is often the hardest part.

BUT… small win (and a bit of advocating for myself!) — I’ve managed to arrange to get my report before my appointment. It took a bit of back and forth with my team, but it means I can go into that meeting prepared, with my questions ready, rather than trying to process everything on the spot and then a follow up convo once I’ve then seen the report.

And weirdly… having the report in my hand beforehand actually helps with the “scanxiety.” No matter what it says, it takes away some of that fear of the unknown.

So for now, I wait… and try to keep busy, stay grounded, and be kind to myself.

As always — if you’re in this waiting phase too, I’m right there with you 💛💪