by Naomi Thomas
We’ve just got back from our fantastic trip to Goa. I left my laptop and phone at home and had a week of total relaxation; it was bliss, for all of us! Seeing our friends who live in Goa, leading totally different lives from our own, put everything into perspective and reminded me just how lucky I am. I may not have my health but I have so many other things: a healthy child, a fantastic and supportive husband, and a network of family and friends upon whom I can always rely. I have a roof over my head, and a charity that I absolutely live for. I have had some truly incredible experience and opportunities; I count my blessings every day.
I never thought that I would ever release my own book, but hope that it can help those who are going through cancer too. I want them to know that the disease doesn’t have to rule or ruin their lives; in fact, it can be embraced, and give you a whole new lease of life. It may seem to everyone that I never stop and am always on the go, but there are days that only Graham sees when I’m confined to my bed. I really believe that coming to terms with my prognosis has helped massively. I can’t change anything, so why waste time worrying about it?
Perhaps a miracle will occur and a new drug will be manufactured that has the ability to save me, and those like me around the world. The reality is that this probably won’t be in my lifetime, but I don’t worry about myself. My thoughts are always on Graham, Devon, and my family and friends; those who will be left to pick up the pieces and come to terms with it all. However, I always want them to remember that, despite the hardships and nightmares along the way, these have been the best years of my life. After all, how many people my age can say they have lived their lives to the fullest? I know that Graham will have the full support of our family and friends, and that Devon will never want for anything. He may grow up without a mummy, but Graham is a fantastic dad and will slot into his new ‘mummy’ role just as well.
Maybe one day Graham will even remarry; he has my full blessing. I will always be Devon’s mummy, though, and no one can ever take that away from me. Having my son, particularly under the circumstances, was the biggest and best achievement of my life, and I hope that he will be able to look back upon my achievements and be proud of me. I also hope that the charity will keep going from strength to strength, continuing as my legacy.
I see my cancer as an inconvenience to my life, nothing more or less. It doesn’t define me, or change who I am, although it has certainly altered my life unimaginably. I am eternally grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have been afforded since my diagnosis, and cannot imagine my life without the amazing people I have met in the last few years. Despite life’s uncertainties, I look forward to every new adventure that still lies ahead with bated breath.
I say, ‘Bring it on, cancer – I’m not done yet!’
Dedications and Thank Yous
Graham What a roller-coaster it’s been. Through everything you’ve always been there for me. This was never part of the plan when we got together, but we’ve made the most of a bad thing. You and I were made to be together; you’re my best friend and, although all of this may not be for as long as we had hoped, you’ll always be the love of my life and be forever engraved on my heart.
Devon You are my little miracle, and all of this is for you. I hope you are one day proud of all that I have achieved. I love you to the moon and back again, ‘in a rocket ship’!
Cancer You may not have been welcome but you have changed my life, strangely for the better. As much as I want you to ‘do one’ I owe you a lot too.
Aunty Sue For your support always!
My mum and dad We’ve had our ups and downs, but I really do love you.
Sam Williams We owe you so much. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Mary Poppins, The Karen Trust and the suppliers at our wedding You made our wedding happen. Thank you for completing our hearts.
Dream-A-Way For an amazing honeymoon full of special memories.
The Sidmouth Herald Without your coverage our wedding and the charity would never have got underway.
My close friends, Shari, Hev, Pen, Paula, Lucy, Tanya, Kiri and Katie You are all always there for me. You each bring something different to my life. I love you all so, so much.
Mary Gill, Jo Robbins and Lee Bishop You are all key to the charity, but most of all you have become amazing friends of mine who I trust with my life.
Louise Baker For helping me to write the book. I simply couldn’t have done it without you.
HarperCollins Thank you for giving me this amazing opportunity.
Johnsons Dry Cleaners You’ve supported us with such a great idea, and you never ask for anything in return. Thank you for raising our profile and for believing in the charity, and me. You really are helping to change lives.
Breast Cancer Care, James Campbell and the Daily Mail So much has come from my award, and the memories we’ve made through the holiday prize will last with us for ever.
Dr Khan and Linda at Kingsmill Hospital, Nottinghamshire You helped us through a dark time, and helped us to make decisions that mean I am still here.
Trisha and all my nurses at Health Care at Home You always bring joy to my three-weekly treatments. Thank you for literally helping to keep me alive.
Dr Barlow at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton Thank you for always giving me time.
My English teacher and tutor, Mr Long Look, I wrote a book!
All my volunteers and suppliers You are key to the past and future of the charity. I may often get the majority of the glory, but the truth is I, and the charity, are nothing without you.
Our brides and grooms past, present and future Thank you for continuing to inspire me.
To all of those I’ve forgotten Sorry! These days my brain is like a sieve. You know who you are and what you mean to me!
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Copyright
HarperTrueLife
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First published by HarperTrueLife 2014
FIRST EDITION
© Naomi Thomas 2014
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