"You're looking for Pam ? She's the one with the long gingery blond hair."

That was then ....

I'm currently participating in a clinical drug trial for a gene targetted immunotherapy cancer drug.

I've been on a bladder cancer rollercoaster since 2019.. surgeries, chemo .. nothing has prevented its endless recurrence until, hopefully, now. I have a gene mutation which has caused the cancer and this new drug weaves some chemical wizardry targeting cancer caused by the FGFR gene. The drug has 'killed' an in-situ tumour, so the next step is to assess if it will prevent recurrence.

That's the good stuff .. in addition to the previous toxic and extreme reactions to meds (see the revolting foot photo and the red allergy band in the gallery) I now have to deal with the downside to the good drug news .... the drug is brutal .. brutal. Many invisible and visible side effects but there's one almighty problem .. my hair is falling out.

So let's cut to the chase. I've decided to shave off what's left of my hair before it becomes even patchier. I'm incredibly vain so to say this has not been an easy decision to make is an understatement. My hair won't grow back for the duration of the trial - that's planned to be the end of 2024, so its going to be a long cold-headed haul.

When I shared my decision with the 2 very best friends that a girl could hope to have, Jo and Sue, they immediately volunteered to shave their heads too - they were, and are, adamant that they will not opt out and they are in it to support me. Unbelievable solidarity and love.

We are raising funds for Action Bladder Cancer UK, the funds we and our supporters raise will go directly to supporting their work in raising awareness, supporting patients and funding and encouraging much-needed research into bladder cancer.

The deed will be done on Sunday 2nd April at Ickwell Cricket Club at 1pm. You can come down in person to watch and donate or you can donate via this page.

"Celery Sisters ?" I hear you ask .... the photo tells you all you need to know :-)