My journey with Melanoma, and the ever-present blue curtains of the NHS.

Welcome to my blog, and thank you for investing your time so far. 

Blue Curtains is about my rollercoaster of a journey through the diagnosis of stage 1b Melanoma cancer in beginning in July 2022, and the all clear, after a wider excision and lymph node removal in October 2022. 

Unfortunately, some time later , and after a few months of feeling unwell, investigations via bloods and a CT scan discovered that I had, in fact a liver full of tumours, Melanoma tumours. In  March 2024  I was diagnosed with Stage 4, terminal, metatastic Melanoma cancer; apparently a few cells may have slipped away during the first excision in May 2022;  NHS guidelines state that no further investigations are needed with stage 1b Melanoma. 

So,  why Blue Curtains? 

Throughout this journey, the numerous appointments, venues, and professionals, there has always been that one consistent - the NHS blue curtains. 

Where ever I went, they were there, eventually becoming my safety blanket of distraction and support, protecting me,  the " just pop behind the curtain", or the classic conversation blocker from other patients, " I will just pull the curtain around whilst we discuss next steps!", that one always makes me chuckle to myself. 

My blog, I hope, will offer something to someone, regardless of your own journey, or life-changing experience.

We all deal with things differently, driven at times by varying emotions, you may just find that one post that is relevant to you on that particular day,  supporting or normalising how you are feeling. 

 

Once again, thank you for investing your time - time is a precious gift. 

 

Donna Williams.