Val Armstrong's Breast Cancer Diary

Val Armstrong BBC Radio Cumbria

On 7th July I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time.

The decision was made that the right breast would be removed now, the left breast will be removed in time.

This is a record of my time between finishing work on 1st August 2010… 'til my return at some point in the future …

Saturday, 28 May 2011

Day three of our Breast Way Round Charity Ride 2011. The riders are made up of eighty women and twenty men. The aim is to raise the profile of lady motorbikers, raise awareness of breast cancer and to raise as much money as possible for cancer charities. Last year the group raised £55,000.

Sad news at the start of the day, one of our girls was involved in an accident. Her bike had apparently slid in a pool of diesel on the road and she'd collided with a van. She was taken to hospital for treatment but sadly had to pull out of the ride.

This brings it home how much more vulnerable you are on a motorbike. Obstacles, diesel puddles and uneven surfaces that are easily dealt with in a car are dangerous to those on a bike.

Today we headed from Oban to Aviemore. I'm on the back of Annette's cruiser bike, to be precise she rides a Yamaha Midnight Star 950. A rather sexy bike.

Again it was a wet day. Luckily our clothing is waterproof but you still start to feel the cold through all of the layers. My hands were the worst affected. Ever since chemo my body thermostat has been a bit faulty which means that my hands and feet are often so cold they turn almost blue. Today's journey took us via Fort Augustus, through Inverness and across to Aviemore. The stop-off at Fort Augustus was a little longer than we'd expected and we were in a car park exposed to the elements for just over an hour. I realised that my body couldn't cope with the second stop-off at Inverness so, along with another rider - our wingman Michael - Annette and I left the main group and travelled directly to Aviemore.

Doing this meant that I didn't have to keep being lifted on and off the bike, we'd have a head start on the rest of the group and arrive at our hotel earlier than expected so could have a rest before our evening meal.

I had a lovely long soak in a hot bubbly bath at the hotel. It was during this bath I noticed a huge bruise on my left hip. This was obviously caused during my fall in Oban last night. I hadn't noticed it in the shower this morning but it was as big as my palm. We reckon it was caused by the body armour in my trousers digging into my hip when I fell.

We've had a lovely evening in Aviemore. Saturday night is the group's party night. I drank some wine (four glasses to be exact) which I'm not used to, got a bit 'merry', danced a little and have finally collapsed into my bed with aching feet and aching hips and a happy heart.

Sunday, 29 May

A very happy Val and her 'chauffeur' Annette in George Square, Glasgow at the end of the charity ride.

Today was a 'leisure day' for the group. But we still had to get from Aviemore to Fort William which wasn't as easy at it sounds.

The main problem we had today was 'wind'. It was a hard ride with gusts coming at us from all directions. At times it felt like we were in a washing machine as we were being blown around a bit.

It was a hard, exhilarating ride. So much so that a couple of the lads went back up the road to ride it again.

Even with the harsh weather conditions the scenery was amazing It's such a beautiful part of the world.

We settled into our hotel nice and early, had a rest because the journey had left me with aching hips, before enjoying our evening meal overlooking a rather moody Loch Linnhe.

Monday, 30 May

What an emotional, invigorating, enjoyable end to our charity ride.

The day started in Fort William and our destination was George Square, Glasgow.

The views throughout the journey were stunning.

The good thing about being on the back of the bike is that you can admire the views from every angle, something you can't do when you're the driver. As pillion though you do have to remember not to shuffle and fidget too much, which is a bit difficult at times, especially when you've lost the feeling in your feet and bottom need to move them to get the blood flowing back.

Balloons were released in George Square to remember lost loved ones

The route today took us via Glen Coe and along the shores of Loch Lomond to meet up with our police escort.

It was an emotional ride into the city centre. The crowds had gathered to welcome us. It must make a fantastic sight - all 100 decorated bikes and bikers riding in formation and in unity.

Once in George Square we had time to reflect and remember why we were all doing the ride. Each person who'd taken part had written a message on a 'memory tag' to remember a loved one they'd lost. These memory tags were attached to balloons and the balloons were then released to fly over the Glasgow skyline.

I vowed last year never to have my name written on one of those tags - and while standing in George Square today watching the green and white balloons disappear into the beautiful blue sky I renewed that vow.

There were lots of tears shed by members of the group today. But there was also a lot of laughter and feelings of pride circulating too.

The ride hasn't been easy for many people. I have friends who were riding with back problems, some who are in constant pain, one of the ladies is going through cancer treatment at the moment and of course I'm still recovering and found some of the journey very difficult. I'd made a pact with myself before setting off on Thursday that no matter how much it hurt and how tired I felt throughout the journey I wouldn't complain, I wouldn't quit and I wouldn't take my pain or frustrations out on other people.

I think I succeeded. Well I hope I succeeded!

Tuesday, 31 May

It was back to normality pretty quickly today. I had an appointment with my surgical consultant at the hospital. He drained another 150ml of fluid off my left breast which was removed last month, and 50ml off my right breast which was removed last August.

We discussed my bone pain and he suggested I go for a bone scan. Obviously I agreed to this, so that we can try to get to the bottom of what's causing me so much discomfort. This should happen within the next few weeks.

Wednesday, 1 June

Val's secret weapon to help with her 'hotties'

I've a new weapon to use against my hot flushes. A hand held fan. It was given to me by a man at the hospital yesterday. While I was waiting to see my consultant I had a really harsh hot flush which had my friend reaching for a leaflet from the rack to waft to help cool me down. This gentleman, who was waiting with his wife, had spotted me. He asked his wife if she had a spare fan in her bag and he brought one across to me when I was on my way out. I've made great use of it today as I've had flushes every 35 -45 minutes. I don't know who the man was, but I'm very grateful for his and his wife's generosity.

Thursday, 2 June

Val finally makes it to page 3!

I was interviewed yesterday for the local paper about the bike ride. The interview appeared on page 3 today. Yes, I've finally become a page three girl! Though I think I was wearing slightly more clothes than those ladies wear. Actually it was a great write-up.

My friend Billy also arrived this afternoon for an overnight stay. I haven't seen him for a while and he was fascinated by my new hair. I've started meeting up with people who haven't seen me since I was bald and even though I think it's a bit of a comedy style they all seem to like it! Billy and I talked non-stop for 12 hours. I think I've finally met my match!

Friday, 3 June

I had an early appointment with my GP this morning. We discussed my lack of sleep. And though I'd refused medication last month, this month I accepted. He's given me Amitriptyline to try. He hoped they'd help me - I hope so too. All I want is a good night's sleep.